For centuries, men have gathered to share their stories.  From hunters returning to camp to tell of their adventures in the wild, soldiers huddling to remember the valiant fight of the fallen, scholars circling to debate the philosophies of the time, to sports fans discussing the struggles of the latest match, we have gathered with intent.  Camp fires, kitchen tables, pubs, feed stores, and even churches have been ample facilities in which to connect with each other.  This is fellowship.  Men, gathering, sharing their stories.

In the fall of 2012, a few church friends gathered on a patio to have a drink, smoke cigars, and discuss life.  It was good.  Those few invited a few more and it became a regular occurrence.  One gathering during a cold and snowy night on that patio, huddled around a propane heater and a small fire, the guys decided to capitalize on an offer.  Mike had volunteered to host the next gathering at his barn, which could be warmer and more protected from the elements.  More men were invited.  Then those men invited their friends, and soon we had 30-50 men gathering monthly.  Those first few friends knew that this “thing” had developed not by random happenstance, but because God was in it.  We gave it a name: fellowship.  It sounds “churchy”, and yes, we talk about Jesus.  We also smoke cigars.  We have a drink or two.  But paramount, we talk about life and share our story.  Everyone has one, and they are best told in person.  We’ve done “educational” nights learning about scotch, tequila, cigars, maple syrup, and deer dressing.  Sometimes someone will share their story with the whole group.  Sometimes the only formality is to say “Welcome!”.

…So what is fellowship?  It’s me, sharing my story.  It’s you, sharing your story.  It’s men, gathering together, to live The Story.