Episode 0034 Interview with Jon Bell, His Roles as Husband and Dad

In Episode 34 of Handle the Daily, Chris Gifford sits down with Jon Bell to explore his roles as a husband, father, and pastor. From the outset, Jon brings humor and honesty to the conversation, talking candidly about his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. The episode begins with a light-hearted discussion about modern slang, setting a relaxed tone before diving into deeper, more vulnerable topics.
Jon shares his background, including his marriage of 15 years, and how he and his wife met during a tumultuous time in their lives. Their relationship was far from conventional, but Jon explains how their shared faith became the cornerstone of their marriage. One of the key moments in the conversation is when Jon describes how their bedroom turned into an “altar,” where they both committed their lives to Jesus. This powerful moment of transformation became the foundation for their marriage, leading them to embrace a life focused on faith and service.
As a father of four, Jon also talks about the challenges of raising children in a faith-centered home. He emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting, mentioning how he and his wife created a family mission statement to guide their children’s growth and values. Jon discusses the difficulties of balancing his responsibilities as a pastor with his role as a father, but he remains steadfast in his belief that family should always come first, after God.
Throughout the episode, the theme of vulnerability is woven into the discussion. Jon openly shares how he and his wife have faced tough seasons in their marriage, but through prayer, humility, and communication, they have grown stronger. He highlights the idea of “leaning into the awkward,” a principle he learned from his church community, which encourages open dialogue about difficult topics in relationships.
Jon also touches on personal transformation, recounting how his past experiences-both good and bad-shaped the man he is today. He talks about how faith played a crucial role in his growth, particularly in overcoming the traumas and insecurities of his youth. This personal transformation is something he is now passing on to his children, teaching them to approach life with faith, grace, and intentionality.
As the conversation progresses, Chris and Jon explore the concept of legacy, discussing how each of us can leave a lasting impact on our families and communities. Jon encourages listeners to think beyond the day-to-day struggles and focus on the bigger picture-building a life that reflects their values and faith.
This episode is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the complexities of marriage, fatherhood, and faith. Jon’s honesty, combined with Chris’s thoughtful questions, creates a rich dialogue that will resonate with listeners facing similar challenges.
Questions:
1. How can you embrace vulnerability in your relationships to foster deeper connections?
2. What steps can you take to ensure that your family and faith remain your top priorities?
3. How are you building a legacy that reflects your values and faith for future generations?
Key Themes:
1. Faith as a Foundation: Faith plays a central role in Jon’s life, guiding his marriage and parenting decisions.
2. Vulnerability in Marriage: Jon emphasizes the importance of being open and honest in relationships, even when it feels uncomfortable.
3. Parenting Challenges: The episode explores different parenting styles, focusing on raising children with purpose and intentionality.
4. Personal Transformation: Jon reflects on his past struggles and how his faith helped him transform his life and relationships.
5. Balancing Ministry and Family: Jon discusses the challenges of balancing his pastoral duties with his role as a father and husband.
6. Building a Legacy: The importance of leaving a lasting legacy through family, faith, and service is a recurring theme.
7. Growth Through Adversity: Jon talks about how the hard times have shaped his character and deepened his relationship with God.
8. Marriage as a Partnership: The episode highlights how marriage requires sacrifice, partnership, and mutual respect.
9. Spiritual Leadership: Jon reflects on his role as a spiritual leader in his family and community.
10. Community and Support: The importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community is emphasized, especially during challenging times.