Tenets of the Fellowship of Men
These are the seven tenets of the Fellowship of Men. They express how we see the world, understand our place within it, and discern God’s calling for our lives. They speak to the fundamental truths that shape our understanding of God, ourselves, one another, and the world in which we live.
They are not merely statements of belief, but convictions by which we seek to live - a compass for the journey and a foundation upon which to build our lives. They call us to see ourselves honestly, to seek truth courageously, and to become the men God created us to be.
Together, they define the heart and spirit of the Fellowship of Men - how we think, how we live, and how we answer the call of God upon our lives.
1. A Fallen Race - Redemption in Christ
We were created in the image of God, and yet we were born into a fallen world as children of a fallen race - descendants of Adam, depraved and corrupted in nature, dead in sin, carrying upon us the stench of death. At our best, we are dead men walking, but our fallen nature tilts us ever toward that of savage animals in a pit. Separated from God by our sin, we stand before a chasm no striving, no goodness, no effort of our own can cross.
But within us is a flickering, a fragment of the Spirit of God - an ancient longing, a splinter in our mind, a whisper in our soul for more; a yearning to rediscover the i am in the great I AM.
And into that longing comes the Kingdom of God. Grace is extended, and redemption is possible in Christ: ...says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool… (Isaiah 1:18).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)
2. Metanoia - Reformation of the Heart
Jesus and John the Baptist started their ministries with the words, “Metanoia (repent), for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). This call was not merely to feel regret, but to experience a profound transformation of heart and mind. Metanoia means changing the way one thinks - to change the mind that we think with. It is to start to think with the mind of God, allowing God’s truth to reorder life from within.
Metanoia is the spark - the ignition of the heart - that allows the Spirit of God to burn within us, setting in motion an inward reformation of the heart of man that produces lasting change in thoughts, actions, character, and purpose –
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
3. The Teleios Man - Man of Faith, Courage, and Purpose
The Teleios man is the one who follows the narrow path - not flawless, not without mistakes or struggles, but walking in humility, listening to the Spirit of God every day, every moment, and every step of the way.
He becomes more complete and mature each day, growing into the purpose for which he was created - to become all the man - physically, mentally, and spiritually - he can be in Christ: a man of faith, strength, courage, and purpose, with humility as the ground zero of all he is and all he can ever become in Christ. It is the humility that brings him face to face with his own brokenness, vulnerability, and authenticity. From there, the Teleios man grows in faith, strength, courage, and love.
And then, a few short years from now, when he reaches the end of this treacherous path, may he be able to echo the words of Jesus: Tetelestai (τετÎλεσται) - “It is finished.”
Completed. Accomplished. Brought to its intended end. (John 19:30)
4. Unity in Christ
In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” There is a Moravian Church principle that says, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.”
For the Fellowship of Men, the essential is this:
“Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
These are the words of Peter when Jesus asked him, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
This litmus test is affirmed in the book of 1 John: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (1 John 5:1), and again, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.”
(1 John 2:22)
“Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God” - this is the one foundational truth and confession of faith that should connect and unite all Christian men
5. The Foundational Authority of God’s Word
The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God - the true foundation upon which we build our lives. It is not merely a source of wisdom among many, but the unchanging standard by which truth, morality, character, and purpose are measured. Through it, God reveals Himself, our need for redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Culture shifts, opinions change, and emotions deceive, but the truth of God remains. Scripture is the compass by which we navigate life - shaping how we think, what we believe, the choices we make, and the men we become.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
To submit to God’s Word is more than believing it is true. We allow its truth to penetrate the heart, renew the mind, and govern our lives. We learn to think like Christ, so that we may increasingly live like Christ.
6. A Testudo Brotherhood - Iron Sharpens Iron
As the wise man Solomon wrote: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) The sharpening of character is a kinetic process - it requires real, honest masculine interaction. It is therefore important for every man to be part of at least one small group that meets weekly, and perhaps one or two others that meet less regularly.
These should be groups of sound character, good spirit, and trustworthy nature - built around shared interests, proximity, and common purpose. They should be men of God he respects, men he can trust, and men with whom he can build genuine friendships.
Men bond shoulder to shoulder, learning from one another side by side. It is in the activity, the struggle, and the thick of it that they grow closer. It is in the Testudo formation - standing firm and protecting the man beside him - in the line of duty, in the scrum, in the adventure - there on the edge of order and chaos - that they begin to understand and value one another. True masculine friendship does not come easily. Camaraderie among men is forged by laying down a part of your life with and for one another, its cost measured in time, commitment, trust, sweat, tears, and blood.
Small and larger activity groups are the heartbeat of the Fellowship of Men - places of real connection where every man has a name, every man counts, every man has a voice, and every man can make a difference.
7. The Great Commission - Esprit de Corps
The mission is clear, the instructions unambiguous:
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“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
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And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Fishing for men is neither easy nor a solo endeavor. We do not do it because it is easy, but because it is hard. Going the extra mile - to the highways, the byways, and the hedges - will cost you, and cost you dearly. But it should also be the greatest adventure a man can ever know. It is the highest calling, the greatest honor, and the most incredible mission a man can be part of.
The Fellowship of Men does not merely call for small and large activity groups, but for turning those groups outward into the world to make a real difference. It must be more than a hangout, a social club, or a therapy group - it must reach outward and connect with men near and far.
It is not merely about camaraderie, but about a true esprit de corps - men locking arms with brothers in Christ, united in mission to bring the Kingdom of God into their world.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
Isaiah 6:8