Tim Croll - Thoughts on Mentoring from a Lego Master, Ep #11

Spiritual Fathers

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Tim Croll, a husband, father of three, and proud grandfather. Tim shares his evolution from a faith rooted in fear to a deeper understanding of God’s unconditional love. He reflects on the personal development lessons he’s learned from both entrepreneurial successes and failures, and the pivotal role mentorship has played in his life.

Tim also discusses his experience on Lego Masters, where he and his son Zach used their time on the show to model a supportive father-son relationship. As his family grows, with a new daughter-in-law on the way and another grandchild arriving soon, Tim cherishes the evolving dynamics and relationships. Tune in for insights on faith, family, mentorship, and personal growth.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Tim Croll, Using Lego Builds for personal and relationship development (00:00)
• Tim’s faith journey (2:00)
• Tim’s family life (11:15)
• Mentorship in Tim’s life (15:50)
• Tim shares his contact for anyone in need of mentorship (22:30)
• How taking an interest in his sons’ hobbies created new opportunities (23:38)
• Tim’s personal development lessons (30:44)
• How Tim encourages mentorship engagement (36:25)
• Best spiritual advice Tim has been given (42:20)

Tim’s Faith Journey

Tim’s faith journey began at a young age, shaped by a fear of hell and the belief that salvation depended on strict rule-following. Raised in a legalistic, performance-based environment, he internalized the idea that acceptance came from adhering to rules and achieving success. After pursuing a career in youth ministry and facing repeated setbacks, Tim transitioned into entrepreneurship, where he found success but also experienced burnout and failure.

A major turning point came when he hit rock bottom—physically and mentally exhausted—leading him to realize that God’s love is unconditional and not based on performance. This realization allowed him to embrace being loved for who he is, rather than what he does.

Tim emphasizes that growth in faith is a daily process. After spending decades forming beliefs about himself and God, transformation doesn’t happen overnight. He acknowledges that many people get frustrated with the slow pace of change, especially in a society that values instant results. He explains that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and returning to old patterns is common. However, growth in both relationships and faith takes time, and the journey is a continuous, unfolding process.

Tim’s Value of Mentorship

Tim places a high value on mentorship, recognizing it as essential to both his personal and professional growth. Raised to handle everything on his own, he initially struggled with asking for help. However, key mentors stepped in at pivotal moments throughout his life. In his 30s, Paul Beutel became a guiding force, helping Tim navigate personal and business challenges. Later, during a time when Tim and his family faced bankruptcy, Matt Guerin played a crucial role, helping Tim deal with legal issues and providing reassurance during a tough season.

When Tim moved to Philadelphia, he found two more influential mentors: Tony Grove, who had overcome significant personal struggles and helped Tim confront his own painful past, and Marvin Brubaker, who helped Tim process anger and resentment from a church conflict. Tim credits these relationships as life-saving and transformative, underscoring the importance of mentors who step in when needed, offering guidance through difficult times.

Tim shares a powerful moment when he was struggling deeply, feeling desperate and isolated. He had built up false beliefs and assumptions that no one would offer help. But in that moment, someone encouraged him to embrace humility and accept the support he so desperately needed.

Tim Uses His Lego Experience as a Spiritual Calling

Tim reflects on his time on Lego Masters as a blend of parental mentorship and spiritual calling. He and his wife, Melissa, prioritized being involved in their kids' hobbies, especially bonding with their son Zach over Lego building. Tim believes that strong relationships with children are built through shared experiences, which foster meaningful conversations.

Joining Lego Masters gave Tim and Zach the chance to showcase a positive father-son dynamic. Despite pressure from producers to create drama, Tim was determined to highlight their loving, supportive bond. He saw the opportunity as a way to model godly fatherhood and demonstrate the power of authentic relationships.

In his Lego workshops, Tim emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning rather than passive listening. By applying concepts like personal growth, communication, and conflict resolution, participants confront challenges, reflect on biblical lessons, and internalize valuable life skills.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Doing Life with Adult Children
• LegoMasters

Connect with Tim Croll

• Tim Croll

Connect With Spiritual Fathers

• The Spiritual Fathers website
• SpiritualFathers(at)ManInTheMirror.com

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