Blueprint for Men – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Marty sit's down with with AJ and David who are involved in F3, a free, peer-led men’s workout group focused on fitness, fellowship, and faith. They both share how its early-morning outdoor workouts and tight-knit community have transformed their physical health and built lasting friendships.  

 AJ is a men's health, leadership, and accountability advocate, who has been involved with the F3 organization for six years. When he's not running around at unusual hours of the morning, he works in knowledge management and industrial education. AJ, his wife, and their three kids live out their adventure in southeast Tennessee. 

David is Married and father to 17-year-old twin boys. He is a supporter of men's ministry in local church and Blueprint for Men. He works as a financial advisor with his wife Mindi and says, “I want to do God's will every day in my life and make the lives of others around me better. Proverbs 27:17.” 

You can find the local Chattanooga website here, and the national site here to find a local workout.  This is the article mentioned in Men's Health. 

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Jay McElroy was born and raised on a small farm in Cuba, AL, where he spent his childhood roaming the fields and woods surrounding his home. He attended Bass Memorial Academy in Lumberton, MS, graduating in 1984, and then pursued higher education at Southern Adventist University, where he earned his degree and married Stefanie in 1987. After college, he worked for two years before enrolling at the University of Alabama with Stefanie, where he earned an MBA alongside her. Following graduation, he moved back to Cuba, AL, with Stefanie, joining the family trucking business, where he remains today. Jay and Stefanie have two married sons, four grandchildren, and a fifth grandchild due soon. Growing up in the rural South laid the foundation for his love of the outdoors, which evolved into a passion for ultra-distance endurance events. He has completed three Ironman races, seven 100-mile races, and two 200-mile events, in addition to dozens of shorter-distance competitions. His passion for endurance sports began with a desire to improve his health and redirect the path he was on. 

In this conversation, Marty and Jay explore physical fitness as a core male strength. Jay emphasizes mental toughness over physical limits, sharing tales of frostbite and hallucinations, yet finding God’s awe in nature. Despite a spinal fusion at 40, intestinal surgery, and melanoma, he thrives by staying active. Rest—8-8.5 hours nightly—and Sabbath renewal are vital, rooted in scriptures like Ecclesiastes 9 (“do it with all your might”). With a supportive wife, Jay urges men to set goals, push limits, and embrace trail running’s spiritual rewards. His message: take the first step—whether a 5K or beyond—to unlock God-given potential, blending physical endurance with faith and resilience. 

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Orlando Hernandez, Jr. is the Pastor of Group Life and Connect at Collegedale Adventist Church. He is married to Sonia and they have three grown children—Orlando III, Isaac, and Isabel.    

Orlando and Sonia’s two sons are both married, with one grandchild. Their daughter, Isabel, attends Southern Adventist University.    

Beyond their spiritual bond, Orlando and his family share interests and hobbies, including fishing, backpacking, camping, baseball, football, and basketball, indulging in hammock naps, and embarking on cross-country drives.   

Central to Orlando’s life is his fervent commitment to guiding young people toward a personal relationship with Jesus. Echoing his passion, he often quotes, "Train youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men’s thoughts" (Education, pg. 17), emphasizing the importance of nurturing independent thought and spiritual growth in the younger generation. 

Orlando shares some of his upbringing and his heart to reach young people with the gospel and offers ways to for men to be present for their families.

Here is Mike’s page with his Declaration and Prayer to help you jump start your day. 

Marty mentioned the Father’s Love Letter as resource to help us see God as our loving Father. You can see more here.

And, the invitation is always open to joining our Daily Prayer Line that happens every weekday at 7 am ET, found here. 

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

Send Your Ask Marty Anything Question Here

Blueprint for Men is a ministry that empowers husbands, fathers, and leaders to live like Jesus. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.