Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is Men's Fraternity?: Men's Fraternity is a men's ministry curriculum developed by Robert Lewis, pastor-at-large for Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. It began in 1990 in response to a request from the men of his church who wanted more Bible study. They felt they needed some practical insight in how to live as biblical men and they needed a safe place each week where they could process these truths with other men. They said, "We want an environment of openness and brotherhood, like we had back at the fraternity in college, only more helpful and spiritually constructive."

The Men's Fraternity meeting that began in Little Rock is now attended by nearly 1,400 men weekly and the curriculum that developed out of it is being used by almost 2,000 churches, literally, all over the world.

Men's Fraternity is not "an event"; it is "a process" that enables men to experience real life-change together with other men over several weeks. Locally, Lancaster County Bible Church has used Men's Fraternity for 4 years and recently had 1,200 men involved in the program.
2. What is the goal of Men's Fraternity?: Imagine the transforming power of men coming together within your church and community to honestly examine their lives and take the courageous steps necessary to embrace authentic manhood on a journey to become who God intends them to be. That is the goal of Men's Fraternity.

When men connect in life-changing ways, a powerful ripple effect touches families, workplaces and the church. Deeper connections with God and other men inspire participants to connect more meaningfully in all facets of their lives. They climb beyond the walls of isolation and aspire to a biblical viewpoint marked by integrity, boldness and compassion.

Through this powerful series, men learn to reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously and expect God's greater reward.
3. What is the philosophy of Men's Fraternity?: The true power of Men's Fraternity lies in bringing men together on common ground to learn together and listen to each other. Bonds of true God-centered friendships are formed as men encourage each other week-by-week to more fully embrace a godly view of manhood.
4. What is the benefit of Men's Fraternity?: In our world today there is limited training on how to be a 'real man'. Men's Fraternity teaches the men how to be a godly warrior, lover, king and friend. It provides a biblically based approach to being a man in today's world. Feedback from the course reveals that it makes a difference in the lives of men and they are changed for the better as they relate to their family, friends and church. It is oriented strictly for men and they will relate to it at basic levels. We have fun experiencing the uniqueness of being a man.
5. Who should come to Men's Fraternity?: This ministry is appropriate for any man age 18 or older, fathers, sons, mature believers, new believers, 'churched', and 'un-churched' men, single, married, young or old.
6. What happens at Men's Fraternity?: The format is simple: Men come together for weekly 45-minute teaching sessions where we will view the teachings by Robert Lewis on DVD, followed by 30 minutes of small group interaction in an environment where men are free to talk openly and confidentially about what they heard and express mutual support for one another.
7. What is expected of those who participate?: To get the most out of Men's Fraternity the men should make attendance a priority. The group session, followed by discussion will allow them to unpack the information and apply it to their lives. There is an overall 'manhood plan' that will be completed as we proceed through the year. Spending time through the week thinking about the material and applying it to their lives will make it a very valuable experience.
8. What is the time commitment?: As with most seminars attending all of the sessions is important. The sessions will run on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. The seminars will run from September 18th through the beginning of April with a two-week break in December. There is no weekly 'homework' but it is important to spend time during the week processing the information discussed in the weekly meetings.
9. Can I join Men's Fraternity partway through it?: While it is best to attend the sessions from the beginning of the year since they build on each other, you are welcome to come when you are available and join midway through the year and gain the benefits of the sessions you attend.
10. What does it cost to be part of Men's Fraternity?: The cost for attending Men's Fraternity is minimal, around $20, which provides for the study manual and other materials we will provide. Scholarships are available for those who are not in a position to pay for the materials.
11. Is Men's Fraternity appropriate for 'non-believers'?: Yes. In fact, it is a great way to introduce non-believers to the gospel in a safe, non-threatening environment. Our event will feel more like a men's gathering rather than a worship service or Bible Study. We have found this material is excellent for the most mature believers because of its practicality and focus on application, but it is also enjoyed by non-believers for the very same reasons.
12. What about other men's ministries at LWCC?: The Men's Fraternity is not designed to replace existing men's ministries. It is especially designed to provide a place for men to connect with God in a different way than they have in the past. If men are either ministering or being ministered to in other ministries at Living Word, they should continue in them. If they are not involved in ministry , we invite them to try Men's Fraternity and see what it has to offer.