The idea behind of a Gathering of Men is simple and is rooted in the basic idea that men have a hard time opening up with each other about the things that truly matter to them. Every day, men have opportunities for conversations about sports, politics, and a host of other “manly” topics. Usually these conversations are superficial. As men, we do everything we can to avoid expressions of our true feelings about the underlying issues that cause us pain. A Gathering of Men is intended to provide an opportunity to explore these underlying issues and to give us a forum where frank discussions can be held with complete confidentially.
Many years ago the Reverend Lewis Hartman Mills of St. David’s Radnor recognized the need for men to learn how to better express their feelings and established the concept of a Gathering of Men. Rev. Mills’s idea was simple, provide a venue where men can be encouraged to discuss their true feelings. While the format has changed over the years, the basic concept that keeps men coming back week after week is that a Gathering of Men provides a powerful and compelling spiritual experience.
For a Gathering of Men to be successful, the group must maintain the right conditions. A safe place is required where men can feel comfortable and trust that the thoughts and feelings they share will be kept in strict confidence. We have found that when we maintain a simple discipline focused on the following guidelines we are successful, and the group thrives.
Talk about what is important, your feelings, what you really care about
Stick to the here and now, talk about current feelings not the past
Always use the “I” statement
Don’t give advice
Maintain group confidentially, what is said must stay in the room
Commit to coming to every meeting when possible
For more information about a Gathering of Men, please ask, call, or e-mail one of the following:
Jim Diedrich or at 610-783-7552,
Cliff Castle or at 610-644-2231
Rodney Platt or at 610-644-9636