Yesterday, our Men of Hope group attended the Nashville Men’s Conference. Normally, I wouldn’t choose to spend almost an entire day away from home—especially right now. My wife, Felicia, fell a few weeks ago and broke her arm, so I’ve been staying close to home to support her as much as possible.
Yet, looking at the world around us, culture feels upside down and inside out. Our jails are full, addiction continues to ravage communities, and housing costs have priced young and old alike out of homeownership, forcing them into high rents. Beneath so many of these societal crises lies what I believe is the single biggest issue facing our country and state: the breakdown of the family and the widespread absence of fathers—a crisis with virtually no lobbyists and far too few advocates.
That is why hearing about Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ)—a ministry dedicated to reaching fatherless boys—left me so energized and uplifted. It is deeply encouraging to know leaders like Marc Lewis, director of Men of Hope, and Hope Fellowship Pastor Kent Shingleton care so passionately about these issues. On the drive home, Marc brought up KOZ and expressed a desire to reach out and explore what we can do across Smyrna, La Vergne, and Murfreesboro.
Please take a moment to watch the video below. It is a deeply moving reminder of what truly matters, and it speaks directly to the challenges we face today.
While society and elected officials often overlook these foundational issues, the financial and human costs are staggering. Rutherford County is currently having to construct a new jail at an estimated cost of $360 million. A vast majority of the men in that overcrowded facility likely grew up in dysfunctional homes with absent fathers or toxic role models struggling with addiction.
Consider the alternative: what if we invested in strong mentorship programs to reach these young men and women before they ever enter the system?
The math speaks for itself. Incarcerating a juvenile costs taxpayers roughly $100,000 per year, while an adult costs around $40,000 (and in places like California, juvenile incarceration reaches an astounding $300,000 per year). It is time to shift the paradigm. We must invest in young lives—not just through academic grades, but with real-life training, strong moral values, and the understanding that choices carry real consequences. Failing to do so costs taxpayers millions, but even worse, it costs young lives through addiction and suicide, which our youth now contemplate at rates unprecedented in our nation’s history.
Ministries like Kids Outdoor Zone offer a proven, faith-based response to this urgent need.
Statement of Faith & Foundation
God
We believe in one true, perfect God, eternally existing in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, He lived a sinless, obedient life on earth. He voluntarily gave His life as a substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, paying the price for the sins of humanity. Following His death, He was bodily resurrected in a glorified form and appeared to His disciples. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God as the sole mediator between God and humanity.
The Holy Spirit
Upon entering a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Fully and eternally God, the Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, instills confidence in God, and empowers believers to serve others.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It serves as the ultimate divine guide and foundation for life.
Salvation
Salvation is the central theme of divine revelation. Throughout history, individuals have been justified before God by faith—an Old Testament faith looking forward to the promised Redeemer, and a New Testament faith looking back at Christ’s completed work. Out of profound love, God offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift to anyone who places their trust in Jesus Christ. Accepting this gift is the single most vital decision a person can make.
The Church
Believers in Jesus Christ are unified into one universal body known as the Church. The Church universal transcends denominational boundaries, encompassing all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Leadership & Operations Team
T.J. Greaney | Founder
Background: Fourth-generation Texan, award-winning author, outdoor adventure writer, magazine publisher, and 30-year veteran outdoor radio host.
Ministry & Vision: Founded Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ) in 2009 out of his local church in Austin, Texas. KOZ has grown into an international ministry spanning the United States and eight countries, serving fatherless boys and father/son mentorship across local communities and churches.
Personal Life: Lives with his wife, Sandra, on a farm near Smithville, Texas. They have three children and many grandchildren. T.J. enjoys time with family, ministry work, writing, mountain hiking, coffee, and ranch life.
Featured Podcasts & Interviews:
Wild at Heart Stories with John Eldredge: TJ Greaney & Kids Outdoor Zone
Boys to Men: Guiding the Next Generation of Males to MANhood
200 Churches Podcast: Interview with TJ Greaney
Rick Magee | Chief of Operations
Background: Raised by a single mother in rural Mississippi. Holds a B.S. in Forest Products from Mississippi State University and a Master’s degree from Liberty University Seminary. Served 15 years as Men’s and Administrative Pastor at Hyland Heights Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA, before joining KOZ leadership in 2018.
Personal Life: Married to Martha for over three decades; parents to three adopted sons (Ethan, Caleb, and Josh) and grandparents to Emery. Rick is passionate about archery, fishing, weekly Bible studies, and outdoor ministry.
Featured Podcasts:
Men in the Arena Podcast: Becoming a Rescuer: How One Man Rescued Me
Sandra L. Greaney | Director of Events & Development
Role: Oversees national event coordination, donor development, and outreach to the wives of KOZ leaders and volunteers.
Personal Life: Married to T.J. Greaney. She enjoys hiking, board games, cooking with her adult children, gathering with friends, and spending time with her grandchildren and grand-dogs.
Nicole Greaney | Project Manager
Role: Manages organizational projects, database systems, marketing, fundraising campaigns, and event logistics. Brings over 15 years of nonprofit and corporate marketing experience to the ministry.
Personal Life: Married to Cody Ryan Greaney (son of T.J.); they have one daughter. Nicole enjoys farm life, singing, hunting, fishing, and supporting local coffee shops.
Tina Burr | General Store Manager & Rick Burr | Facilities Manager
Tina’s Role: Manages merchandise operations, national event logistics, prayer team support, and inventory dispatch.
Rick’s Role: Oversees facility maintenance and physical setup for KOZ National headquarters.
Personal Life: Longtime supporters since KOZ’s founding. Together, they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, fitness, gardening, and raising backyard chickens.
Martha Magee | KOZ Groups Coordinator
Role: Supports local KOZ group leaders, wives, and families nationwide. Joined the official staff in April 2022 following careers in nursing and academic advising at Liberty University.
Personal Life: Married to Rick Magee; mother of three sons and grandmother (“Mo Mo”) to Emery. Enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, and shelling at the beach.
If you a guy and want to join at at Men of Hope Mens group
