Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pastor David Mendonca. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Pastor David, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share that story, as it’s one that has profoundly shaped my approach to leadership both in my career and personal life.
During my apprenticeship as a lineman, I had the privilege of working alongside an experienced journeyman who exemplified exceptional leadership qualities. There was one particular instance that stands out in my memory. We were tasked with a challenging project that required not only technical skills but also teamwork and morale management. It quickly became clear that one of our crew members was struggling with certain tasks. Instead of pointing out his shortcomings or focusing on what he was doing wrong, the journeyman took a different approach.
He noticed the strengths of this crew member—his attention to detail and his ability to problem-solve creatively. Rather than criticize, he encouraged him to take the lead on tasks that aligned with those strengths. This shift in focus turned out to be transformative. The crew member began to flourish, gaining confidence as he realized his contributions were valued. The atmosphere within the crew became noticeably more positive, which in turn boosted overall morale and productivity.
This experience taught me a crucial lesson: **great leaders build people up by focusing on their strengths rather than their weaknesses**. I carry this principle with me as I now instruct at a major apprenticeship program for the IBEW. I emphasize to my students the importance of recognizing and cultivating the good aspects in their peers. By doing so, we create an environment that fosters growth and confidence, rather than one that tears people down with criticism.
This lesson extends beyond my professional life; it also influences the marriage and parenting ministry that I run. I actively practice focusing on the positive attributes of those I work with and encourage this mindset in my ministry. By rewiring our perspectives, we create a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered.
In conclusion, I will always be grateful for that journeyman who taught me the power of positive reinforcement. His lesson has shaped not only how I lead others but also how I approach relationships in every aspect of my life, highlighting the importance of **bringing hope and encouragement** to those around us.
Pastor David, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share my journey and what drives me as the host of the Show Up Dad Podcast and director of our initiatives.
**Background and Journey Into Podcasting**
My journey into the world of podcasting and parenting advocacy was born out of a deep passion for fatherhood and a desire to foster stronger family connections. As a dedicated father, I recognized the challenges many dads face today—balancing work, personal commitments, and the ever-evolving dynamics of parenting. I saw an opportunity to create a platform where fathers could come together, share their experiences, and support one another through the ups and downs of parenthood.
The Show Up Dad Podcast was born from this vision. I started this initiative not just to provide entertainment, but to offer valuable insights, resources, and camaraderie. Through candid conversations with guests—from parenting experts to everyday dads sharing their stories—we explore a range of topics that resonate with fathers. Whether discussing discipline strategies, emotional intelligence, or self-care, the aim is to empower dads to show up fully in their children’s lives.
**What We Offer and the Problems We Solve**
The primary service we provide through the podcast is a supportive community that encourages open dialogue about fatherhood. We tackle various issues dads commonly face, such as:
– **Navigating Work-Life Balance:** Helping fathers find strategies to manage their time effectively while being present for their families.
– **Emotional Well-being:** Addressing the importance of mental health and emotional intelligence in parenting, encouraging dads to express their feelings and seek help when needed.
– **Positive Parenting Practices:** Sharing techniques for fostering healthy relationships with children, focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.
– **Community Building:** Creating a network where fathers can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another, reducing feelings of isolation.
What sets the Show Up Dad Podcast apart is our emphasis on authenticity and relatability. We prioritize real stories from real dads, creating a space where listeners can resonate with the struggles and victories shared. This approach not only normalizes the challenges of fatherhood but also inspires dads to take action and improve their parenting journey.
**Pride and Aspirations**
What I’m most proud of is the feedback I receive from listeners who say the podcast has positively impacted their lives and relationships with their children. Knowing that we are making a difference, even in small ways, drives me to continue this work passionately.
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to understand that the Show Up Dad Podcast is more than just a show—it’s a movement aimed at redefining fatherhood. Our mission is to empower dads to embrace their roles with confidence and joy, fostering a culture where fatherhood is celebrated and supported.
In addition to the podcast, we also offer resources and workshops that further equip fathers with the tools they need to thrive. My goal is to continue expanding our reach, providing valuable content, and creating an even more vibrant community for dads everywhere.
In essence, the Show Up Dad Podcast is about connection, growth, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that being a dad is a journey worth celebrating, and together, we can uplift one another to show up for our families in the best way possible.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Certainly, I’d be happy to share that pivotal moment in my life.
In 2024, my whole world was turned upside down when my wife, who is also my marriage ministry partner, filed for divorce. This was particularly challenging because we had dedicated ourselves to advocating for strong marriages and supporting families in navigating their struggles. The very principles we had fought for in our ministry suddenly felt distant and unattainable in my own life. It was a disorienting experience; everything I believed about love, commitment, and resilience was shaken to its core.
While I’m not inclined to delve into the specifics of what happened, I learned a profound truth during this tumultuous time: **we cannot outrun our traumas; they will catch up with us**. I recognized that unchecked unforgiveness leads to bitterness, and bitterness inevitably breeds resentment. This toxic cycle can poison relationships, eventually leading to their breakdown, as I experienced firsthand.
This experience has profoundly shifted the focus of our ministry. I realized the importance of helping others understand the necessity of forgiveness—not just within their marriages but also regarding past traumas, including those stemming from their upbringing. Many parents carry deep-rooted voids and unresolved issues, often stemming from their own parents’ disobedience or ignorance. When these issues are left unaddressed, they can resurface later in life, especially when faced with challenges.
I had to learn this lesson the hard way, but now I’m able to use my experience to guide others through the process of forgiveness. It’s essential for marriages to flourish; it’s crucial for children to grow up seeing a healthy example of what a loving relationship looks like. The demons we do not confront are the ones our children will have to face in their own lives.
Through our ministry, I encourage parents to confront these issues head-on and remind them that there is always hope. We are fighting not just for our own futures but for the future of our children. By breaking the cycle of unresolved pain and promoting forgiveness, we can create a legacy of resilience and love that our children can carry forward.
This experience has reshaped my mission, reinforcing my commitment to helping families navigate their struggles and build stronger, healthier relationships. I believe that by addressing our past and embracing forgiveness, we can pave the way for a brighter future, not just for ourselves but for generations to come.
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How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
Certainly! I’d love to share the story of how we secured the initial capital to start our nonprofit organization.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), our mission has always been centered around helping families strengthen their relationships and fostering healthy marriages. From the very beginning, we knew that funding would play a crucial role in making our services accessible to everyone. We chose to operate without charging for our services, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from the resources we provide, regardless of their financial situation.
The initial capital for our organization came from a combination of personal investment and community support. I started by using my own savings to lay the groundwork. This included setting up our legal structure, creating our website, and developing the first materials we would use in our programs. However, we quickly realized that to truly make an impact and expand our reach, we would need to seek additional funding.
Most of our funding now comes from donations and tithes from individuals who resonate with our mission. We have been fortunate to witness firsthand the transformation our services bring to families. Many of our clients have shared their stories of how our support has positively impacted their lives, and this transformation inspires others to contribute. People who have benefited from our programs often feel compelled to give back, whether through tithing or making donations, fueling our ability to continue our work.
The sense of community we have built around our mission has been incredible. We host events, workshops, and seminars that allow us to connect with families and share our message. As we share the stories of hope and healing that emerge from our programs, we find that many individuals and families are inspired to support us financially. They want to invest in our vision of helping other families, knowing that their contributions directly impact the lives of those we serve.
Through this journey, we have cultivated a culture of generosity and mutual support. The fact that we don’t charge for our services has fostered an environment of trust and gratitude, where people feel valued and appreciated. This has allowed us to grow sustainably, relying on the goodwill of our community to fuel our mission.
In summary, our initial capital came from a blend of personal investment and the incredible support of our community. The donations and tithes we receive not only sustain our operations but also affirm the impact we’re making in the lives of families. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us and the inspiration that drives our mission forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theshowupdadfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshowupdad?igsh=MWNodG9kNHBlaHc2Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshowupdadfoundation.org?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mendonca-
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theshowupdadfoundation7632
- Other: https://youtu.be/Tmmr-34diSM
KCHF TV channel 11 Interviewhttps://linktr.ee/Theshowupdadfoundation
Image Credits
Me