About Steadfast Fortitude
Our Story
Steadfast Fortitude was founded by Derek & Keli Kempker, a husband-and-wife team who have been married since 2006 and are blessed with two children—a son and a daughter. Together, they call Michigan home, where they enjoy spending time outdoors through hiking, camping, kayaking, exploring God's creation, traveling to new places, and building meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life.
What began as a shared passion for growing closer to Christ has become a lifelong calling to help others do the same.
Like many families, Derek and Keli have experienced seasons of joy, uncertainty, growth, and adversity. Through every season, they have discovered that lasting strength is never found in ourselves—it is found in Christ alone. That conviction became the foundation for Steadfast Fortitude.
Today, Steadfast Fortitude exists to encourage, equip, and inspire people to build lives firmly rooted in biblical truth while developing the faith, wisdom, courage, strength, and purpose needed to faithfully follow Christ every day.
Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, a new believer looking for direction, or a mature Christian desiring deeper spiritual growth, our desire is to walk alongside you with practical, Christ-centered resources that help transform biblical knowledge into everyday living.
We don't claim to have all the answers. We simply strive to point people to the One who does.
Our Mission
To bring people closer to Jesus Christ by equipping and empowering believers to become men and women of unwavering faith, unbreakable character, and eternal impact—living boldly for Christ in every aspect and season of life.
Through biblically grounded teaching, practical discipleship, and authentic encouragement, we exist to help individuals and families grow spiritually, strengthen their character, deepen their relationship with God, and confidently fulfill His purpose for their lives.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to help people move beyond simply knowing about God to faithfully walking with Him.
We believe the Christian life was never meant to be passive or stagnant. It is a lifelong journey of transformation—one that shapes the heart, renews the mind, strengthens character, and prepares believers to influence the world for Christ.
Everything we create is designed to help people build a stronger biblical foundation and apply God's truth in every area of life, including:
- Faith Foundations
- Spiritual Growth
- Bible Study
- Christian Character
- Mental & Emotional Health
- Marriage & Family
- Parenting
- Leadership
- Purpose & Calling
- Physical Health & Stewardship
- Biblical Wisdom
- Kingdom Living
- Overcoming Opposition & Adversity
Through devotionals, podcasts, companion guides, courses, Scripture studies, practical resources, and The Fortitude Forge protocol, our goal is to provide a clear pathway for spiritual maturity that helps believers grow in wisdom, develop steadfast faith, and become faithful ambassadors for Christ wherever He leads them.
What We Believe
We believe that every person has been intentionally created by God for a purpose.
We believe that Scripture is God's inspired and trustworthy Word, Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and true transformation happens through a personal relationship with Him.
We believe faith should shape every area of life—not just Sunday mornings.
We believe strength without humility is dangerous, knowledge without obedience is incomplete, and success without Christ is ultimately empty.
Most of all, we believe that ordinary people who faithfully follow Jesus can make an extraordinary, eternal impact.
Our Invitation
Wherever you are on your journey, you're welcome here.
Whether you're searching for answers, rebuilding your faith, strengthening your marriage, raising a family, overcoming life's challenges, or simply longing to know Christ more deeply, our prayer is that Steadfast Fortitude becomes a trusted companion on your journey.
Together, let's pursue a life marked by unwavering faith, biblical wisdom, Christlike character, courageous obedience, and steadfast fortitude.
Stay Steadfast. Live with Fortitude.
What It Means to Live with Steadfast Fortitude
To live with steadfast fortitude is to pursue a life that is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ, unwavering in biblical truth, and resilient through every season of life. It is the daily commitment to trust God above your circumstances, obey His Word above your feelings, and pursue His purpose above your own ambitions. Steadfast fortitude is not about relying on human strength or determination alone—it is about drawing your strength from God and remaining faithful whether life brings joy, hardship, victory, or uncertainty.
Living with steadfast fortitude means developing a faith that cannot be shaken, a character that reflects Christ, and a purpose that is centered on advancing God's Kingdom. It is choosing courage over fear, wisdom over impulse, humility over pride, perseverance over quitting, and obedience over compromise. It is learning to stand firm when the world changes because your foundation never does.
It also means intentionally growing every day—deepening your understanding of Scripture, strengthening your relationship with Christ through prayer, serving others with love, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform every area of your life. Rather than simply believing biblical truth, you strive to live it, applying God's principles in your family, work, relationships, leadership, health, and every decision you make.
Ultimately, to live with steadfast fortitude is to become the man or woman God created you to be—faithful in every season, courageous in every challenge, steadfast in every trial, and committed to glorifying Christ in everything you do. It is a lifelong pursuit of spiritual maturity that leaves a lasting impact, not only on your own life, but on your family, your community, and for eternity.