We are all environmentalists. At least in group life. You know, “I planted, Apollos watered, God caused the growth.” Henry Cloud and I do a lot of teaching about the environment a group creates. We’ll unpack this more at the Ancient-Future conference this fall at Willow. In any case, I have been thinking about that environment in the group I hang with on Friday mornings. Just this morning that was clear again…and I remembered when the group started.

About 2 years ago I asked a group of guys from the neighborhood to meet regularly to process life. That is basically what a group is – a laboratory for life. We practice community there and then inflict what we have learned on the rest of the world. I asked the guys after we started, “Why did you say yes when I invited you?” The answers were great.

A stay-at-home dad said somewhat humorously, “I just want some adult conversation!” A single parent dad of 5 said, “Because group has always been my life blood. An al-anon group saved my life and this men’s group is one of the few places in my week where I do not have to perform or get criticized. I run a $100 million company and that’s what I endure all day.”

Another wanted to make a positive turn in his marriage, while another was eager to see the group as a catalyst for serving others. Others mentioned an intentional environment that would challenge them to grow in all areas of life. And then a seeker in the group spoke. “I guess I am the resident seeker here—at least that is how I view myself. I am here because you guys have been my friends in the neighborhood—you fell like family. Actually, closer than family. And you make me feel like I belong even though I don’t believe like you do.”

It is a safe, caring and sometimes chaotic gathering. But the environment is conducive for growth and for lives to open up. And that’s a big deal to me.