Deep down, you know you need prayers for guidance and wisdom. It’s easy to feel like you’ve got a handle on everything in your life. Everything’s going according to plan and going your way…until it isn’t. You’re faced with a challenge you can’t overcome, maybe one you can’t even understand. Maybe you feel depressed or […]
I’ve often talked about the friendship gap in men and how you can remove it in your life. Real friendship for guys seems to be at an all-time low. We need to overcome the isolating influences of our technology-shaped and individualistic society. Let’s go back to the original design. What about when everything was perfect? […]
Here’s what I think: guys need to get shaken out of their routine. This packed, busy schedule of work, family, maybe a little tv or social media before you go to bed, doesn’t leave much, or any, time to connect with friends. When we open our eyes, we’re aware of our isolation and see the […]
There isn’t much in this world better than deep friendship. It gives us happiness, good times and good health. Being a better friend is not only about having fun together, it’s also about being there for the ups and downs, while providing advice and support. It reinforces mankind’s relational nature given by God and reminds us of our purpose—to be more like Him. But it doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes, we have to consider how to be a better friend.
You might have let a guy down when he counted on you. Or more likely, you’ve drifted apart from the friends in your life. You’re all so busy, with full work lives, full family lives and full schedules. But you want to know how to be a better friend and enjoy the bonds of deep friendship again.
Good news! You’ve already taken the first step to find out how you can better yourself. I’ve been speaking about men’s friendships for decades, looking at the research and talking to guys all around the country. Based on everything I’ve learned; these are the five keys to learning how to be a good friend.
“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” —1 John 4:11
Ready for a deeper dive on how to be a better friend? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship today.
It’s one of the most challenging things you’ll ever go up against. It’s even bigger and more dangerous than a blitzing safety. Even more difficult to decipher than a tricky coverage. It’s letting go of your ego. Notice how I didn’t say just “ego”? Because when people say “ego,” they mean full of themselves, self-important, […]
It’s what Christians are talking about when they say they are born again. It’s what I’m talking about when I say I follow Jesus. But what is spiritual birth in the Bible? We all know what it means to be born. We’ve all done it. We enter the world and grow, developing physically and mentally. […]
We’ve all messed up. We’ve done something we regret or something we knew shouldn’t do. Heck, sometimes we do things that we only realize are wrong later on. These are things that hurt others or hurt ourselves—and most importantly, they go against the will of God. The Bible calls this “sin.” If you’re lucky, […]
Anyone can suffer from loneliness. You might think of yourself as a middle-aged man with no friends and start to feel hopeless. But the truth is many men have a hard time making friends as an adult and feel like they’re missing out on friendship. You might ask yourself, “Why don’t I have friends?”. There […]
I know you’re busy. Most of us are. We have all sorts of stuff going. Some of us have a business phone full of too many emails and texts as well. Some of us are busy traveling. Most of us check a steady stream of social feeds—Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook—rinse…recycle…repeat. Maybe you’re the guy who enjoys […]
First off, I want to say I’m sorry that you or someone you love has to overcome depression. It’s one of those invisible things that no one else can truly see in its entirety and affects everyone differently. Depression can feel like a heavy fog, a stressful daily attack, or an overwhelming burden. No matter […]
Men are going through a blitz right now—and they need male friendships to turn the obstacles into growth. For years, technology has been growing all around us, encroaching on our lives and building walls of isolation. It certainly didn’t help when the pandemic arrived, further cutting people off from others and their communities. Both men […]
A man can find himself in a season of self-isolation when he’s without someone to turn to. Some men start self-isolating because they are afraid to be real and show people their insecurities, while others let pride raise them above the reproach of anyone, living on their own self-righteous pedestal. Some have lost hope for […]
Fear is uncomfortable, isn’t it? It can mess up our relationships and our ability to carry out our purpose in life. Any man who says he doesn’t feel fear is a big faker. The trick isn’t about never feeling fear again, but learning how to remove fear from your heart and mind. I know all […]
Brother, I have some great news for you: Jesus is the only way to the Father. Now, that might sound restrictive to some. In reality, it radically opens up human understanding beyond what’s otherwise possible, invites you into a life full of meaning, and guarantees your salvation. “Jesus is the only way to the […]
Men don’t like to talk about it, but we face all kinds of insecurities. They fill our lives with anxiety, or we burn out trying to overcome them. Great news! You can learn how to stop being insecure and enjoy the freedom it brings. You don’t have to live this way. 5 Steps to Stop […]
How important are the 9 Fruits of the Spirit? Consider two types of teams… For the winning team, it’s easy for all the players to gel. Mistakes are met with, “It’s okay. You’ll get it next time.” You celebrate each other’s accomplishments even if you’re having an off day. And you’ll do anything—sacrificing your own […]
Did you know that you’re called to make disciples? What does it mean to make disciples, and how do you do it? Sounds like a huge task, doesn’t it? Now, imagine you’re one of the apostles standing before Jesus after He’s risen from the dead and gives you this mission: “Go and make […]
Wondering how to receive God’s blessings? You’ve already received more than you even realize. A blessing is any kindness, mercy or good thing that comes from God. God can give you everything you need and more to share with others, the Apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth. But it’s not always the blessing […]
From a young age, the world tells us men that we have to keep growing to earn our manhood—our muscles, our bank account, our dating history. Other, smarter voices tell us to grow our character and become better husbands, fathers, and friends. But without learning how to grow spiritually, all this important work is unsustainable. […]
Some are Bible studies for men; others are Christian groups based around a shared interest, like fishing or football. At the end of the day, it’s as simple as getting a group of guys together, what I call a “Men’s Huddle,” and allowing yourselves to open up to each other and spend time with God.
You might think, “That sounds great, Jeff, but I have a job and a family. I go to Church. I don’t have time for a men’s group.”
Ok, I hear you. Let me give you five reasons you need a Christian men’s group in your life.
Our culture keeps us busy and working toward what we don’t yet have. Even if you have a picture-perfect family life, you need friends. You probably miss spending time with a group of guys, like you did in school or on a team.
If you feel lonely, you’re not alone. One in three men suffer from loneliness, and it’s taking years off their lives.
By simply putting yourself out there and joining a men’s group, you’re addressing a big issue that many men don’t realize is eating away at them.
Men don’t try to break out of isolation because they’ve been conditioned not to admit fault or show weakness. But being vulnerable strengthens us.
A solid Christian men’s group allows you to be your authentic self without fear of being deemed weak or judged for your faults.
You won’t believe the burden that’s lifted when you experience this kind of support.
By opening yourself up to a small men’s group, you build stronger bonds with your fellow members than you could anywhere else.
Some of the best Christian men’s groups consist of a handful of close friends who have made the intentional choice to be there for each other, commit themselves to consistent meetings and deepen their friendships.
You’re not just a men’s group anymore. You’re a brotherhood going through life together.
We all have secret thoughts and behaviors that we hide from others—partly out of pride and partly out of shame (two of Satan’s most destructive tools).
But once you have a group who you can trust to be open with, you can shine a light on the things you’ve allowed to grow in the darkness. You don’t have to deal with it all by yourself anymore—such a weight is lifted!
This accountability will sustain you through the worst of life’s blitzes—what I call those times of great challenges that provide opportunities for great growth.
—and need other men in their lives to encourage them and show them how. Jesus is the main focus of a transformative Christian men’s group. A team of like-minded believers is one of the keys to unlocking spiritual growth.
Not only will you spend time studying His Word and perfect example—He’ll also be a part of it as you pray to Him.
Jesus had His own men’s group during His life as a man on earth. And, with His disciples, Jesus modeled His perfect solution to all the needs listed above.
He brought them out of their busy lives into a group with the most important mission of all time—to bring salvation to humanity. He fostered a group of authenticity, deep friendship, and accountability. And He taught them how to be a son to their Heavenly Father and encouraged them every day.
If you’re looking to deepen friendship and mutual mentoring, check out the PLAYBOOK FOR LEVEL 5 FRIENDSHIP—a guide that will help you connect with other men in a meaningful way and catalyze spiritual growth in each other’s lives.
What is a true friend? A true friend is someone who’s always there for you. He gives you unconditional support and helps you see who you really are. He holds you accountable and always encourages you, building you up to be the man you were meant to be. Where do I get that picture of […]
