If you Google “men and friendship”, you’ll come across numerous studies – most of them suggesting the same thing. According to the experts, men are not good at friendship. Men usually have fewer close friendships than women do, and report higher feelings of loneliness. This can have a significant impact on a man’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing – especially as the ups and downs of life wear us down.
For the past several years, PVCC has offered a monthly Men’s Breakfast. Lately, David Richards and I have taken turns leading the group; Joshua Walker has led a time or two as well. We meet at Panera Bread (State Route 37 in Noblesville, in front of Meijer) at 8 AM. This is a great atmosphere for the Men’s Breakfast, and the coffee and bagels are good too.
Some simple changes are coming for the Men’s Breakfast in 2018. David Richards returns to leading each month, rather than alternating with me. In addition, we’re starting a new study, reading straight from the Book of James. This would be a great opportunity for you to jump in if you’ve never attended the Men’s Breakfast before, or if you haven’t attended consistently in some time. I’d especially encourage men who are newer to Prairie View to consider participating.
I think the Men’s Breakfast has many benefits, but it can be particularly useful to men whose schedules don’t allow them to participate in a weekly Small Group. Saturday morning may be easier than a weeknight, especially if you’re married with kids; and once per month is much less demanding than once per week.
If you’ve never attended before, don’t be intimidated! We usually have a wide age range present, and we all have unique personalities and contributions. The Men’s Breakfast ends by 9:30 AM, and consists of time for catching up, discussion of our study, and prayer. Whether you’re a new believer looking to learn more, or a mature Christian who’s attended countless events like this, we’d love to have you. I’m sure there’s much the men present can teach you, and much you can teach them.
Will attending the PVCC Men’s Breakfast solve the complex challenges men face when it comes to developing lasting friendships? Probably not. However, it certainly won’t hurt. We need each other more than we realize or admit.
I hope you’ll join us on Saturday January 20; you may be surprised by just how encouraging and edifying it can be.
