Men seeking life-changing friendships

After church one Sunday morning, I met with several men to discuss the idea of starting a men's ministry. One of the questions I asked the group is, "What would you like our first topic of discussion to be?" I was pleasantly surprised by their answer: One brother said it should be friendship and, without pause, all the other men agreed.

Here were adult men tired of passing each other at church, and even working together on church projects, and yet not knowing how to be real friends. They wanted to be there for one another and not just around each other.

At our next exploratory meeting, I suggested that they begin thinking deeply about their concepts of friendship and, for those who enjoy studying the Bible, see what the Scriptures might have to say about the matter. I hope that they come to the realization that to become true friends is one of the highest honors they can bestow on each other.

I also hope that all of them will come to understand that true friendship is a unique, close, comforting, and encouraging relationship in which we are to be mutually accountable and not just mutually fulfilled. Genuine friendship, that is, makes us our "brother's keeper" in the best sense of the term and thereby holds us to such high moral and ethical standards that it can positively impact the course of our entire lives.

Such a deep level of friendship can help transform "hangin' buddies" into heroes in their own family and communities. It is the kind of male bonding that reinforces good values and helps strengthen the moral fabric of whole nations. It is the kind of thing that is needed to make boys into real men for whom giving the best of themselves comes as natural as breathing.

iAMrj * richard jones