Building Backwards With Intentionality

Eric shares a reflective solo episode on leadership, intentional living, and building for the long haul rather than just solving today’s problems. He connects lessons from Victory Acres, Nehemiah Discipleship, and Mode Camp to a bigger question: what will matter in 2050?The heart of the episode is a framework for evaluating mission, people, culture, and spiritual priorities. Eric also shares how he uses personal systems to turn long-term goals into daily habits.Key topicsLeadership is more than firefightingThinking from a 2050 perspectiveThe way you spend your days is the way you spend your lifeKey Quotes“Good leaders solve today's problems, great leaders build tomorrow.” “A life that counts rarely happens by accident. It is intentionally built backward from the end.” - Ezra Byer“The way that we spend our days is the way we're spending our life.”

Eric speaks with Vincent Sawyer of InteGRITy Academy about a discipleship-based gap year program built around work, vulnerability, and practical formation. Vincent explains how the ministry grew out of a calling to bring dignity through business-as-mission, homestead life, and hands-on vocational training. The conversation also covers the kind of young men Integrity Academy hopes to serve, what they’ll experience, and how the program is designed to supplement, not replace, the local church.Key topicsIn this episode: Eric introduces Vincent Sawyer from Integrity Academy and frames the conversation around the ministry’s work, mission, and impact.Vincent shares how he first connected with Eric after searching for strategic partners and finding Victory Acres on page twenty of a Google search!Bringing dignity through work: He describes a desire to help people through jobs, business as missions, and a “teach a man how to fish” model.Discipleship through education: Vincent explains that the core mission is making disciples, and that education, agriculture, and homestead life are the tools he believes best support that mission.Life-on-life formation: He emphasizes vulnerability, transparency, and accountability as essential for building trust and shaping young men into faithful husbands, fathers, and church members.A ministry to supplement the church: Vincent says Integrity Academy is not meant to replace the local church, but to function as an intensive add-on experience for spiritual sharpening and practical growth.Why brotherhood matters: He argues that lifelong friendship and community are missing in many lives, including among wealthy and successful people, and that shared hardship can build deep trust.Earn while you learn: The program’s funding model allows students to work for their living expenses while also receiving housing, food, retreats, excursions, and overseas missions exposure.Who the program is for: Eric highlights the need for young men who lack direction, skills, and male influence, and Vincent says the academy is designed for men who want to be held accountable and formed for a fruitful future.Next steps: Vincent says prospective students should start with the application process and an informal introductory call to see if it is a good fit.

I interviewed my third daughter, Sarah, as she prepares to leave for college next week. We were looking back at her childhood and reflecting on the things that went well and what could have been different.It was a delightful conversation and Sarah's first time to share on Gleaning and Gathering.

Dr. Phil Brown joins the conversation to talk about how Christians can disagree honestly without becoming defensive, dismissive, or uncharitable. The discussion focuses on what makes dialogue possible when convictions run deep, especially within Christian and evangelical circles. Phil shares the habits, books, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped his approach over the last 30 years.In this episode, Phil Brown explains why emotional reactions often make it harder to ask, "What is the question behind the question?"He distinguishes between dialogue within the shared frame of Christian orthodoxy and conversations with people outside that frame.Phil argues for mapping areas of agreement before targeting points of disagreement.He uses examples from Calvinist and Arminian conversations to show how theological differences can be explored more constructively.He explains why understanding practical theological outcomes matters, not just abstract doctrinal labels.Phil reflects on the importance of accurately representing an opponent’s view before critiquing it.He warns against straw man arguments and insists on charity in theological debate.He describes how "iron manning" another position can deepen understanding and even moderate one’s own views.He shares how Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability reshaped his approach to conflict, safety, and long-term relationships.He emphasizes humility, self-examination, and the willingness to step back when one is not emotionally ready for dialogue.He revisits his own journey toward greater openness, especially through continued exposure to people who disagree with him.He closes with a call to embrace the long view: God grows lasting things slowly, and Christian maturity develops over a lifetime.

In this episode of Gleaning and Gathering, I share a family update, reflects on the passing of time, and offer encouragement for leaders to move from big dreams to daily, faithful action. We also talk about the value of planning, the cost of inaction, and the importance of building rhythms and systems that support a purposeful life.In this episode, we cover:A family update, including milestones for each of his childrenReflections on 20 years at Victory Acres FarmThe importance of planning, systems, and daily actionThe idea of “opportunity cost” and the danger of doing nothingEncouragement for young people to pursue God-given dreamsThe value of mentorship, coaching, and accountabilityThe Rooted Life Planner and intentional weekly rhythmsCall to actionIf you’re a pastor or leader interested in joining a small group focused on intentional leadership and the Rooted Life Planner, reach out to learn more.

A short reflection on the blessing of family and heritage.

Eric interviews 5 of the NDP leadership participants to talk about their favorite parts of NDP and how it has helped them to become better leaders.

Eric Himelick and Martin Barnard explore their evolution from dispensationalism to a more Christ-centered understanding of Scripture, emphasizing the importance of love, conversation, and biblical literacy. They discuss their efforts at rethinking their views on Israel and Jewish people without going to extremes. Main topics:The shift from support for Israel rooted in dispensationalism and the reasons for itThe dangers of social media and sound bites in shaping polarized, oversimplified viewsThe importance of real relationships, love, and dialogue over polarization and superficial engagementBiblical grounding for understanding Israel’s role in God's redemptive planPractical steps for Christians to foster understanding and love across dividesLinks:The Hope of the Gospel by Vic ReisnerIdentifying the Seed by Robert McKenzieMutually Insured Engagement articleThe Internet Is Not What You Think It Is by Justin SmithNeil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death"Eric Himelick - Twitter | LinkedInMartin Barnard - Twitter | LinkedInClosing note: Please send all hate mail to Martin. (Afterall, he started this conversation.) I hope that our conversation here highlights the importance of Biblical and loving engagement. We hope that you will seek to foster friendships like this, and to root your views in Scripture rather than the changing cultural or political trends of our day.

Mentoring today is more crucial than ever, especially in a time when father figures and positive male role models are diminishing. In this episode, Eric Himelick explores how mentorship can fill vital gaps in young men’s lives, revealing the emotional and social impact of guiding the next generation.Key Topics:The increasing absence of positive male role models and its social consequencesHow mentorship provides a roadmap, not just adviceThe importance of visible life models to teach conflict resolution, integrity, and humilityThe mental health and engagement benefits for mentored youth, including higher graduation and employment ratesPersonal stories illustrating the transformative power of even small investments of timeThe cultural erosion of apprenticeship and guild-style mentorshipPractical ways for men of all ages to mentor within their communityThe biblical foundation for mentoring, emphasizing passing down faith and values (2 Timothy 2:2)Big Brothers Big SistersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The significance of mentorship in today's society00:28 - The crisis of father absence and its effects on young men0:58 - The lack of clear rites of passage and identity for modern men1:27 - How mentorship offers guidance and models manhood1:57 - The importance of real-world example in navigating conflict and maintaining integrity2:20 - Vulnerability and the silence of struggling young men2:38 - Mentorship as a map for life, not just advice2:58 - Benefits proven by organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters3:28 - Personal reflections: You don’t need to be perfect to mentor3:56 - Rebuilding mentorship through community and shared experience4:24 - The personal and societal Return on Investment from mentoring4:30 - Overcoming doubts about what one can give as a mentor4:59 - The historical context of apprenticeship and passing down values5:28 - Practical ways to mentor at any stage of life5:59 - The vulnerability involved in reaching out and offering help6:16 - Identifying those in your sphere who need mentoring6:46 - A story of personal engagement at Victory Village Shop7:16 - The ripple effect of small acts of kindness in mentoring7:44 - The starfish story: Every small effort counts8:53 - Encouragement to begin sharing your lessons and experiences9:04 - Reflecting on personal worth and the importance of passing on what you've learned9:32 - Biblical encouragement: 2 Timothy 2:2 and generational faith sharing10:36 - Call to action: Find someone to mentor, and walk alongside them in faith and life.

In this episode I'm reflecting on my personal journey and the book A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald. As the theme for NDP 2026, I'm thinking a lot about this right now.I hope you'll benefit from my journey and my thoughts.