In our men’s ministry we have an axiom that reminds us (or helps us to try) to create the right kind of environment to engage men and equip them to be men of influence (because of integrity) in their homes, workplaces, neighborhoods and church.

The axiom–We want to create an environment that is safe, but not comfortable.

Safe, but not comfortable

That means we will make sure men know it “It’s okay not to be okay–but it’s not okay to stay there.” (Matt Chandler)

We regularly remind the men, that everyone in the room struggles.  Most struggle with similar issues, not all struggle with the same issues, but all struggle.  So it is a safe environment in which to share and wrestle with those struggles.

What we never want to produce is a an environment where it is safe to share weakness, failure or sin without being challenged to move toward God and away from those issues (2 Timothy 2:22).

It’s okay to struggle–but we want to struggle together toward God’s intended goal.

Christian men have too often and for too long tried to “pretend” everything is okay.  They have kept their relationships with other men at superficial levels.  But that hasn’t helped anyone.

Men need to be strong enough to admit weakness and humble enough to seek help.  The must be gentle enough to accept those with failings and bold enough to not leave them there.

I want to see a revolution of men who say, “I won’t leave you behind.”  “I won’t leave you the way you are.”