How One Father Is Redefining Masculinity in Kentucky
Jared Sloan of The Fatherhood Initiative opens up about doubt, grace, and what real strength looks like in a man.
We’re proud to support a community that helps men become their best selves and to share the story of one exceptional man devoted to serving others.
Jaren Sloan, Director of The Fatherhood Initiative at Lexington Leadership Foundation, honors the sacred role of fatherhood by helping men heal their families and communities. Watch more about it here.
We decided to ask Jared a few questions about his journey with connection around friendship, family, and fellowship. Beneath his leadership is also a deeply personal journey of wrestling with doubt, grace, and purpose, which we can all relate to.
What Does Masculinity Mean to You?
“I’m cheating here, but I believe that masculinity is summed up best in Galatians’ Fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
A man who’s walking, living, caring for himself and others through these nine qualities is a man’s man in every sense.”
Masculinity is about overall character, and mirrors our seven pillars of manhood in building a well-rounded and complete man.
How Do You Feel When You Think About Your Dad?
“Deeply grateful.”
There will come a time when our fathers leave us behind, and we move forward with newfound purpose. It’s been said by a member of our community, “You’re never really a man until you lose your father.”
What’s the Story You Tell Yourself About the Man You Are?
“I’ve told myself (and sometimes still tell myself) the worst stories about me. That I’m not good enough. That I’m unqualified.
It’s a fight daily, sometimes minute by minute, second by second to capture those negative thoughts.
What I focus on in those moments is how grace has shown itself in my life over and over, and that I have been made for my family and this work for this moment.
I am loved. I have purpose.”
Every man battles the inner narrative. Jared courageously names it by choosing grace over guilt, purpose over perfection.
What Are You Fighting For?
“My son’s heart, for one.
For the hearts of fathers to be turned to their children.”
His work at The Fatherhood Initiative is deeply personal as he leads by example to help wounded men repair the sacred connection between generations.
What Are Three Things You’re Grateful For?
“Through God’s kindness, I’m able to use all of my life and work experiences—good, bad, up, down, to come alongside and encourage other men.
I’m unspeakably grateful for my wife and our son.”
Gratitude helps us turn pain into purpose and use every moment of life and loss as a teaching moment to help inspire others through our own experiences.
Jared’s Experience with The Journey Deck
“What I liked most about The Journey Deck is that each question has the potential to take participants down a road of reflection and openness, which guys sometimes shy away from.
But something about being on playing cards, how they’re designed, the simplicity and masculinity, all felt non-threatening, exclusive, and luxurious.
The Journey Deck brought a leveling sense, where you could feel the room getting heavy and then light. As the group went on, I became more open, vulnerable, and excited to hear the next question.
The cards created a sense of empathy and anticipation that was refreshing and helpful in the space. I will use it again and again and again.”
Jared’s reflection perfectly captures what Gents Journey is all about: creating safe, sacred spaces where men can open up, connect, and grow stronger together.
Join the Brotherhood
Here at Gents Journey, our mission is to help men build deeper, more authentic connections.
What began as a weekly men’s meeting has evolved into something bigger, as we share our own journeys to help our brotherhood grow in all areas of life.
When you join our paid community, you’ll get full access to tools and teachings that help men win in all seven pillars of manhood: friendship, family, fun, focus, fitness, freedom, and faith.
Here’s What’s Inside:
· How to Connect with Anyone – A step-by-step system to build lasting friendships
· Dean’s Relationship Mastery Course – Navigate love and partnership like a pro
· Ripped at 44 – The complete fitness program for men who want longevity and confidence
· Full Archive Access – Every premium post, guide, and resource we’ve created
This is where real men show up, level up, and lead lives they’re proud of.
If Jared’s story resonated with you, imagine being surrounded by more men like him, honest, humble, and doing the work every day.
👉 Join Gents Journey to take the next step in your own personal transformation and journey today.
Will leave you with this Dr. Seuss quote that hung in my late mother’s kitchen: “To the world you might be one person, but to one person, you might be the world.”
Gratefully,
Stephen Seidel & the Gents
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