Warning … This message is intended only for F3 men.  Specifically, my fellow warriors from the Fe.  To anyone else reading this, the message will self-destruct in three … two … one …

And, nothing happens.

Oh, I suppose anyone could read this and get ideas about how to start a small group.  So, feel free to read on if you are not part of F3. 

Some of you may know that my schedule at Amazon recently changed.  It was such a blessing to get back to my church family on Father’s Day, not to mention this past weekend! 

But as you know, there are always pros and cons.  One of those cons was realizing that I would be missing my Saturday morning men’s Bible study group.  That was when the Lord put it on my heart that I needed something to take its place.  And He wanted ME to get it going.

Me, Lord?  You seriously want me?  Of all men to lead a small group!  I feel a bit like Moses in Exodus when he questions God about choosing him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 

God’s response is clear … Yes, Clint!  I am calling you to be strong and courageous and step up your F3 leadership!  Other men will come alongside you in this journey to help.  You got this!

It was pretty awesome hearing that booming voice coming down from the heavens.  Sounded a bit like Morgan Freeman.  Nah, just messing with you.  That would be pretty cool though if I DID hear a voice.  I might pick James Earl Jones over Morgan Freeman though.

Back to business … So, I want to start this group to encourage men in their faith.  I am unsure exactly what it will look like, but here are some brainstorming ideas I want to share before we begin.

1. This group should be open to ALL men, including mature Christians all the way down to men seeking a brand new faith.  The ones who get it could even begin mentoring those just beginning their faith journey.
2. Start by getting all the guys interested to fill out a quick Google Form survey.  We need to see when people are available and who all is interested in participating.  Here is the link: https://forms.gle/uRBTGgiGqUg4TA3x5
3. Set up a brainstorming session based on the results here.  My ideas combined with everyone else’s.  The more input the better. 
4. Come up with a clear plan involving how frequent and how long we will meet.  Take the ideas from the brainstorming session and set them in motion.  Some may work.  Others may implode.  Take what works and proceed.
5. I would see this group meeting bi-weekly or monthly.  Weekly would be nice, but that might be overwhelming.  Anything longer than that would hurt those who have attendance conflicts.
6. Fellowship is important.  I see meetings taking place with snacks or food.  Maybe even at a restaurant.  Combining this with the 2^nd F would be crucial.
7. I would love for everyone to hear my testimony.  My story is unique, and it explains how God has remade me from a lukewarm Christian into a soldier for Christ. 
8. This could set up the path for more stories to be shared.  If anyone has a story worth sharing—which by the way, every story is worth sharing—the more practice, the better. 
9. Prayers could be shared, and we could go that extra mile to encourage friends through messaging them throughout the week. 
10. I would see accountability coming into play.  Certainly, some challenges, like praying with your wife or creating an intentional moment with your son.  It could even involve temptations we struggle with like purity, anger, or other relationships. 
11. The Bible is a roadmap to life.  Using it in one way or another is essential.  Whether it be a scripture to chew on or an in depth Discovery Bible Study over the book of Romans, we need the Word involved.
12. YouVersion is a free Bible app that we could train on at home.  It provides a plethora of devotions that all end with a section to “talk it over.”  The real talking, however, could happen at our fellowships.
13. Christian books are always good for discussion.  We could choose a book to read, digest it, and discuss applications face to face.
14. Zoom could be a possibility if men are not able to make it in person.  We could even Zoom in guys who want to be there but can’t while the rest of us meet face-to-face.
15. We could use videos from RightNowMedia or YouTube or elsewhere to watch and discuss.
16. We could dive into topical discussions dealing with stuff like parenting, Christlike leadership, witnessing, or idolatry. 
17. We could share important takeaways from our home churches and challenge each other to apply these to our lives. 
18. We could take on the Shield Lock Discussion Guide, an official F3 document.  No sense in recreating the wheel, right?

What do you guys think?  Feel free to reply back on my blog here if you have any suggestions, or if you feel more comfortable emailing me ideas, you can connect with me at theteachersdevotional@gmail.com.  Or message me on Slack.  Or send out a smoke signal. 

I look forward to beginning this journey with anyone who wants to give it a try.  Who knows, it may end up being pretty cool!  Or it may not work at all.  The important thing is that I at least give this a shot.  Please be praying for this new journey.