Golf solo. Golf with my 8-year-old. Golf with other men. These are three options that are currently big in my life.

The truth is, when it comes to golf, I’m not that great. I’m improving, but I still have a long way to go. This is where I am caught in the tension of easier versus better.

It’s easier to hit the course or the range solo and just do my own thing, but golf with my son is one of the highlights of my week. It’s excellent practice and the intentional time that I spend with him is priceless. I wouldn’t trade our standing golf date for anything. It’s invaluable father/son time.

However, if I want to improve my game, I need to spend time on the course with other men who are also students of the game. I need to watch, listen, and be encouraged, pushed, and warned by guys who have more experience or a different perspective. Spending time with other men on the course has been good and challenging for me. The side benefit is that I don’t become better only for my own benefit. As I improve, I am able to help my son take the steps that he needs to take in order to have the skills and experiences he needs to succeed on the course.

I think there is an underlying principle here. As men, we need to know and spend time with other men. We need to be encouraged and sharpened by like-minded guys who are sharing the journey with us. We need to know each other, trust each other, and want the best for each other. I believe that this is critical for our own health as Christian men, as well as the health of our friendships, marriages, families, and church.

To that end, we are planning a Men’s Lunch on Thursday, October 29th, from noon to 1:00pm. The purpose of this gathering is to begin meeting each other and networking so we can take next steps as Christian men together, wherever we find ourselves on the journey. We need to know other men across the spectrum of age, experience, and background, and events like this will help us take initial steps in that direction. In addition, we’re talking lunch here. So if you can make it to the Brook Hills campus on Thursday, the barbecue will be waiting. Just make sure to reserve your spot for $9 at brookhills.org/mens-lunch. We’re looking forward to a great time together and hearing from Pastor Matt as he encourages us and challenges us. So carve out the time on your calendar and plan to be there.

John Butterfield is our Local Disciple-Making Pastor. He and his wife, Janet, have been members of our faith family since 2012. They have two children: Shanna, 19, and Grant, 8. For more information on our Men’s lunch or to register, please visit brookhills.org/mens-lunch.