How James River Church’s Book Lionhearted Equips Men with a Clear, Actionable Framework for Growth

James River Church’s new book, Lionhearted, began with a message for everyone. Rooted in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”, the project was originally envisioned as a broad call to spiritual health. But during an early conversation with their editor, co-authors and brothers David Lindell and Brandon Lindell were stopped mid-sentence. “This isn’t a book for everybody,” the editor said. “This is a book for men.”

The meaning behind the title

That realization marked the beginning of a journey, one the Lindells now invite readers to take through the pages of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless. The strength of the book starts with its title. “Lion” points to courage, conviction, and spiritual resilience. “Heart” reflects the deeper work required to live with honesty and purpose, calling men to examine what’s happening beneath the surface and to engage in the kind of relationships where accountability and growth can take root.

Recently, David and Brandon were featured on the acclaimed Last in Line podcast, where Pastor David shared a defining metaphor: the heart is like a stringed instrument. You have to make the effort to tune it. 

Let the lion out: Living with focus

The book is structured around this process of tuning the heart, with three distinct parts that reflect the journey of growth. The first, Let the Lion Out, speaks to the challenge of living with focus. Distraction is one of the defining pressures of our time, and in a world of constant noise, clarity has to be cultivated.

The Lindells call men to quiet the competing voices and live from a place of intentionality, anchored in Scripture, grounded in prayer, and awake to the calling on their lives. 

Predator instead of prey: the path to fulfillment

The second section of the book, Predator Instead of Prey, shifts the focus from clarity to calling. This is where the theme of fulfillment takes shape as a deep sense of alignment with God’s design.

Far too often, men settle into spiritual passivity and react to life rather than lead in it. The Lindells challenge that pattern, and convey that fulfillment is something that has to be pursued with courage and intention. Men were created to take responsibility, and to build, protect, and serve in ways that reflect the character of Christ. The word “predator” isn’t about aggression or control. It’s about stepping forward instead of shrinking back, and choosing initiative over avoidance.

The lionhearted life: Choosing fearlessness

The final section, The Lionhearted Life, calls men to embrace fearlessness. Not recklessness. Not ego. But the spiritual courage to stand firm when it would be easier to shrink back.

This kind of courage comes from knowing who you are in Christ. Together, these three sections form the backbone of Lionhearted’s message: guard your heart, because everything flows from it, and when your heart is aligned with God, your life begins to move with purpose, clarity, and courage.

A call to the lionhearted

The message of Lionhearted is clear: you were made for more than survival. You were made to live focused, fulfilled, and fearless. To love well. To lead with strength. To walk in the power of God’s grace.

Let the lion out.

About David Lindell and Brandon Lindell

Brothers David and Brandon Lindell serve as Executive Ministry Pastors at James River Church. In addition to their leadership roles, they are the co-authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless. They also host the new Path to Purpose podcast, where they continue to encourage men to grow in faith and leadership. With a passion for helping men cultivate spiritual health and courage, they draw from their pastoral experience and personal faith journey to inspire men to live with purpose, clarity, and strength.

About James River Church

James River Church, serving thousands of attendees weekly, is a Pentecostal church with four locations in southwest Missouri and a growing online community. Known for its passionate worship and engaging children’s and youth programs, JRC is dedicated to reaching people with the Gospel, global missions, and community outreach through initiatives like Cherish Kids and James River Charities.