Men’s Formation Groups

Interested in joining a men’s formation group?  Sometimes they are referred to as a “small group”.  (If you are interested, I can connect you with a group in your area or teach you how to start one on your own.)

The King’s Men currently have over 20 active men’s groups that meet weekly with more on the way.  Any man is welcome to join, at anytime.  The format of the meetings follows the dynamic and highly effective, not to mention time-tested and proven, model created by The King’s Men.  No matter what stage of life a man is in, no matter his education or experience, no matter his marital status or career, a formation group is good for every man.  A small formation group is intended to be multifaceted; men may experience some or all of the following from being in a small group: friendship, accountability, challenge, spiritual fortitude, fraternity, strength, encouragement, purpose, virtue!

The meetings typically go something like this:

• Group prayer – the Rosary is suggested. 15-20 minutes.
• Discussion based on a masculine resource.  30-45 minutes.  (Masculine resources might be “Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue”, “Be a Man!”, an encyclical/papal letter, “Signposts” or something similar.  Each group’s core team leadership has the autonomy to decide on the resource that is right for their group.)  The discussion time is facilitated by a leader and kept on-time by the time keeper.  The discussion is not a “teaching moment”, but a formation moment where each man has time to share if he so desires.  Great trust and bonding, as well as Scriptural “sharpening” (Prov. 27:17) takes place during this portion of the meeting.
• The 4-Cs.  Commit, Confess, Challenge, Confirm.  This is the accountability portion of the meeting and what really sets The King’s Men apart from the typical men’s group.  Each week, each man makes a commitment to something he is going to do over the next week.  The commitment should help him to grow in holiness and virtue.  It should be attainable, tangible and should be realistic.  The next week, he comes back and “confesses” how he did with his commitment.  This process continues each week.  If a man needs to be challenged, another man may do so.  If a man deserves to be confirmed, another man may do so. Approx. 30 minutes.
• Closing prayer, including each man’s intentions and the general intentions of The King’s Men. 5 minutes.
• Total meeting should be 2 hrs or less.

Groups should be kept to no more than 10-12 men.  Once a group grows too large, it should be split into two separate groups.  This is done so that each man has the ability to share, seek guidance, be formed and grow personally.  If a group is too large, it stifles men’s ability to grow.  Some groups choose to remain a large group for prayer, reading and discussion and then choose to split up for The 4 C’s, which is a viable option.

For more information on TKM Formation & Accountability groups, contact me at Dave@TheKingsMen.org or check out the list of active groups by clicking HERE.