God designed men to seek out adventure. But, somewhere between childhood and the struggles of yesterday, most men lose sight of those dreams. Fear not: bestselling author and counselor John Eldredge is here to teach men that there's a better way to live.
Every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.
In the heart of every man is a yearning—to be powerful, brave, and free. But over time, life’s responsibilities and wounds dim that fire. In this updated edition of his bestselling book Wild at Heart, John Eldredge invites men to rediscover their masculine soul and step into the adventure God created them for.
Through biblical insights, personal stories, and reflections from years of counseling, Eldredge calls men to reject passivity, heal from their wounds, and live from a place of true strength.
For more on this theme, listen to the Heart of a Man session from the Wild At Heart Experience video study.
Why This Book Matters
Too many men feel disconnected from their true selves. They show up to life, to faith, and to relationships feeling stuck—unsure of who they are or what they’re called to.
Wild at Heart helps readers:
-
Recover the masculine heart God designed
-
Heal the wounds that keep them from living fully
-
Embrace risk, strength, and purpose
-
Discover freedom and joy in being fully alive
-
Break free from the pressure to be “nice” and instead become good, strong, and dangerous for good
These themes are explored further in the the Wild at Heart Experience — a video series for men’s groups and churches.
What you’ll discover in Wild at Heart
The secret of a man’s soul – Why men are wired for adventure, strength, and purpose—and what happens when they suppress it.
The wounds men carry – How life’s pains shape a man’s identity, and how God can bring deep healing.
The life you were made for – Why embracing risk, danger, and passion is central to walking with God.
John Eldredge also expands on these topics in his followup book, Wild at Heart Field Manual and Fathered by God.
**Who should read this book?
This book is for:
-
Men who feel stuck or disillusioned in their faith journey
-
Those who long for purpose but feel burdened by duty
-
Anyone ready to explore what it means to live from a whole, free, and powerful heart
-
Women seeking to better understand the masculine journey
For a complementary journey for women, see Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge.
Wild at Heart as a group study for churches & small groups
Countless churches, men’s ministries, and small groups around the world have used Wild at Heart to help men reconnect with their God-given identity. It’s more than a book—it’s a journey to freedom and strength.
Why use this for a church or group study?
-
Sparks honest, vulnerable conversations about masculinity and faith
-
Guides men to examine their stories, wounds, and calling
-
Builds brotherhood and accountability
-
Leads participants to spiritual and emotional healing
For group leaders, the Wild at Heart Study Guide and Field Manual offer structure, discussion questions, and exercises to guide participants through the material. Both updated editions are available on Amazon.
The origin of Wild at Heart
John Eldredge spent years counseling men who felt lost in their faith, unsure of their role in the world. Over time, a pattern emerged—men were deeply unsure of their masculine identity and had lost touch with their desires for adventure, passion, and strength.
Wild at Heart was born from this insight—a bold call to reclaim manhood as God intended. Drawing from Scripture, myth, and personal story, Eldredge’s words resonated with men everywhere who felt unseen and uncertain.
To engage God in the way this book describes, we need time alone with him. The Pause App we created helps you build time into your day for just that.
A foundation for the Wild at Heart movement
Wild at Heart sparked a global movement, inspiring books, retreats, podcasts, and a vibrant brotherhood of men seeking to live fully and freely. Its core ideas—of the battle, the adventure, and the beauty—continue to shape men’s lives through programs like Wild At Heart Retreat, the Wild at Heart Experience, and more.
To explore how these themes have developed, watch Wild at Heart: The Series with John Eldredge.
To learn more about doing this in your community, check out our Wild at Heart Retreat page.
