A note from me...
Brothers,
The truth is I (Chadrik) just wanted more friends. But more than that, I wanted us to be friends. I envisioned a group where men could show up, be themselves, have fun, and grow in our walk with God without feeling like we have to perform or impress anyone.
I’m not trying to take anyone from their church or start my own "church" or be a pastor. That’s not the goal here. In fact thats the exact opposite of what I want to do. I hope this actually helps the local church. I want to take some of the weight off all local pastors and churches. I want men from all Christian denominations, churches, and backgrounds. This is about coming alongside and trying to help, not pulling away or dividing. Think of it like a shared backyard, where everyone’s welcomed and nobody has to mow.
When we were younger, making friends felt easier. Sports, school, jobs, gyms — there was always some kind of purpose behind the hangouts or gathering. As a byproduct of that shared purpose, we found real friendships. Sometimes even something as random as being named Chad and owning a Jeep could land you some homies (and a date).
Then I enlisted in the Air Force, and community was abundant there too — built right into every day life. We worked hard, we played hard, and had each other’s backs. After that, I went to Texas Tech and joined a fraternity (Kappa Sigma), and say what you want about fraternity life, but I’ll tell you this — friendship and community were never in short supply. There was always something fun happening, someone to call, and some reason to show up. Then I moved to Chicago to pursue acting and comedy where community was also abundant. Then by the Grace of God and my brother Niko (amongst many others; Logan, Jelmon, Issac, Dartwan) I was given the chance to attend Dallas Theological Seminary to become a pastor. But after that, at some point, it all just stopped. No more built-in community. No more automatic invites or even being at the right place at the right time. Just serious life — serious dates, marriage, kids, bills, expectations, and a whole lot of wishing I had something fun to do, that doesn't involve drinking or corny get togethers. Don't get me wrong, I WILL HAVE A FEW DRINKS AND EVEN A SHOT OR TWO and be corny, but I don't want that to be my only source of fun and I don’t think I’m the only one.
In a small sense, I wanted/am trying to create a all in one Christian mens fraternity or at minimum a place where we can have good, clean fun. Not start another local church or bible study, but a place where we can show up after work or worn down from life, and leave feeling more Joyful and lighter simply because we werent trying, well we did but didnt, ya know? There will be God's Word at the center of all of this — because we need Him (I need him) — but there will also be purpose and fun. I’m looking for genuine fellowship, with genuine guys, where friendship and fun are natural byproducts of our fellowship. Not the kind of fellowship, where you feel like you have to “put on” around other mixed singles or church crowds, even though that has its place (and honestly helped inspire part of this). I’m talking about the kind of fellowship that’s been hard to find since growing up. A group that our ladies, wives, families approve of. So, truly brothers I hope you join me.
Now, I don’t know if we will capture that same magic, but we have to try. We have to believe in the power of God, Jesus, and the the Holy Spirit. I believe if we all just open our hearts and minds and leave our egos at the door and allow God to do his work through us, He will show up for us.
Thanks for even reading this far future brothers. Hope to see you soon.
– The Chad(rik) *wink and finger guns*
