The retreat was just the starting point, it’s what comes next that really matters.
As I reflect on my time at the manhood retreat, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the world around me has influenced my thoughts on what a man is supposed to look like. There are messages everywhere about what it means to be a man or a woman. Men are supposed to be in charge, independent, and not show their emotions, while women are supposed to find their worth in how they look, being independent, or what they achieve. These messages often put being in control and defining yourself above everything else, but when I compare them to what the Bible says, they seem incomplete and sometimes even empty. The Bible shows us something much deeper and more meaningful: a call to be humble, to love sacrificially, and to find our identity not in what we do, but in who Christ is.
This retreat was a much needed time to take a step back and think about what it really means to be shaped by God’s words, not just what’s popular. It’s been a challenge, but also a confirmation of what I believe about identity. I’ve had to let go of some wrong ideas I didn’t even know I had, and it’s reminded me that my true identity comes from being a child of God, first and foremost. When we talk about being a man or a woman in a biblical sense, it’s not about fitting into certain molds or meeting other people’s expectations. It’s about showing God’s character in our own unique ways. For men, that means leading with humility, being brave, and doing the right thing. For women, it means being strong in a wise and nurturing way, and being faithful. But for both, the most important thing is to be like Christ.
Being part of a community and having accountability has made a huge difference in stepping into the role of a biblical man. Growth into biblical manhood or womanhood is not meant to happen in isolation. It is through the Gospel, honest conversations, shared struggles, and mutual encouragement that real transformation takes place. Something so beautiful that has come out of this retreat is the hard conversations and the true care that my friends had for each other during an emotionally heavy moment. Being able to experience this and carry it on to the next community of young adults we may come in contact with is such an awesome thing!
Having a clear understanding of what it means to be a man or a woman, based on the Bible, can really change everything. It affects how we interact with others, how we lead, and what we want for our future families. This isn’t about limiting ourselves, but about living the way we were meant to and that’s actually really freeing. It helps us understand who we are and how we should live, and that can have a big impact on every part of our lives. By embracing this vision, we can build stronger, more loving relationships and create a better future for ourselves and those around us.
As we move forward, I pray our class stays focused on growing in our faith with purpose. The retreat was just the starting point, it’s what comes next that really matters. For the rest of our time as Fellows and after, I pray we keep our roots deep in the word, stay true to our community, and aren’t afraid to push each other to be our best selves, all while showing love and support. As we take on new roles in life whether it’s in our careers, friendships, marriages, or families, I pray we can carry with us a clear picture of what it means to be a man or woman of faith, one that reflects Christ’s character. We won’t do it perfectly, but if we do it with faithfulness and sincerity, that’s what truly matters.
Jacob Hadden
Current Fellow, Class XX