With God’s prompting we took a risk, built a fire and invited some men to a barn in Emmett, Idaho. A barn, a few cowboys, a Morman, a Baptist and a few old Assembly of God patrons started to share our stories around a fire to see if we could rediscover the power of this ancient setting.
We have met for over three years and with no agenda dove into the conversation we were all desperate to have. We heard and told stories that had been idling in our hearts for way too long. As we shared, healing came and continues to come.
Over the last three years we have learned a few things to make the experience even richer. Simply by attending once a month, men are growing faster and stronger than their peers. The fire is a place where like-hearted men can step off the front-lines and share stories that matter. It’s a place where men can learn to trust Jesus’ leadership and together, practice being sons and receiving from a good father.
There are no requirements or prerequisites. No denominational necessities and no one taking attendance. Just willing men saying yes to showing up to orchestrate an atmosphere of sonship and connection.
The group’s host often starts the discussion with something like this…“Guys, this is what walking as a son looks like for me recently. I have a story to share…” One man’s vulnerable, hopeful story becomes the invitation for every man to reflect on their own story. Often times one man’s vulnerability allows his hope to actually exchange with other’s men’s despair. The man listening can shift from downtrodden, head down posture to a set back in the heals “Wait” moment, and come to the conclusion that …. “There is hope for me”…. They realize they can exchange despair for hope and get on the path to redemption similar to the man next to him.
Time and time again we have seen God use a fire to set men free from fear, doubt, shame and lies about God and themselves. Real-life stories have a way of “adjusting” imperfect theology and emboldening men.
Many who search for transformation in a book or a profound encounter with God never find it because what their souls actually need is to be seen and heard in community, where they feel safe. A Wild Courage fire is that place.
We often base our discussions and lean heavily on content from Wild at Heart and Becoming a King. If you are a first time guest you may even go home with those books in your hand.
Our Core Values
Story: Hope comes from hearing
Humility: Humility is the door to authentic relationship
Honor: Honor each other above self
Hope: Hope if found through stories of brokenness and redemption
Redemption: Without the Redeemer, there is no redemption