What Kind of Man Do I Want to Be? with Micah Williams and Brandon DeJong

Authentic Manhood Identity Leadership Relationships Work

What Kind of Man Do I Want to Be? with Micah Williams and Brandon DeJong

Chris Rivers

In season two, episode 15, Chris Rivers, Micah Williams, and Brandon DeJong members of Grace Church’s Pelham campus, tackle the question, “what kind of man do I want to be?” or, more specifically, “what kind of man does God want me to be?” They discuss the core identity of an authentic man and explore practical strategies for building intentionality and natural rhythms around this idea.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Download Episode 15 Study Questions and then share, listen, and discuss in a one on one conversation or with a group of men.

APPLICATION

  • What are some strategic ways I can move towards authentic manhood on the farm (work)?
  • What are some strategic ways I can move towards authentic manhood in my family?
  • What are some strategic ways I can move towards authentic manhood in my faith?
  • What are some strategic ways I can move towards authentic manhood in how I view fun?

KEY POINTS

  • In considering the question, “what type of man do I want to be?” Micah and Brandon shared their initial thoughts. Micah, a self-described “floater,” noted the absence of intentionality in certain areas of his life. He realized how his tendency to take life as it comes, without a clear strategy, was not setting him up to become the man he wanted to be. Brandon began thinking about what it might look like to be different and set apart to the people around him. He asked himself how this might play out in his connections with his friends, his interactions at work, and his relationship with his wife.
  • The question “what type of man do I want to be?” leads us to reflect on two ideas: identity and strategy. Chris unpacked the concept of identity as it relates to authentic manhood. As men, we were created and have a Creator. We have a God-given calling to be “responsible for.” This means we move towards the people and situations God places in our lives and depend on God our Creator. In doing so, we are spurred on to good works and begin focusing on ways to accept responsibility and steward our identity in Christ.
  • When we understand our identity, we logically move to the concept of strategy. This answers the question, “how do I move?” In most cases, lack of strategy is the primary reason for our ineffectiveness as authentic men. Chris presented a practical framework using “lanes'' to address different areas of our lives. He encouraged listeners to take some time to evaluate these categories, develop strategies, and evaluate progress. Micah and Brandon explored these concepts in further detail during the episode. They include:
  • Farm (work)
  • Family (family, friends, community)
  • Faith (walk with Christ)
  • Fun (planned activities to rest, recharge, reconnect)
  • In thinking about the type of men we want to be, Brad summarized three important takeaways:
    • My desires and motivations need to align with God through process and action steps.
    • Being on mission requires me to bring others along so they can see God moving.
    • Community involves intentionally and repetition. Many times, I can’t tell a huge difference, but incrementally over time, I will see progress and the impact of having myself connected to other people and having others connected to me.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

“‘Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’ Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’”Matthew 22:36-40

“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 16-20

RESOURCES

Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood

A Man and His Work Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/a-man-and-his-work

Sample Exercise using the Four Lanes: LINK

If you know a man that would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: menatgrace@gracechurchsc.org.