Canyon Pathways Podcast
The Canyon Pathways podcast invites men into the journey of sonship, and invests in them through creative content, honest conversation, and inspiring stories of men around the world so that the listener leaves encouraged and equipped to live like a son and lead like a father.
Our goal with the podcast is twofold: 1) to invest more deeply into our existing community and provide ongoing content and community spaces for them, and 2) to expand the community by inviting more men around the world to this global campfire.
So, welcome to the table of sonship—we’re glad you’re here!
Canyon Pathways Podcast
AUTHORITY Convo: From Powerlessness to Life‑Giving Leadership w/Michael Perron
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In this Canyon Pathways Podcast conversation, Luke Smith sits down with Michael Perrin to dive deep into the word authority—a word that, for many of us, is loaded with mixed experiences and emotions.
For some, authority feels like control, punishment, or shame. For others, it’s a title or position to chase. But what if true authority looks entirely different? What if, at its core, authority is about authorship—about cultivating growth, restoring what’s been broken, and speaking life into others?
Michael shares powerful personal stories of how early wounds shaped his resistance to authority, how God gently re‑authored his understanding, and how stepping into true authority as a husband, father, and leader changed everything. Together, Luke and Michael unpack what it means to move from power over to power for, from control to growth, from fear to freedom.
If you’ve ever wrestled with authority—receiving it or exercising it—this conversation will give you a new lens and a fresh hope.
Key Takeaways
- Authority is authorship. Its root meaning is “one who causes to grow.”
- True authority builds up, not tears down. It reflects the heart of the Father.
- Past wounds can distort our view of authority. Healing begins by naming and releasing those wounds.
- Freedom comes with responsibility. Just because we can doesn’t always mean we should.
- Obedience is the greatest exercise of authority. It’s the posture that changes lives.
- We have the authority to forgive. And in doing so, we exchange darkness for light.
- God entrusts us with exactly what we’re ready for. And that’s enough.
Reflection Questions: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/authority
About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about
Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats
The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com
The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify
