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27: A Man and His True Identity – Chad Hennings, Air Force Captain and 3 time Super Bowl Champ

Jeff Jerina • Apr 20, 2018

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Are you struggling finding your true identity?  Hear from Jeff Jerina of Men Unplugged and former Dallas Cowboy and Air Force Captain, Chad Hennings how a man’s true identity is found in Jesus Christ.  Learn from Chad Hennings and his once performance based identity and how a tough time in his life led to a dramatic change in his thinking and identity.  Gain practical tips on how you can avoid the performance trap and no longer base your identity on your career, education, social status, relationships and instead place it where it should be – on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Chad talks about how freeing it is to have this new identity.   Jeff Jerina interviews Chad Hennings on the Men Unplugged podcast.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Find Your Purpose at MenUnplugged.net/purpose where you’ll find a personality profile tool used by Fortune 500 companies to help you increase productivity, enhance communication, reduce stress and unlock your leadership potential, as well as, a spiritual gifts test.
  2. FREE Book – Ten Steps to Power and Purpose
  3. Man’s Search For Meaning
  4. Rules of Engagement

Chad talks about his time serving the United States as an Air Force Captain and flying the A10 thunderbolt plane, the Warthog.

Jeff asks Chad Hennings about the acronym TLAR and what that means in the Air Force.

Jeff jokes about an acronym that maybe he needs to have as a father (TSAR) that sounds about right. Jeff Jerina asks Chad Hennings what it was like meeting the great and former president of the United States, Ronald Reagan.  This was during Chad’s senior year at the Air Force academy playing as a defensive tackle and they won the Commander in Chief’s trophy that year beating West Point Annapolis in that football game.

Chad goes on to tell the story about meeting former First Lady Nancy Reagan.  How he got to meet Mrs. Reagan and President Reagan in the oval office. Chad talks about his fondest memories from his time playing on the Super Bowl Dallas Cowboy teams during the 90s.

Chad mentions that his most memorable moments are his time with his teammates. Chad talks about one of his plays where he ran side by side after his Dallas Cowboys Darren Woodson picked off an interception and Chad was his lead blocker.

Jeff asks Chad about he once had a performance based identity rather than one based in his relationship with Jesus Christ. As an Academic All American for the Air Force Academy, he set a school and NCAA record with 24 sacks his senior year where he won the Outland trophy.  Before winning 3 superbowls with America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys he flew 45 successful missions during the 1st Gulf War.

Since retiring from the NFL, he’s launched a successful career as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur.

It’s my pleasure to introduce former US Air Force captain, Chad Hennings.

I can’t imagine what it would have been like during that time   as a man it’s tough to not control things especially an issue with one of your children and going from a performance based identity with all these accolades I could see how that identity trap could be stuck in a performance driven mentality and then given it back and saying you know what Lord I can only depend on you. He’s the one that gets us through everything.

The Lord took you along this path Chad, he never let you go.  Joshua 1:5 says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Sometimes the Lord uses tough moments in our lives to really get our attention towards Him. God redeems all things to all those who trust in Him. Chad’s book, Rules of Engagement purchase it here. There’s times your in the front lines similar to Special Forces Ops, but you need to pull back, don’t stay there too long.

Get plugged into the timely wisdom on the Men Unplugged podcast, a local church, a men’s group, a men’s ministry. Chad and Jeff give encouraging words for all men.  Chad mentions that you will never find contentment in this world outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff reminds believers that God does not change, He is immutable, unchangeable it’s us as men, human beings that change and we need God everyday.

Jeff talks with Chad about his time with the Dallas Cowboys, his time in the Air Force, and his corporate career.  Discipleship is essential to grow as a man.  Find a mentor that can help you in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jeff mentions that every man needs to know that they have value and a purpose.  We have value in Jesus Christ.  The only thing that matters is salvation by grace. Chad Hennings shares his personal testimony of how he came to know Jesus Christ.

Chad talks about one of the toughest times in his career was when he left the Air Force to join the Dallas Cowboys.  He shares how tough it was during the training camp in Austin, Texas and all of the physical exertion.  Questioning why he did it?  He states it was a step of faith.  If you know God is telling you to do something, calculate the costs and take risks to conquer in Christ’s name.  Dream big. Jeff talks about the spiritual armor in Ephesians has no back side.  The analogy there is to move forward, no retreat.

Chad states that being ground in the Word, his identity, and his relationships is a key to his success. Get Victor Frank’s book a Man’s Search for Meaning which Chad recommends. Jeff Jerina “if you want to be radical for God you have to live a radical life.” Chad challenges guys, where does your identity lie? Parting Words of Wisdom from Chad Hennings – find someone who can help you see the areas you need to work on. We ALL need someone in our life to point out our blindspots .

Alright that wraps up my time with today’s guest, Chad Hennings. Chad thanks again for being part of the Men Unplugged show it was an honor and a pleasure.  If you would like to find out about future guests, my upcoming book and how you can view this and other Men Unplugged interviews in video format sign up to our weekly email list at MenUnplugged.net.

If you know someone right now that could benefit from this timely wisdom share it with them through FB, linked or twitter.

And don’t forget to join the Men Unplugged community – to find out about every podcast episode, Jeff Jerina’s upcoming book and how you can also view Chad Hennings podcast interview on Men Unplugged and other select interviews in video format.

Until next time, Stay Plugged in and Recharged!

For Men Unplugged listeners:

Jeff Jerina, Founder and Host of the Men Unplugged show chats with other top Christian Leaders every week to help men ignite their faith, strengthen their family and live with power and purpose.  As a gifted communicator, evangelist and author Jeff speaks and offers training forums to organizations, churches, Men’s groups, school and events.
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