Kinsmen Debrief #2 – Learning from Ruslan KD on Godly Ambition

Today we’re continuing our Kinsmen Series, debriefing and re-presenting the learning that took place last week at the 2025 Kinsmen Summit. Each one of these sessions packed a different kind of punch, and my hope is that those reading today will not only enjoy the insights but also put a piece of it into practice in their daily lives.

Ruslan KD is a Christian YouTuber with a massive following. His videos are viewed by millions, and nearly a million subscribers engage with his content for its pursuit of truth and his willingness to challenge us to be bold followers of Christ. His story is a powerful one. He is of Armenian descent and did not grow up as a follower of Christ. There were no churches where he came from, and it was only after coming to the U.S. that he found Jesus.

To learn more about Ruslan after reading this article, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD

His recent book, Godly Ambition, was the topic of his discussion at the Kinsmen Summit. My notes and takeaways are presented below.

Jesus Shows Us True Ambition and Purpose

Before we can explore what Jesus teaches, let’s pause and consider what most of us think of when we hear the word ambition. In modern U.S. culture, ambition often means climbing to the top in business, sports, media, or pursuing a legacy people will remember. Our perception has been shaped by what we’re advertised. What we see becomes what we desire, but the problem is that chasing what the world offers leads to an endless game of comparison—always leaving us empty, restless, and seeking something different. The world will always disappoint us this way.

So how did Jesus handle ambition?

Real ambition—real purpose—comes through serving. Serving others is the holiest form of ambition when it comes to how we spend our time and energy on earth. If you want to be great, serve. The greatest among you is the one who humbles himself and is willing to be the least. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. This is truly the upside-down Kingdom.

“For whoever would gain their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” – Luke 9:24

When it comes to ambition, accumulation is often its close cousin. Jesus warned against gaining the whole world while losing our soul. Too often our ambitions revolve around acquiring more of what the world offers, rather than stewarding what God has entrusted to us.

Service, Generosity, and Legacy

Developing a heart for service naturally grows a heart of generosity. Generosity is the antidote to greed. Wealth is a tool, not a trophy. We can either love money and use people, or use money and love people. Ruslan encouraged us to reflect on this distinction and develop a strategy that keeps love for people and generosity at the center.

As he wound down his talk, Ruslan shared some real-life examples and left us with a simple but profound reminder:

“If you want to build a legacy that outlives you, the changes and impact must first happen at your own dinner table.” -RKD

The table. What a powerful image. The table was a common place where Jesus connected with those He loved most. He taught at tables. He ate with sinners, with the wealthy, the noble, the poor, and even shared bread by a fire. His words and His willingness to serve connected deeply with those around Him.

We should take note. Each of us has influence over the atmosphere of our own homes. Around the dinner table, we can prioritize service, connection, and love with those closest to us.

True Godly Ambition

True godly ambition is stewardship. Our lives are not our own—they are on loan to us from God. Our purpose is to glorify Him with what we’ve been given and to attract those who do not yet know Him to His Son. To honor and love the Lord, and to make His love known, is the holiest ambition.

I’m grateful to Ruslan for such a powerful message, and I hope we all leave with a renewed vision of what ambition truly looks like in the Kingdom of God.

-Mark

Expertise vs. Experience

Old Guys Know.

Today, more than 120 men gathered to glean wisdom from over a century of combined fatherly and grandfatherly experience. Kingdom Dads hosted a powerful event for fathers and sons, centered around one simple but profound goal: learn from those who’ve walked the road ahead of us.

Three “sages”—seasoned leaders of businesses, ministries, churches, and, most importantly, families, shared from the well of their lives. What stood out most wasn’t their expertise, but their experience.

So often, when we attend panels or conferences, the draw is someone's niche expertise. And that’s valuable. Tactical insights matter. But when it comes to fatherhood, there isn’t a formula. No manual can tell you how to handle the curveballs that come with raising a family. There's no perfect calendar to balance work and family, no app to pre-program intentional moments of love, correction, or legacy.

Because God didn’t make robots. He made people. And each one of us is different. Different kids. Different parents. Different stories.

That’s why experience matters so deeply.
Being a dad is about leadership. And leadership is best learned not just from theory, but from those who have lived it well.

Here were the three biggest takeaways from today’s panel:

1. “You will never have more energy than you have today.” – Sam Koon

The point? Invest now. Take the time now. Have the conversations that matter, while you still can. Be playful, be present, be all-in.
As life progresses, our children’s energy drifts toward their own pursuits—and ours naturally fades. Sam reminded us: don’t wait to engage. Today is the most powerful day you have.

2. “Family Together Nights.” – Doug Franck

Doug shared a brilliant tradition—nights set aside with one goal: be together.
No distractions. Just games, cooking, dinner, and conversation. One idea especially stood out: he’d sneak hand-written questions under each kid’s dinner plate. During dinner, they’d reveal and answer them as a family.
Simple. Intentional. Unforgettable.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.

3. “You cannot lead farther than you’ve gone.” – Tyler Flynn

Tyler, a pastor of nearly 30 years, has preached thousands of sermons. But what mattered most wasn’t his ministry—it was that his family never took second place.
He shared a recent story of walking through a health crisis with his wife. A brush with death that tested everything. Through it, their children and grandchildren witnessed living faith. Unshakable trust.
Tyler’s challenge was simple but strong: keep pursuing Jesus daily. Your spiritual growth isn’t just for you—it becomes a path others can follow.

Experience vs. Expertise

Both matter. Sometimes we need laser-focused advice to solve a specific problem. Other times, we need a wide-lens perspective to navigate something as sacred and nuanced as raising a child.

Today, we were blessed by experience.
And I believe every man in that room left changed. Sharpened. Strengthened. Inspired.
Not just to become better fathers—but to become better Kingdom Dads.

-Mark 

Secret Service.

This morning, my wife and I had the joy of serving with The Bridge Ministries in downtown Columbus. It was a full house—between 80 and 90 guests came through the doors for a hot meal. It was a blessing to be part of it.

There’s really nothing like serving others freely. The effort is never wasted. The conversations are always interesting. The bond that forms between those we serve, those serving alongside us, and even between ourselves and God is something sacred.

And here’s the secret: every time we open our calendars and our hearts to serve, we are the ones who are served.

The Holy Spirit has a way of showing up when we decide to pour ourselves out for others. This morning, I had the chance to sit and talk with a 36-year-old man named Ed. I heard his story. Where he came from, how he ended up in Columbus, and what he hopes for in the future. From the outside, Ed and I may seem like we’re worlds apart. But in that moment, we really connected. We prayed together. We saw and heard one another, not as strangers, but as brothers in Christ.

The Bible encourages us to cherish these moments:

“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring… you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
— James 4:13–14

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
— Matthew 6:34

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
— Romans 12:16

“When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed…”
— Luke 14:12–14

Today, I was given the gift of being fully in the present, not concerned about what came next, but focused on the moment right before me. There was so much freedom in that. Sitting, listening, and praying with someone who lives a very different life, but meeting him in that moment, on level ground, was a blessing for us both.

This is the secret service that happens inside the heart when we give freely. God ministers to us in those hidden spaces. He does something quiet but powerful. Something eternal.

Let’s not take these moments for granted. Let’s model the heart of God—not only in what we do publicly, but in how we open our hearts privately.

As we head into the final stretch of the week, let’s find ways to serve. You never know how God might meet you there.

-Mark

The Punch List.

Getting It Done

Many times throughout the week, I find moments to sit back and plan. Other times… not so much.

There’s rarely a perfect balance between knocking out the real, immediate things right in front of us and following a perfectly orchestrated game plan. It just doesn’t work that way.

Mike Tyson is famous for saying, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” He’s right. And unfortunately for us, life seems to enjoy throwing punches...daily.

While we aim to stay focused on what matters most, the little “punch list” items don’t take care of themselves. They pile up. They distract. They steal focus. And yet, they still need to get done.

Today, I started my morning by tackling some of those lingering tasks. The ones that aren’t glamorous but make a big difference in clearing mental clutter. As I moved through them, I began to reflect on what Scripture has to say about work, effort, and the value of getting things done.

Here are a few verses that stood out:

Proverbs 14:23

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
This gives me peace. Each task, whether big or small, holds value when done with the Lord by our side. Too much talk and not enough action? That’s the enemy robbing us of purpose.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
This encourages me to approach even tactical, everyday tasks with intentional effort. Nothing is too small in God’s eyes.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Even in the most basic daily tasks like eating or drinking can glorify God. He designed our needs. He created nourishment. And He wants to share in those ordinary moments with us.

John 4:34

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.’”
Even Jesus, with His ultimate mission, had normal work to do. I imagine He still had to take out the trash from time to time. That grounds me. I don’t want to take those moments for granted.

So today, if you find yourself lost in the mundane or stuck in the monotonous—know this:
God is with you.
He’s walking through the routine right alongside you. He designed it. He understands it. And He’s glorified in it.

There is purpose in the process, and there is glory in even the smallest acts of obedience.

So whatever you’re working on today, turn your attention to Him, and see how He responds!

-Mark

Today I had the privilege of witnessing two powerful examples of what it looks like to live out a calling.  Examples of leadership marked by sacrifice, not status.

This morning, I interviewed a member of our Tithe team on our YouTube channel. He’s someone who has consistently displayed what it means to be a servant leader. Over the past several years, he has given freely of his time, energy, and resources—not for recognition, but to make a lasting impact. What started as a small men’s Bible group has grown into something that resembles a small church.

That group didn’t just stay in study mode. They’ve gone from occasionally volunteering at a men’s respite house to becoming a key force behind large donations and financial support for the homeless and addicted in our city. Today, he even sits on that organization’s board of directors.

None of this was done for personal gain. It came at a personal cost. And yet, the glow on his face, the joy in his voice—it's contagious. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that can only come when you're walking in step with your calling.

Later in the day, my wife and I had the honor of hosting a table at the “Be the Story” event for Central Ohio Youth for Christ. The work YFC is doing in the lives of young people is nothing short of transformational. I won’t go into all the details—honestly, you should check them out yourself.

Scott, the Director of YFC, delivered a message about calling that stuck with me. He’s been leading YFC for nearly 30 years. With his talent and intelligence, he could have easily succeeded as an engineer or business leader. But instead, he chose to give his life to the work of reaching the next generation. Not because it offered the most accolades or income, but because it aligned with what God was doing in his life.

Scott didn’t choose the most prestigious path.  He chose the most purposeful one for him despite a personal sacrifice. That’s not a knock on business leaders—I’m one myself. But it’s a reminder that no matter what field we’re in, we all have opportunities to lead others toward Christ. And sometimes, that calling will cost us something.

One biblical example that continually challenges me is Moses. His story is marked by radical obedience and profound sacrifice:

• He gave up comfort – Leaving a quiet life as a shepherd to confront Pharaoh.

• He endured criticism – The very people he led grumbled, doubted, and rebelled.

• He interceded selflessly – When the people sinned with the golden calf, Moses pleaded for them, even saying:
   “But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (Exodus 32:32)

• He never reached the Promised Land – Moses led faithfully, knowing the fruit of his labor would be for others, not himself.

That’s servant leadership. That’s calling.

Today, I saw two men living like that. Freely giving of themselves. Obeying the call on their lives. Not worried about enjoying the Promised Land here and now—but working to help others get there.

My prayer today is simple: that wherever you are on your journey, God would give you moments to experience the deep joy that comes from living a life of selfless impact. That you’d count the cost—and find it worth every step.

-Mark

Serving Others + Being Served: How We're Called to Live.

Serving Others with Nothing Expected in Return

Serving is something that most of us aspire to do. We often think of it in terms of volunteering or giving up our time to advance a noble cause. But service opportunities are all around us every day. They don’t always have to take place at a local church, soup kitchen, or nonprofit. In fact, most often, these opportunities are "served up" right before our very eyes—in the midst of our day-to-day lives, usually with and for the people we interact with most.

This week, I have had the opportunity to be served. Being served can be a humbling experience. Knowing that you need someone else's expertise, time, or effort to complete a task can be an awkward realization. But this week, I have experienced it firsthand. I have been served by those in my very own family—individuals who have helped piece together projects and timelines that, alone, I would fail to complete. I am not a local church (Although I am part of it). I am not a nonprofit. I am a family member, someone who is loved by others, and this week, I have been someone served—and I am beyond grateful.

There is a fantastic story in the Bible about family members serving one another, even when they did not have to. Ruth’s story is a powerful example of love, loyalty, and selfless service. After losing their husbands, Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return home. Orpah left, but Ruth stayed, choosing to care for Naomi and embrace an uncertain future in Bethlehem. She worked hard, gleaning in the fields to provide for them, catching the attention of Boaz, a kind landowner who ensured her protection. Eventually, Ruth married Boaz, securing their future and becoming part of King David’s and Jesus’ lineage.

Key Points:

• Loyalty & Sacrifice – Ruth refused to leave Naomi, vowing to stay by her side.

• Hard Work & Dedication – She gleaned in the fields to provide for them.

• Divine Provision – Boaz noticed her faithfulness, protected her, and married her.

• Lasting Impact – Ruth became part of Jesus’ genealogy, showing how service brings blessings.

You may be reading this as one who has been a faithful servant of another this week. Or, like me, you may be a humbled person served by someone you love most. Either way, look for these opportunities often. Formal service and volunteering are always rewarding, but informal service—without any expectation of return—from those we hold dear is a great way to honor and glorify God each day.

-Mark

Words Serve a Purpose, But Service Speaks

The Power of Serving Others: Leading by Example

There is something truly special about serving others—it has the power to bring people together in ways that few other things can. This morning, some of our team had the privilege of serving at The Bridge Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless and those in need. While they provide food and resources, their ultimate mission is focused on the full transformation of lives. The Bridge is just one of many opportunities to serve, but it holds a special place in our hearts.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at a men's conference on the integration of faith, purpose, and everyday work. During the discussion, one particular question stood out to me, and I believe it’s worth sharing as a source of encouragement. A man who owns a small plumbing company expressed a concern—he had seen many believers try to share their faith by asking others about God, inviting them to church, or sharing their testimonies. However, in his experience, these efforts often led to being labeled as "weird" rather than opening meaningful conversations. He wasn’t afraid of revealing his faith, but he struggled with the effectiveness of these approaches. If they weren’t yielding results, was there a better way?

I offered a simple suggestion—one that I have seen stir hearts and create conversations while also producing tangible results: rather than only talking about Jesus, start by doing what Jesus did. As leaders in our businesses and communities, we have a powerful opportunity to share our faith through action. When we invite others to serve alongside us, we create space for transformation—not just in the lives of those we serve, but in our own lives as well.

Today, as we worked alongside The Bridge to serve those in need, two of my teammates experienced this firsthand. We listened to stories, changed our perspectives, and provided some love to those who often feel unseen. Some of us had the chance to pray with people, reminding them of their worth and God’s love for them. A small act of service—just a few hours of our time—can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Jesus Himself showed us this example in Matthew 25:35-40:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

As leaders, we face challenges that we cannot tackle alone. But in those moments, we can follow Jesus' example—by opening doors to serve others. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. When we invite people into acts of service, we open hearts and minds in ways that words alone cannot.

Service speaks loudly. Let’s continue to lead with action, showing Christ’s love through what we do. Who can you invite to serve alongside you this week?

-Mark

Leading Impact-Focused Teams

Servant Leaders | Leading Impact-Focused Teams

As a leader, it’s a privilege to connect with others across various industries. My circle includes individuals from finance, real estate, nonprofits, and other sectors. While the industries differ, one commonality stands out: leaders care about their teams. They demonstrate this in unique ways, yet they all share the goal of fostering high-performing, satisfied teams. However, there’s a key distinction in why they want their teams to succeed—and this difference reveals what separates good leaders from great ones.

The best leaders are externally focused on benefiting others through consistent service. This may sound obvious, but here’s what I’ve observed:

An average leader wants their team to excel because it serves their own leadership. When the team thrives, their leadership is validated. A performing team ensures smooth operations and shields the leader from scrutiny. The motivation, in this case, is self-preservation.

A servant leader, on the other hand, has a higher calling. They want their team to excel because it allows the team to maximize their potential to serve others. Servant leaders recognize and utilize their team’s full strengths, and the results of their work create visible, meaningful impacts on those they serve. This kind of leadership fosters purpose, not just productivity.

Jesus Christ exemplified the ultimate servant leadership. His life was a testament to humble service, and He demonstrated this profoundly in the moments leading up to His crucifixion. On the eve of His death, He washed His disciples’ feet—a task customarily performed by the lowest-ranking servant. Why was this act so significant?

In ancient times, foot-washing was both a practical and symbolic act. People wore sandals and traveled long distances on dusty roads. Upon entering a home, washing feet was a common courtesy to provide comfort and cleanliness. This task was typically assigned to household servants, as it was considered menial and unworthy of a person of high standing. Yet, in John 13:12-17, Jesus took on this role. By doing so, He demonstrated humility and set a powerful example of servant leadership, teaching His disciples that no act of service is beneath them if they seek to lead effectively.

For leaders today, the lesson is clear: true leadership begins with a willingness to serve. If you want to lead an impactful team, shift your focus outward. Prioritize your team’s potential to serve others. Create opportunities for them to use their strengths and make a difference.

-Mark