2009-Current

Through a time of intercession and prophecy, Steve Allen felt called to raise up ten thousand fathers in accordance with 1 Corinthians 4:15. Steve prayed into this word, which became the catalyst for his work with young people, especially to strengthen men as Men of God.

Steve intentionally and consistently mentors and disciples Michael Birkland, Ben DuBose, Zach Garza, Brett Henry, and Cody Weeks. Over the years, we all became acquainted with each other through Steve and have been championing each other through our relationship with Steve.

July 2022

Michael Birkland initiated the first Ten Thousand Fathers Summit in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Steve Allen’s spiritual sons, The Men of Valor, met to discuss the Ten Thousand Fathers vision the Lord gave to Steve Allen. Steve shares that raising up Ten Thousand Fathers is his life’s vision and that time is of the essence due to his decade-long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

At this time, the Men of Valor asked, “How will we raise up Ten Thousand Fathers?” We agreed that we wanted to avoid the conference approach with famous speakers and decided to take a more organic, relational approach. We discussed the power of each of us inviting one or two more people to a gathering in 2023.

January 2023

The Men of Valor each invited a few individuals to join us for the second Ten Thousand Fathers Summit. The result was 24 men spending the weekend together at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. We prepared for the event by having weekly phone calls to decipher what the Spirit where the Spirit was leading us. During the event, the Holy Spirit fell, and we all had an amazing time of worship, connection, and encouragement. We focused on being a son, husband, and father.

January 2024

“We will raise up ten thousand fathers who thrive in their four main roles: Son of God, Husband of a Thriving Wife, Intentional, Faithful Father, & Supportive Brother.”

The Lord clarified our vision in preparing for the third annual Ten Thousand Father’s Summit. As we did the previous year, we encouraged each 2023 participant to invite one or two other men to the Ten Thousand Father’s Summit at Glen Eyrie. We had an initial goal of 48 men, but the total number of men attended was 77. While there was concern the number was too large to produce an intimate environment, and although the feel was slightly different, the ultimate product was considered a success by most people, especially first-time guests. Lives were changed. People experienced the Lord in a powerful way.

The question, “What is the root of our success? What is our differentiator?” was asked, and we answered, “Relational depth among brothers.” If we focus on relational depth, everything else will take care of itself. 

January 2025

We’ll see what the Lord does…