The Age of Lions

Age of Lions Episode 042 - Craig Etheredge

There comes a point in life when the focus shifts from building a career and raising a family to considering the legacy you’re leaving behind. For many people, that transition brings a new sense of urgency—not because time is running out, but because purpose still remains. In this episode, Mark sits down with pastor, author, and disciple-making leader Craig Etheredge to discuss what it means to age with intention and faithfulness. Craig reflects on the mindset shift that came with turning 50, the daily and monthly rhythms that keep him spiritually grounded, and why investing in others has become one of the central priorities of this season of life.   The conversation explores marriage after the kids leave home, maintaining physical and spiritual health as we age, and the growing need for older generations to mentor and disciple those coming behind them. Craig also shares insights from decades of ministry leadership and explains why he believes the Church’s greatest need is not bigger crowds, but more mature disciples.   One of the most powerful moments comes as Craig describes a perspective-changing conversation about turning 60. Instead of viewing the years ahead as a season of decline, he was challenged by a good friend to see them as harvest years—the season when decades of faithfulness begin to bear fruit.   This episode is a compelling reminder that there is no expiration date on calling, no retirement from purpose, and no substitute for a life intentionally invested in the Kingdom of God.   SHOW NOTES https://disciplefirst.com/ https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/ CRAIG’S TEN QUESTIONS #1 WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF MY HEART TODAY? #2 WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO ME? #3 WHAT CAN I PRAISE THE LORD FOR? #4 WHAT ARE MY STRENGTHS/STRUGGLES? #5 WHAT ARE MY GOALS/KRAS  #6 WHAT HAS BEEN DONE/IN PROCESS/ NOT STARTED? #7 WHAT NEEDS ATTENTION? #8 WHAT WILL I PRIORITIZE NEXT MONTH? #9 WHERE DO I NEED ACCOUNTABILITY?  #10 WHO DO I NEED TO PRAY FOR? YOUR LIFE BY THE HOUR Nine stages of a man’s life FOUNDATION STAGE 6:00am - birth- 4 yrs old 7:00am - 5ys - 9ys elementary  GROWING STAGE 8:00am- 10yrs-14 middle school 9:00am - 15-18yrs, high school TRAINING STAGE 10:00am - 19-23yrs college 11:00am - 24-28 yrs marriage/career BUILDING STAGE 12:00 noon - 29-33yr, building family 1:00pm - 34-38 yrs, building experience  LEADERSHIP STAGE 2:00pm - 39-43yrs, leading family 3:00pm- 43-47yrs, leading others INFLUENCING STAGE 4:00pm- 47-51yrs, influence by position  5:00pm- 51-55yrs, influence by results EMPOWERING STAGE 6:00pm - 56-60yrs, investing in leaders  7:00pm - 60-64yrs, empowering leaders (succession plans) 8:00pm- 65-69, releasing leaders SAGE STAGE 9:00pm - 70-74yrs, sharing wisdom learned 10:00pm - 75-79, casting a compelling vision LEGACY STAGE 11:00pm - 80-84yrs, remembering and communicating the legacy 12:00am - 85-89yrs, blessing those behind you.

Age of Lions Episode 041 - Tyler Vineyard

Most men don’t fall apart overnight—they drift. In this conversation, Tyler Vinyard joins Mark Clement for an honest discussion about ambition, identity, leadership, isolation, and what it really means to finish life well. Tyler shares stories from years spent leading executives, pastors, business owners, and men navigating pressure, success, burnout, marriage struggles, and purpose. Along the way, the conversation uncovers a powerful truth: Ambition is a gift… until it becomes your identity. They also unpack: * Why high-capacity men often become emotionally isolated * The hidden warning signs that a man is drifting * How younger generations are starving for authentic mentorship * Why transparency breaks shame * The difference between information and access * Why time with God must become a non-negotiable * How integrity determines longevity This episode feels less like an interview and more like sitting around a campfire listening to two men talk honestly about life, leadership, aging, failure, growth, and surrender. If you’re a leader, husband, father, business owner, pastor — or simply someone trying to age with intentionality — this one will stay with you. Tyler@ChurchoftheHighlands.com

Age of Lions Episode 040 - Duane Donner

What does it look like to age with purpose, momentum, and spiritual depth instead of slowing down and coasting? In this powerful episode of Age of Lions, Mark Clement sits down with entrepreneur, leader, and founder of Founders Advisors and Abide and Lead, Duane Donner II. Duane shares why, at 58 years old, he is more excited about what lies ahead than anything behind him—and why he believes his next 20 years can be his most fruitful yet. From building successful businesses to leading with faith, Duane offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating the second half of life. You’ll hear honest insights on: * Why many successful people lose momentum as they age * The danger of coasting when life still has purpose * How vision creates energy and direction * Why community and accountability matter more than ever * The power of abiding in Christ from The Gospel of John 15:5 * How to approach your 50s, 60s, and beyond with strength and intentionality This conversation is packed with encouragement for leaders, entrepreneurs, fathers, grandfathers, and anyone who wants to finish strong. If you’ve ever wondered whether your best years are behind you, this episode will challenge that mindset in the best possible way. Because there is no expiration date on purpose. SHOW NOTES Founders Advisors - https://foundersib.com/ Abide & Lead - https://abideandlead.com/ Impact CEO Podcast - https://abideandlead.com/podcast Word of the Week Blog - https://abideandlead.com/wordoftheweek

Age of Lions Episode 039 - Charles Kelly

In this episode of Age of Lions, Mark sits down with Charles Kelly—a rancher, pastor, and late-in-life ministry leader whose story challenges everything we assume about aging, purpose, and calling. Charles didn’t step into full-time ministry until age 50. Before that, his life was built around cattle, horses, and the ranch. But what followed wasn’t a slow fade into retirement—it was a bold step into a completely new chapter of impact, leadership, and faith.   From leading in a large, influential church to pastoring a small rural community, Charles shares what it really looks like to follow God’s calling without needing the spotlight—and why obedience matters more than comfort. This conversation hits on: * The moment you realize you’re getting older—and what to do with it * Why many people stop growing (and how to avoid it) * The myth of retirement and “slowing down” * The power of mentorship—both giving and receiving it * How God often uses discomfort to redirect your life * Why your best days may still be ahead of you Charles brings a refreshing, no-nonsense perspective: as long as you have breath, you still have purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your window is closing, your energy is fading, or your opportunity has passed—this episode will challenge that thinking and call you back into action. Because there is no expiration date on calling.

Age of Lions Episode 038 - David Sumner

What if the biggest shift in your life didn’t come from doing more—but from finally surrendering? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Mark sits down with David Sumner to talk about aging, faith, obedience, and the journey from control to complete trust in God. David shares his story—from a difficult childhood in the foster care system to a life marked by transformation, purpose, and spiritual growth. Along the way, he opens up about a health scare that became a wake-up call, the role of brotherhood and community in his life, and how learning to hear God’s voice changed everything. This episode is a reminder that: * It’s never too late to grow * Obedience matters more than having it all figured out * And the life you’re meant to live is found on the other side of surrender If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your next step—this conversation will challenge and encourage you.