All true, and it's not just something that 'happened' over the last 30 years. It's the plan, the method for destroying believers, destroying marriages, and destroying healthy countries. As you say, we have to intentionally work to create genuine community. The more I reach out to others, the more I see they are thirrrrsty for depth and meaning.
I sent an influencer in our parish a link to this article; they're connected to efforts to improve our hospitality. I realized hospitality is only the first weak link in a chain of relational responsibility.
Our parish is starting ChristLife this fall. It's a program. It won't fix much, but it's a baby step in the right direction.
I made the statement...
"I'm glad ChristLife is sitting around round tables."
Your description of how so many of our solutions for getting men connected are designed by and for men who are comfortable in classrooms reminded me of my experience in Knights of Columbus. I remember being in Knights of Columbus, where the monthly meeting is sitting in rows listening to a speaker instead of sitting at round tables and connecting. The other gatherings of men are the same: "Come and listen to a speaker."
My observation is that when we were young we were put into groups and "forced" to form relationships. If you didn't make friends in those groups, you would suffer the entire time you were required to be there. The older we get, the more voluntary our groups are. There are few times we are forced to form relationships.
I became involved in Unchained Leader and made connections. Unchained Leader constantly tells us that connection is the opposite of addiction. A problem is that there are not a lot of opportunities for face-to-face.
All true, and it's not just something that 'happened' over the last 30 years. It's the plan, the method for destroying believers, destroying marriages, and destroying healthy countries. As you say, we have to intentionally work to create genuine community. The more I reach out to others, the more I see they are thirrrrsty for depth and meaning.
Great post Kevin. I appreciate the challenge to move past event-driven ministry and focus on intentional, accountable relationships.
I think 🤔 most men do not trust anyone to open up.
Excellent information!
I sent an influencer in our parish a link to this article; they're connected to efforts to improve our hospitality. I realized hospitality is only the first weak link in a chain of relational responsibility.
Our parish is starting ChristLife this fall. It's a program. It won't fix much, but it's a baby step in the right direction.
I made the statement...
"I'm glad ChristLife is sitting around round tables."
Your description of how so many of our solutions for getting men connected are designed by and for men who are comfortable in classrooms reminded me of my experience in Knights of Columbus. I remember being in Knights of Columbus, where the monthly meeting is sitting in rows listening to a speaker instead of sitting at round tables and connecting. The other gatherings of men are the same: "Come and listen to a speaker."
My observation is that when we were young we were put into groups and "forced" to form relationships. If you didn't make friends in those groups, you would suffer the entire time you were required to be there. The older we get, the more voluntary our groups are. There are few times we are forced to form relationships.
I became involved in Unchained Leader and made connections. Unchained Leader constantly tells us that connection is the opposite of addiction. A problem is that there are not a lot of opportunities for face-to-face.