For centuries, men have depended on one another for strength and for survival. From the flatlands of Kansas during the homestead act, to the battlefields of war in Israel, like David and his mighty men. Men have always relied on one another, and come together to farm land, build homes, and fight to defend ttheir families in times of war.
What does it look like to have a true brotherhood? And why is it so hard to find today? How do we find in 1 Peter 2:17, "Love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the King."
As we know, men are stubborn, and often we are lonely. We miss deep connections, and rarely find a group of men we share our personal lives, and open up with and tell our stories.
It is clear to become followers of Christ, we need brothers around us. To share both the victories, and tears. The struggles, and the hope of this new life in Christ.
But we cannot raise ourselves. It requires a community of men to help us. Offer us words. Teach and guides us into this way. Masculinity bestows masculinity. A fellowship of men is what leads us into our intiation and discoveries as men. The problem is that very few of us have ever walked in a community of men. Especially men of God.
We have not been modeled this well. We have not grown up in a time when men gather to raise a barn, harvest a crop, or sit in the porch and tell stories. We are busy. Running around from one thing to another, never having time to share our lives.
You will step into a brotherhood, through living in community. Sharing your fears, your struggles, stories, and building one another up as a fellowship of believers, one in heart. (Acts 4:32)
We will take you into the areas of older men. sharing their experiences, and their stories. From using firearms, to mountain biking, and fishing. Although the experiences will be memories, it is their stories that you will not forget.
We will bring you together as young men. From community meals, to nights of scripture study, and weekly de-briefs of your work experience. We will be one in heart, and in mission.
You will be required to risk, and be vulnerable, encourage one another, and offer both your strengths and weaknesses.
