Men’s Updates – Proyecto Crisol

Have you ever wanted to invite a friend to a Crucible weekend, but don’t know how?

Here are some simple tips on how to invite someone to a weekend:

Pray about who God will bring to your heart. Pray that God would prepare and open their hearts to have a conversation with you. Be patient with your invitations.
Stay connected with community. Draw upon the strength of your fellow Redwoods for support. In the bible, it talks about sending out disciples two by two, as well as how the body of Christ works. Use others in this process. Learn from Redwoods who have walked this road many times with different people.
If you want to be effective, have the conversation in a safe setting that is face to face, eye to eye & heart to heart. Emails and texts are easy to write and then spiritualize that it’s now in God’s hands. This approach is usually ineffective compared to having the real heart to heart discussion that leads to transparency, and vulnerability.
Focus on Transformational Change: A message of personal transformation is key to helping others understand the value of a Crucible Project weekend. Talk about your life and your Crucible testimony. Be personal and transparent at a level you are comfortable sharing. Share details of how your initial weekend led you to understand your brokenness, and how that understanding brought greater meaning and healing in your life. How it helped you see your greater purpose more clearly and the impact it’s had today and for generations to come.

Communicate Clearly & Cleanly: Jesus speaks in a clear and concise way in which people understood him. He adjusted His talk to match with others around him. He knew when to speak and when to listen. It’s very helpful if you write out your testimony, then revise it and shorten it many times over if necessary, so that it is clean, clear and concise. Use clean talk “I” and “me” statements. This will personalize your sharing and help you own your own statements. Keep it simple.

Be Radically Compassionate: Welcome their struggles and their story. Hear them out. Enter into their life during your discussion, understand them, and yet then be clear as Jesus did when it came to His mission. Jesus incarnated and compassionately entered a person’s world in a few minutes, while never losing sight of His mission. Be clear about your mission.
Commit to Action: Be intentional and generate the invitation NOW. Use the strategies outlined above. Welcome whatever emotions that you may experience during this process, it’s part of our own soul work. Remember you are not alone in having these conversations. Remember the gift that you received on your own initial weekend and draw from that power to share that gift with them.

For more tips on inviting people to a Crucible Weekend, check out this video.

Resolutions, Resolutions, Resolutions….

If you’re on social media, you’ve probably been seeing them everywhere… Or maybe even people coming up with their “words” for the year.

In Crucible, you may be familiar with the question “What do you Want?”

This question is then boiled down to how YOU show up.

For example, you may want a better marriage. However, we can’t change how your partner shows up in life. But how YOU show up, has a significant impact on the relationship.

So, who do YOU want to be going into 2023?

“The Journey Continues….”

This phrase is said as participants leave their initial weekend…

Soul work is a journey. The only way to keep growing, is to keep journeying.

What is next in the journey of becoming the person that you want to be?

Here is some good news, you don’t have to take on this journey alone. We have coaches, group leaders, and fellow Redwoods who are eager to walk alongside you as you continue your journey.

What is next for you?

Women’s International Weekends

Australian Women’s Chair Jolynne Turner and Redwood Lyn Prior pressed into Lisa Modrzejewski about hosting an online weekend. After an Online Intensive where the number of new Australian Redwoods grew, Lisa, Andrea Ray, Kim Rush, Dawn Aldrich and Jess Donovan joined them for the first international weekends in Western Australia. Nineteen new Redwoods completed the Initial Crucible Weekend followed by sixteen Redwoods completing the Second-Level Unshackled weekend.

Historic Urban Weekend

Founder Greg Huston put his heart into action gathering Urban Chicago pastors to discuss the possibility of Crucible weekends in the heart of Urban Chicago. In October, four of the Urban Regional Leadership team solely led the weekend. Certified Retreat Leaders Terrance Foster and Tony Bradurn were joined by Co-Leaders Mikkal Harris and Chris Cooper to lead this historic Urban Chicago Weekend.

Mexico Leadership Dark Side

Twenty-six participants, mostly Redwood Leaders from several Mexican Regional Communities, completed the Leadership Dark Side Weekend in Tres Marias, Mexico in October. Chadd Shroeder, James Henderson, and Mateo Reed led the weekend.

Historic Veteran’s Work

Veteran Redwoods John Redstone and Joshua Ramos and active-service Redwood, Staff Seargant Armando Batista, have put together a standing Check In every 4^th Wednesday at noon via zoom. If you are interested in joining, get the zoom link, let us know. Also let us know if you’d like to be a part of planning of Veteran-centric weekend and other services.

Sexual Integrity Check In for Men

In addition to the Sexuality Weekend, we have launched a regular Sexuality Check In for men. If you want to know more about this regular check in opportunity, let us know.

Where Did He Go?

What ever happened to Joe?

He came through about a year ago and I haven’t seen him since. At lunch he told me he was going to join the Growth Group. He said he was coming back to staff the next weekend. He was so fired up as he left the weekend.

I wonder where he is!

I asked Dan and he said he hasn’t heard from him. Maybe his situation with his wife got worse. Maybe he’s had some health issues. Maybe Crucible just wasn’t really for him. But I know how he was when he left on Sunday. I wonder what happened.

That reminds me, where is Frank?

I have so many memories of staffing with Frank. Remember that time he got Judson really good? One time we set out the tiki’s, just the two of us, and we had a great talk. He helped me with some ideas with my son. I also remember the cut and bless he did of John Casey.

He hasn’t staffed since before the pandemic. I wonder why?

Maybe he’s just too busy or he isn’t getting or reading the emails. Maybe his job situation changed for the worst. Perhaps he’s comfortable sitting in his easy-chair watching college football on Saturdays and doesn’t remember how great it is to staff a weekend.

I think I’ll call Joe and Frank!

Yes, I’ll see if I can catch up with each of them, maybe have a cup of coffee or lunch. Then I’ll know what’s going on. I might be able to help. I can just imagine how great it might feel for someone to check in with each of them and let them know they are missed. Yes, that’s what I’m going to do. Right now!

Rudolph Brown grew up in Oakland and didn’t always have a Godly example of masculinity. “I lived in poverty and powerlessness. I experienced the challenges of what it means to grow up Black in America.” He grew up fast and made decisions that resulted in limits of his own position of influence.

He was watching Redwood Jason Wilson, author of Cry Like a Man, being interviewed on youtube by The Breakfast Club. Jason mentioned that he discovered his wounds and found that a man could express his emotions during his experience at a Crucible weekend. Intrigued, Rudolph checked out the men’s weekend registration page. He noticed a weekend in Rwanda. Rudolph had a bucket list goal to visit Africa as he turned 45 this year. He shared, “It was as if God was saying ‘you have to go now!’ It was an answered prayer to get to do the Crucible weekend in Rwanda.”

Rudolph returned to Washington, DC as Wise Wolf. “It’s OK to feel the frustration I was feeling. I am a better person because I have looked at how my past trips me up and affects myself and my family. My future is bright again!”

Rudolph expressed his deep thankfulness for Jason Wilson’s courage and openness to share about his own past. “Jason’s genuineness to share his faults and the many road-blocks on his path in such an open way is the gift that I needed to continue on this journey. I hear his voice in my head saying, “Pay it forward” and I am.”

If you want to become a soul work evangelist and get men you know to have the same impactful experience in his soul that you had, you need to know that it will only happen one man at a time. You sharing the opportunity for peace, joy, freedom, power, passion or purpose directly with him one-on-one. We have put together the best advice from some of our best participant recruiters for you here.

Prepare for the Meeting.

Pray for the man and the meeting. Invite the man to view the video testimonies at TheCrucibleProject.org/stories prior to meeting. Remind yourself of the Weekend dates just prior to the meeting to have those on your mind as you meet.

When You Meet.

Most effective face-to-face. Next most effective is an online meeting. Next most effective is a phone call. Minimally effective is an email or social media post.
Have a conversation – briefly catch up. Short introduction to Crucible: Ministry that ignites Christlike change through experiences of radical honesty and grace, primarily through transformational weekends, groups and coaching. “I went in Month/Year and found it impacted me in the following ways:
“What do you think? What parts appeal to you?”
This is the critical part when you ask the man something like:

“What holds you back in life? A lot goes on at the retreat weekend, but it allows you to dig deep into that area. The ratio of participants to staff at my retreat was 1:1 … You will experience a real breakthrough in that area. You will have the chance to look at the part that has you stuck.”

Speak about your story. Use “I” statements. Share what you discovered about your story, your woundedness and the new grace you experienced. Speak from your heart about what you felt on the weekend and feel now. Your answers to the following questions may help you prepare.
- What did you learn about the level of integrity and power in your life?
- What did you learn about the differences between the image you show the world and the real you inside?
- What dilemma did you discover? What are the two opposing messages that keep you stuck?
- What did you learn about what you do with your anger and what that costs you?
- What are the parts of yourself that you hide, repress and deny that you uncovered?
- What was the thing you stepped out to get for yourself? What was the block—the message that keeps playing and holds you back; and where in your past did that block come from? What new affirmation (“I am” statement) did you receive about who you truly are?
- What gold did you discover in yourself? What gold did other men affirm in you?
- How are you most changed having been through the weekend? How has that affected those around you?
Remind the man about the additional video testimonies available on the
When he seems interested, tell him he can sign up online right now.
Most initial weekends fill up fast, so do it soon!
Sticker shock often shows up. Say, “The weekend was worth far more than I paid for it. We don’t want money to be an obstacle. There is usually some financial assistance available. You can click the Financial Assistance request when you register and someone will follow up with you.”

Follow UP: Continue in prayer about the man. Email follow-up within in a couple days with a link to TheCrucibleProject.org/crucible-weekend-for-men. It also gives you a chance to encourage the man, answer any questions and reinforce the positive parts of the conversation.

If you get a no: If he is afraid to go locally, encourage him with the list of weekends that he can drive or fly into. Ask if he would be interested in joining a group of men or getting a Crucible Coach. Tell him that Crucible launched an online app that is cool and has dozens of pre-recorded sessions as well as an assessment. He can join a group of men, get a coach or access everything at MyJourneyTo.com. It doesn’t cost anything to join.

Keep following up: At some future time he may be in a more receptive place to the weekend. Invite him every time unless he asks you to not invite him anymore.

Colorado Redwood Business Owner & CEO

By most people who knew him, Todd Palmer was a successful husband, father, and business owner before he was introduced to The Crucible Project. However, he was picking up on signs that he was not connecting with his wife and children the way he wanted, and there seemed to be something holding him back from taking advantage of the many business opportunities that came his way.

He had heard from his Pastor and several friends that he should consider attending a Crucible weekend. When he finally attended, the deep work he experienced unlocked some things inside of him. He left the retreat committed to The Crucible Project’s Two-Year Program.

Two-Year Program Impact

After completing the Two-Year Program, he shared, “Without Crucible, I would have never taken the business risks that resulted in three times revenue growth year over year. My teenager was headed into tough times that I know I would not have handled well without the things I learned in Crucible and the group and coaching. I give credit to this work that I have healthy relationships with my family and that my business is growing well.”

Todd introduced me to his father who shared, “A company will never be trained to have the values that the CEO doesn’t have. Crucible has unleashed Todd, which has also impacted the leaders and employees in his company. But more importantly, it changed his relationships with his family in ways that I can never thank you enough for.”

More Impact than a CEO Roundtable

Todd’s father went on to say, “There is no CEO roundtable or entrepreneurial circle that could have impacted Todd and his business the way the Two-Year Program impacted him.”

The Two-Year Program offers four 2^nd-level weekends, monthly coaching, and a group that meets three times monthly that is led by a certified Crucible leader. Following the Two-Year Program, most graduates continue meeting together indefinitely. Learn more about investing in yourself and impacting your family and business through the Two-Year Program. If you want to talk to someone about joining, contact us.

We sat down with one of our high-level volunteers to find out more about him and volunteering at Crucible. Brian Heiser is the VP, Sales & Marketing at Ford Gum & Machine Company – proud makers of Big League Chew bubblegum and many other gum and candy products.

What Are You Doing For Crucible?

But when he is not working, he serves in a key volunteer role of Protocol Coordinator for Crucible Men’s Ministry. He works closely with Byron Myers, Lisa Modrzejewski and Colleen Hewitt, Volunteer Women’s Ministry Protocol Coordinator, to update, modify or create protocols for the weekends.

He also is essential in our Quality Assurance with assisting in the development, implementation and reporting of online surveys. For example, we created a survey to gain feedback from participants after they have attended a weekend.

Why Do You Volunteer?

Brian shared that his personal mission is “To serve my world with grace, blessing and playfulness so that other may experience the loving-tenderness of God.” He went on to say, “My volunteer role allows me to serve Crucible, and in a broader sense, men from all over the world, so

they can experience God’s love and grace on a weekend”.

“At the heart of it, I wanted to give back to an organization which has had such a profound and long-term impact on my life. After staffing most weekends, I would hear myself and other men say, “I wish my job was more like staffing.” Or “I want more of this staff-like experience in my life.” Volunteering was a way for me to have more Crucible-like experiences and interactions as I live a soul work lifestyle.”

“Whenever I can do something in my life which fits my personal mission, I find life more fulfilling. There is a personal reward knowing I am building into God’s Kingdom. Don’t get me wrong. I love making gum and candy. But knowing I am a part of an organization which gives men a chance to experience radical grace – that gives me a joy and a purpose I haven’t found anywhere else.”

What’s It Like to Volunteer With The Staff Team?

First and foremost, being a volunteer and on staff, is so much fun. It’s like being in a small group with transparent people you know, who know you and love you just as you are. I leave every meeting feeling more encouraged and energized. Yes, it can be hard work, but the entire staff supports each other and lifts each other up. Each member of the staff brings their own gold and we reco

gnize, honor and affirm each other for the unique gold we all bring”.

Advice For Someone Considering Volunteering

“Own your gold and see how you can bring that gold to help Crucible. We have so many men in this organization with such a wide variety of talents and skills – financial acumen, leadership, relationship building, organizational management, generosity, discipleship – the list goes on and on. Reach out to your local community leader, Byron Myers or Roy Wooten and let them know you want to bring your talents to Crucible. You won’t regret it.”

Open Key Volunteer Positions

Scheduler – Do you have experience scheduling multiple people for meetings? We are looking for a virtual scheduler who would be willing to help set up meetings. . If interested, connect with Brittany Duke

Database Manager – Looking for a Redwood with high attention to detail and experience with Excel or databases, such as CRMs, Salesforce, etc. If you have time and high attention to detail, we’ll train you. If interested, connect with Brittany Duke.

Content Developers – Redwoods with years of experience in soul work and participating or leading groups who might want to work with other experienced Redwoods to create new experiences for non-Redwoods across the globe through My Journey To online offerings. If interested, connect with Bob Locascio.

Communications Coordinator – Are you good at editing? If you have experience with MailChimp and would like to assist with growing outward facing communications, connect with Roy Wooten.

Podcast Host – Work with a team of volunteer podcasters to interview guests as part of the Crucible Podcast launching soon. If interested, connect with Roy Wooten.

Testimonials – Would you be willing to share your testimonial in a video or audio format? If so, we’ll help with interview questions. If interested, connect with Roy Wooten.

Video and Audio Editors – Do you have skills editing video and audio recordings? We are looking for volunteers willing to serve 2-4 hours per week to help with editing audio for podcasts and video for outward facing communications. If interested, connect with Roy Wooten.

Online Group Coordinator – More men are interested in finding online alternatives, because they live so far away from a Crucible community. Do you have coordination skills to connect men with Online Groups? If interested, connect with Byron Myers.

Online Crucible Intensive Staff – are you passionate about helping those who cannot attend an in-person Weekend? If interested, notify Retreat Leader during Staff Application.

Local Community Coordinators – tracking materials, organizing local trainings, recruiting staff for retreats. If interested, connect with Byron Myers.

Lifelong Soul Work

Crucible mission happens through the powerful volunteer work of volunteers. Someone experiences life-changing grace and can’t contain their excitement about it. They want everyone to experience it. As they continue their soul work journey in a group and second level weekends or through the 2 year program, they know that the initial weekend was just an introduction to a lifestyle of lifelong soul work.

Volunteer Leaders

Community leaders give up considerable amounts of time as they engage Redwoods in outreach, provide care to Redwoods in a messy season, plan weekend schedules, coordinate open and outward-facing engagement with potential participants, coordinate graduation site locations and scheduling, plan group leadership and group schedules, coordinate community trailer and materials, attend monthly Regional Leader Team meetings with Byron Myers, Mens Ministry Leader and provide follow up for Redwoods in the community wanting to reconnect.

Authentic Community to Do Life With

All of that volunteer support happens because a highly-motivated Redwood wants to make sure there is an authentic community around him, and every Redwood in his community, to do life with. Isolation is one of Satan’s best tools to pick Christians off. Community and belonging in Crucible goes far beyond anything one might find in almost anywhere else.

Being a part of the community means that we answer the call of other Redwoods who need a place to sleep because their relationship fell apart, or the call of one who needs help moving from one place to another. It means helping Redwoods connect to jobs when they’re in between employment and taking Redwoods to their cancer treatments. It means pitching in some bucks when a Redwood is having financial duress. It is the type of support that most men think isn’t possible any more from other men.

This Christmas, we are thankful for the gift of Crucible community. If you want to jump back in on it, let us know!

Crucible is at a critical moment where donations are needed now more than ever. We asked several generous Redwoods why they financially support the Crucible ministry by making regular contributions. Here’s what they had to say:

“Giving is personal, I get it. If you’re going to give financially why not be a part of a ministry contributing to Kingdom advancement and personal transformation. I can’t think of a better reason. I ask Jesus, “What ministries are making a REAL difference?” The answer I hear every time? “The Crucible Project!” It’s not my money anyway, if you believe God provides it all, so give back; whatever you can.” – Chris Rice

“To be generous to an organization that has changed my life so positively is always an easy decision for me and my family to pay it forward.” – Kenny Valentino

“I have been blessed beyond measure. I may not have an incredible amount of money, but I am loved by an incredible God. My initial weekend allowed me to experience grace, with an intimacy that I did not think was possible; and set me on a journey from shame and darkness. I give because I want join with others to find healing and experience the grace and growth God has for us.” Richard Jestice

«Being a part of The Crucible Project over the last two years has led to radical personal growth in my life, far more than anything I could have ever imagined. I would not be the man, husband, father, and friend I am today without the support and encouragement of my Crucible brothers. Crucible is such a vital part of my life now – I can’t NOT give when I consider the tremendous good it has done for me and my family.» – Kyle Spitzer

“We give because this work is more important than I am and we believe in everything it stands for. We have a part to play and giving is a purpose!” – Cezar Dominguez

“The Crucible Project changes lives more than any other ministry I know. I give to Crucible because changed lives lead to healthier families and healthier families lead to stronger communities and stronger communities make the world a better place. This ministry has helped me grow so much as a man. I give monthly so others can have the opportunities to experience the growth that I have experienced.” – Barry Thomas

Find out how you can support Crucible when shopping, setting up monthly contributions, support for a tax-event, settling estates, realigning securities and real estate, giving from donor-advised funds or retirement plans, and including Crucible in your will at TheCrucibleProjecty.org/Donate.

Crucible offers four second-level weekends to challenge men to continue their growth and development a Christian man. These retreats are open to men who have completed a Crucible Initial Weekend or an initial weekend in another soul work organization.

THE SEXUALITY WEEKEND

If you are like most men, the word “sex” stirs up a wide range of emotions and experiences – from joy, delight and ecstatic pleasure to shame, anger and pain. How can something that God designed as such a wonderful gift become a source of such confusion, darkness and despair for so many men? This entire weekend is focuses on tackling the multifaceted subject of sex. If you long to move toward seeing your sexuality as a wonderful gift God has given you to enjoy, then this weekend is for you.

Investigate the “dark side” of sexuality – looking at the woundedness and shame you carry
Explore how men use sex to avoid unpleasant feelings—and chart a better path to emotional health
Reclaim your sexuality as a sacred gift to be repossessed—not repressed
Experience healing and freedom in a safe place to engage in a holistic process

THE MISSION WEEKEND

The core of a man’s life is his purpose. Without a conscious mission a man is lost, drifting and adapting to circumstances in his life, rather than creating events. We believe Jesus lived on mission and modeled how He wants us to fulfill our purpose as followers of Him (Luke 4:18, 19:10). This entire weekend is devoted to exploring the core of your life — your mission.

Learn to minimize distractions and detours and live from your heart, giving your gifts to the world.
Develop a conscious, actionable mission and align your life with it.
Challenge and support to embrace your purpose.
Deepen your commitment to act with integrity.

LEADERSHIP WEEKENDS

The Crucible Project offers two powerful leadership weekends — Leadership: Knowing and Taming the Dark Side and Leadership: Moving through Barriers towards Joy.

Go beyond just gathering more information about leadership; learn how to make authentic, courageous leadership a part of who you are. These two weekends and the accompanying leadership project provide a roadmap for you to practically engage what your heart longs to give your family, church, community and the world.

Learn about authenticity, integrity, brokenness, courage, vision, servanthood and blessing in leadership.
Identify the ways you limit your leadership and then break through those barriers.
Learn to lead from your true essence and power instead of image or persona.
Discover how to increase your influence — how to lead as a Servant-King who uses his gifts to bless those he serves.
Develop and execute a leadership project.

We recently connected with three 2 Year Program graduates about their experience. Rudy Gezik, Bright White Owl, became a Redwoods March 2018 in Williams Bay, WI and graduated from the 2-year program led by Chris Cleghorn, Bill Snyder and Mark Hollingsworth in April, 2020. Jay Goldberg, Majestic Buffalo, became a Redwood April 2018 in Perry, Kansas and graduated from the 2-year program led by Bob Locsascio and Curt Gustafson in February 2021. Will Spiegelberg, Strong and Courageous Red Lion, became a Redwood in September 2018 in Wesley Woods, WI and graduated from the 2-year program led by Chris Cleghorn, Bill Snyder and Mark Hollingsworth in July, 2021.

What did you get out of the 2 Year Program?

Rudy shared that he signed up because he “wanted that North star, to know that I am doing what God put me on this earth to do. I was happy and excited to check out of the program getting what I wanted. I am a better husband, brother, friend, leader and person as a result of the work in that circle.”

Will was thankful “having brothers that I could be real and honest with who accepted me. I did a lot of work around my dad and came to the point of accepting his shadow and gold. Because of the two-year program, others in my life “get a more intact and ‘in-touch with myself’ me when I show up.”

Jay explained, “I got that no matter I’m going through; God is right there with me with loving open arms telling me ‘you are worthy of my love, grace and mercy’. I’ve had so many people tell me I’m a changed man – no more anger and more gentle toward others.”

The Two-Year Program consists of going through four 2^nd Level weekends together over, personal coaching sessions and an ongoing group. What did you most appreciate about the 2 Year Program?

Jay reported that he appreciated “the leadership and connection with other men going through the similar situations. Being able to experience all four weekends with different men helped me to accept the truth about myself and able to not have shame about who God made me. Coaching got me to realize I needed to deal with issues deeper than I wanted to, and the coach had zero judgement on me.”

Rudy declared that he appreciated “the commitment of the leadership and the other men in that group to be there for each other, wherever and whenever there was a need. The coaching aspect of the program was tremendously helpful to me and greatly accelerated my work and my progress. It was challenging, and meaningful.

Will stated that he appreciated that going through the 2^nd level weekends together “made the group more connected.” He said the personal coaching “caused me to be mindful of the things I was and am working through.”

What would you say to a man who is thinking about enrolling in the 2 Year Program?

Will shared, “It’s expensive, but worth every penny. Don’t wait to sign up.”

Jay shared, “If you’re willing to let God into those dark places, I grantee you will not be disappointed with the outcome. This work is best thing I have ever gotten into and I praise God for the leadership of Crucible for the willingness to not only help me but to help others be the best that they can be.

Rudy declared “I came out of my initial weekend thinking how different my life might have been if I had done my weekend years ago. I was determined not to tell myself that again regarding the 2 Year Program, so I joined the as soon as I could – about a month after my initial weekend. The sooner you get in it, the sooner you will feel God’s grace through the strength of the men in your circle. Grateful to the men in my group. They are my brothers. We fought hard and battled for each other. It was their strength, love, and courage to sharpen me (a.k.a. – kick me in the ass when I needed it) that was the key to me getting what I wanted.

If you are going to do it (and I highly recommend that you do) do it! Be all in – push all your chips into the center of that circle. Don’t half-ass it. Show up for you and for all the other men in your circle every week. You will get out of this opportunity what you put into it. Your life will change, and you will change the lives of the other men, only if you are all in. Lead the way, model that behavior and start creating those ripples in your pond and the ponds of others.”

Learn more about the 2 Year program.

Weekly Check-In & Exercise

Date & Time: Every Thursday from 12pm-1pm Ct

Zoom Link

Declaring Your Independence!
July 10, 9-11AM CDT
For Men and Women

FREE – Invite your Friends, Family, Coworkers and Church!

Take Charge of Creating The Life You Want! Tired of waiting around for others or the world to be different, so you can have the life you want? Learn the keys to letting go of dependence on others and taking charge of your life. Anchor your goals in an experience of freedom during the workshop. Target Audience : Anyone ready to lead themselves and wanting to learn how.
Register for FREE in My Journey To Events!

Advanced Process – Predator

Dates: July 23, 2021 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM + July 24 and 25, 2021 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Location: Online video conferencing
Led by: Scott Selby and Lisa Modrzejewski | Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Facilitation
All trainings are co-ed. $350/individual and $600/couple.

Participants will learn the theory behind the Predator and Shadow Reversal, the steps of each process, and have process leading modeled. Each participant will have an opportunity to ask questions from a certified expert in these two processes. In order to receive the training manual in time to review for the training, registration six weeks prior is highly recommended. Register now!

Advanced Process – God Split

Dates: August 7-8, 2021 | Times: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Location: Lafayette, CO
Led by: John Casey | Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Facilitation
All trainings are co-ed. $350/individual and $600/couple.

Trainers will teach the key elements of the Sovereign quarter and the wound that occurs, explain the theory behind the God Split process, unpack the steps of the process and help participants both learn the process steps and practice the entire process. To allow participants to receive and review the manual prior to the training, we recommend registering at least six weeks in advance. . Register now!

Advanced Process – Tombstone

Dates: October 30-31, 2021 | Times: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Location: Lafayette, CO
Led by: John Casey | Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Facilitation
All trainings are co-ed. $350/individual and $600/couple.

Trainers will teach the key elements of the Lover quarter and the nature of the lover wound, explain the theory behind the Tombstone process, unpack the steps of the process and help participants both learn the process steps and practice the entire process. To allow participants to receive and review the manual prior to the training, we recommend registering at least six weeks in advance. Register now!

Introduction to Facilitation Training

Dates: November 19-20, 2021 | Times: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Location: Lafayette, CO
Led by: Judson Poling All trainings are co-ed. $350/individual and $600/couple.

Trainers will teach beginning basic elements of the facilitating carpet processes, explain the theory behind setting boundaries and support, unpack the steps of the process and help participants both learn the process steps and practice the carpet process. To allow participants to receive and review the manual prior to the training, we recommend registering at least six weeks in advance. Register now!

One of my deepest heart’s desires as I left my initial weekend was to bring the weekends and lifelong soul work to as many people as possible. I wanted every man I knew to have an opportunity to feel the heat, face the fire and find their gold. The gift of scandalous grace was one I wanted to share with the world.

The few Redwoods from Houston and I returned to begin to weave our roots together. We began to form a Houston Redwood grove. We formed an ongoing group and attempted soul work without any trained leader. We did life together. We held each other accountable and cut through each other’s bull.

Over time, we invited and supported many new Redwoods joining our grove. Our roots and our lives would expand to weave with new Redwoods. We were at each other’s children’s births, hospital bedsides, family member’s gravesides as we did life together in a lifelong soul work community.

Spreading Redwood Roots Where Redwoods Have Never Grown

I know that is true of many other Redwood groves as well. As each Redwood grove grows, there have been sprouts in areas where Redwoods have never grown before. I see that happening in the Northeast as the Connecticut Redwood grove has spread their roots to Maryland, where a strong young Redwood grove is hosting their first weekend in 2021.

If we are to create a world where men and women live with integrity, grace and courage, fulfilling their God-given purpose, we must spread our Redwood roots into places where Redwoods have never grown before.

The ambitious strategic plan is the way we see best meeting the ministry’s vision for spreading Redwood roots across the United States and around the globe. It is the best way that we know how to support the movement of Christ-centered soul work.

Will You Help Spread Redwood Roots?

Every great leap forward in Crucible’s historic growth has been achieved because generous Redwoods joined together to financially contribute to make vision reality. I believe God is asking each and every one of us to consider what our part is in taking what we gained for ourselves to a world that desperately needs it.

This season in your life might have you in a position to commit a large one-time gift that moves the strategic initiatives forward. You may be in a season of financial challenge. No matter what your situation, every one of us can do something. We have compiled a list of ways you can help on our donation page as well as special 2020 tax modifications for donations due to the pandemic.

Please prayerfully consider what your part is in spreading your Redwood roots to areas where Redwoods have never grown before. Together, we will grow groves across the US and around the world!

If I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Roy Wooten

Majestic Blackfish

The pandemic, and its economic impact, have been devastating to the ministry. I have cut our monthly expenses and our staff team in half.

We have just enough staff to stay ready for face-to-face Weekends to be back in full swing and continue leadership development for taking soul work across the globe.

At this moment, we are spending about $8,500 a month more than our total monthly donations and program revenue. What reserves we have are dwindling. In order to achieve financial sustainability and reach this year’s strategic objectives, we are on a campaign to raise $102,000 for the annual fund and $209,000 for Redwoods Strategic Initiatives.

More than any other time in our history, Crucible needs you. If we are to fulfill the vison God has laid before us, it will take courageous Redwoods to take their place alongside early founders and faithful givers to keep the movement and this ministry moving in mission.

Will you lock arms with Crucible financially?
Will you prayerfully consider scheduling a secure monthly donation online at TheCrucibleProject.org? Or making an end of year gift by directing a donor advised fund check to The Crucible Project 1420 Smith St. Waller, TX 77484?

2020 has brought many surprises. One good surprise is that the C.A.R.E.S act provided each taxpayer with a $300 tax deduction ($600 per couple) in addition to the standard deduction. Individuals over 70.5 years can make a qualified charitable donation directly form their IRA to The Crucible Project. Instead of IRA gifts being considered a distribution of income, it will be considered as a deductible donation.

You must be 70.5 years of age when the distribution is made.
Transfer must go directly from your IRS to The Crucible Project.
Tax free transfers from IRA of any amount totaling up to $100,000.
The gift will count toward your minimum distribution requirements (although 2020 the minimum distribution amount has been waived).

Does your employer match your donations? Many employers do and The Crucible Project is eligible, as a 501c3, for such donations. Check with your employer’s human resource department to see if your donations to Crucible can be doubled through corporate matching gifts.

You can also give effortlessly as you shop on Amazon, by selecting The Crucible Project as your charity choice at Amazon Smile. A small percentage of every dollar spent will be donated back to Crucible.

Thank YOU
I am deeply thankful for those who are already making Crucible a part of their life’s generosity. Not every Redwood can give, so it is even more important than ever that those of us who can, do.

Thank you for considering this request. If I can answer any detailed, questions, please reach out to me.

May God bless you and The Crucible Project!

Roy Wooten, Executive Director

This incredible and historic substitution for the suspended May conference has been heralded by those in attendance as “surprisingly connecting”, “inspiring” and “full of great information I didn’t know about Crucible”.

Roy Wooten shared, “I was so amazed at how our very first conference was put together so well in such a short planning process by incredible Redwoods. We owe deep gratitude to all the committee members and especially Bill Snyder and Deb Gustafsen, who co-chaired the event.” Crucible Celebration Conference Committee also included Andy Spell, Andrea Ray, Terrance Foster, Tim White, Brittany Duke, Mikkal Harris and Ann Elmore.

Our first annual conference did not have the soul work experiences that were planned in May and was reduced from 12 hours of activities to 4, but it was full of fun. It highlighted the powerful work in communities across the globe, celebrated unsung heroes, gave away new Crucible branded merchandise, introduced the current board and staff members and updated everyone with what God has been doing through Crucible and where He is taking us in the next five years. Opportunities to join in the fight for spreading the mission across the globe were also a part of the conference.

Watch for Save the Date postings for next year’s Annual Conference. If you want to serve on the planning committee, please contact BDuke@thecrucibleproject.org.

Here are the highlights from our October 2020 Crucible Conference Online!

Part One – Welcome & Regional Community Videos:

Part Two – Stewardship & Crucible Unsung Heroes!

Part Three – The Crucible Project Strategic Plan

The staff at The Crucible Project has been adapting to the current times. As late as March, the ministry staff structure was built for high growth and high volume of weekends, groups and leadership training. Like most of you, when income is reduced, you focus on where you can reduce expenses. The staff and board worked diligently over the last several months to reorganize the staff structure to meet the current environment as well as prepare for the future.

Adapting to Current Needs

We soon found that everyone was focused on taking care of their family and handling job changes as the pandemic began. Most community development functions and all of our weekends came to screeching halt. While staff were focused on transitioning to online weekends with additional group leader training, we re-focused efforts on incubating new online offerings.

It was not too long ago that our growth demanded in removing community development, leadership development and group leadership from the Mens Ministry Leader role. And as Womens work launched, we also saw the need for additional support positions. In order to meet the current financial needs, we are stepping back into our history. Both Mens and Womens Leaders are now responsible for supporting all program, leadership development and group aspects of the programs they lead.

The move to reduce our overall workforce from ten positions to seven helps reduce expenses that burn reserves that sustain the organization as well as correctly sets the staffing needs of the ministry at this time. Roy Wooten commented, “As we get back to the volume of weekends we were once running, I expect that we might need additional support for both of these positions.”

Adjusting to Changes in Womens Ministry Leadership and Celebrating Lisa Modrzejewski

In July when the Women’s Leader became vacant, many wondered who God would bring next to lead Crucible Women’s work into the future. Many Redwoods joined the staff and board in prayer as the Women’s Retreat Leader Council and a newly formed Women’s Advisory Council set about the path for finding the next Women’s Leader.

Executive Director, Roy Wooten, shared, “The quality candidates to choose from made the decision difficult. After receiving the two interview committees’ input, deliberating with Women board members, and spending time in prayer, I am confident that Lisa Modrzejewski is the right person to lead Women’s Crucible’s expected growth across the globe.”

Lisa has served in the role of Women’s Community Development Specialist since February and has served as a key liaison between the staff and Women’s Retreat Leader Council since the position was vacated in July. She was an early selection in the original Women’s Crucible Initial Weekend beta training and beta Weekend in the Spring of 2019 and has remained active in staffing and serving as a Certified Carpet Leader on Weekends since. She is a business owner and longtime women’s ministry leader in her home church. Her ability to connect with

Redwoods across the globe and her leadership in coordinating pre-weekend Exploration groups will be put to good use as she leads Women’s Crucible globally.

Lisa is stepping into this role with excitement. Lisa shared, “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role of Women’s Ministry Leader. I am a better wife, better mother and stronger woman because of the The Crucible Project, and I am ready to pour my energy into bringing the uniquely Crucible experience to the world. I look forward to getting to know and serving with you all.”

Lisa can be reached at Lmodrzejewski@thecrucibleproject.org

Investing in the Future

The development and finalization of the strategic plan meant that we know where we are headed as an organization. Some of the strategic plan initiatives could be implemented during this strange season. One initiative in particular, sparked Bob Locascio’s interest. It is a focus on offerings pre-weekend that can be implemented during this time of not having weekends.

Bob shared, “I have included pre-weekend service offerings on my road map for the past five years, but we’ve been so busy that we’ve not been able to invest in developing them. And so, for fifteen years, the only path into our life transforming work has been for people to invest a whole weekend of their time and several hundred dollars. That is about to change. Soon, we’ll be offering an array of high-value pre-weekend resources and events, delivered online, at a very reasonable price. We are excited to be able to bring renewal, wellness and belonging to more people than ever before.”

Bob has also chaired an incubation committee building new groups, workshops and other offerings for Redwoods for the past three months. Over twenty new offerings are in the works.

Bob can be reached at Blocascio@thecrucibleproject.org

New Mens Ministry Leader

With Bob shifting into the new role focused on preweekend offerings, we began the search for a new Mens Ministry Leader. Retreat Leaders, staff and board members interviewed candidates. Roy Wooten said, “Although the decision was difficult, I believe Byron Myers will serve the ministry with excellence in his new role.”

Byron has a masters in human communication and is recently retired as a school administrator in Midland, TX. He has served part time as the Leadership Development Director for the past several years and knows community, group and retreat leaders from across the globe. Byron has been a Retreat Leader for the past five years and thoroughly understands all of the offerings for Redwoods.

Byron stated, “I am excited to step into this role and thankful for Bob’s leadership over the years. I know there is a lot to do in continuing the great leadership within this ministry and I am happy to bring all that God has built in me to serve Redwood Men in this role.”

Byron can be reached at Bmyers@thecrucibleproject.org

Terrance Foster Transitions To Volunteer

Roy Wooten shared, “It is with sadness that I report that we are saying goodbye to Terrance Foster as Community Development Specialist at the end of September.” As the first Community Development Specialist, Terrance developed many of the systems that has strengthened mature communities and supported the initial development in several budding communities. Terrance will continue to be a key leader in the ministry as he serves on the Chicago Urban Regional Leadership Team, leads weekends, and is the co-founder of Crucible on the Inside (incarcerated youth).

Terrance shared, “I am checking in Full Sashet or, as we say in the Urban Community Full Selahs. I want first to say thank you to Roy and the Staff of the Crucible Project, it has been a joy and honor to work alongside each one of you, and I have nothing but Love in my heart all of you. To the Regional Leaders and Teams, I am grateful for the time that I have spent serving you and getting to know every last of you. Thank you for taking my calls and emails and for accepting me. The sadness and anger that I carry is that I have not met many of you in person and staffed weekends with you as we had planned, but I have hope that our paths will cross on this journey, and I look forward that day. My work with The Crucible Project is not complete, and I plan to remain active on the urban Leadership team and do much more. For the past several years, God has had me on a journey; while I’m not sure what he has for me next, I know it will be exciting. It’s all a part of His plans that He has for me, and so my journey continues. I send nothing but Love and Blessings to you all. Terrance Foster Aka Thee Great White Buffalo.”

Terrance will be missed in his current role by all team members who engaged with him regularly. Bless you Terrance for all that you have done and continue to do in this ministry’s mission.

Everyone is invited to bless Terrance on Tuesday, September 29th, 6:00-7:00 PM Central Time online at https://zoom.us/j/6264655243. If you can’t make it, you can contact him at TerranceFoster@yahoo.com .

Why Get In A Group?

The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6 that he was confident «that the one [God] who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.» It is clear that God wants us in community, and wants us to bear one another’s burdens. What makes a good community?

A safe confidential place
A place of growth
A place of vulnerability
A place of challenge

In short, community is found where both grace and truth can flourish.

«When Jesus started His ministry, the very first thing he did was form a small group.» – Rick Warren

The Crucible Project offers many types:

Exploration
Journey
Growth
Development

For more about men’s groups, contact Terrance Foster to get connected.

Women’s groups are listed here ; ask Lisa Modrzejewski if you have questions!

Honoring Crucible Redwoods in Law Enforcement

We had a recent article honoring Redwood health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. This month we are honoring Law Enforcement Redwoods. Men and women who serve in law enforcement and other related branches put their lives on the line protecting and serving people who may never be appreciative for their sacrifice. Serving in Law Enforcement in this season is arguably the toughest job in America.

In 1829, Sir Robert Peel created the London Police force and became the father of modern day policing. He produced a list of guiding principles that remain as valid today as when they were created.

"The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence." —Robert Peel

As a worldwide community of Redwoods, let’s honor and pray for our Crucible Redwood brothers and sisters who serve in these important and vital roles! Thank you for serving and protecting! Here is a non-exhaustive list of Crucible Redwoods who have or currently serve on the front lines.

John Redstone
Mike Philly
Doug Pann
Chris Smith
Maury Miller
Matt Canaga
Caleb Sturgill
Nathan Rausch
Bill Weedman
Paul Gomez
Darren Clements
·Stephen Willis
Doug Linnen
Michael Byrd
Jenna Pann
Anthony Baros
TJ Avischious
James Ewen

Thank you for your service. We SEE you. We VALUE you. We SUPPORT you!

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matt. 5:9). Let every one of us be committed to making peace, bringing grace and truth to others in this world, during these difficult times. Honor and pray for our brothers and sisters who are committed to keeping and making peace.

If you know of any other Crucible Redwood men or women who should be on this list, please email communication@thecrucibleproject.org and we will quickly add them.

Community Breakfasts

Tim Rush describes the concept of Online Community Breakfasts teaching the quadrants:

5 years ago I was staffing one of our first Mexico TCP retreats when Chris Mosher led us in carpet training on Friday morning. He set up the training with an intro to the 4 quadrants. Then he began to show how those 4 quadrants can interact with each other even inside our own minds. Chris showed us how the Lover could want something, only to be denied by the Sovereign and then take that denial as betrayal. As he unpacked what could happen and what we could be watchful for, it felt like he’d actually stolen my journal and was reading from its pages. I couldn’t believe how my own inner dialogue was playing out on a white board as he spoke.

Since then, I’ve been fascinated by the relationships between the four quadrants. And I love to hear different men share how they purposefully work on growth in quadrants they feel to be over or underinflated. It helps me to hear the questions they ask themselves, or the mantras they repeat in order to bring the needed quadrant to the forefront of their mind.

When the men from Chicago-land began to share what they were doing by offering Quadrant conversations to uninitiated men, I was intrigued. Soon after hearing about these sessions, Andy Spell, aka Bad Ass Grizzly Bear, mentioned that he was taking part in these presentations to men in the Houston area. So, I asked Andy if he’d be willing to talk to the Tulsa community about the Lover quadrant. I quickly reached out to other Crucible leaders to round out the discussions. James Henderson, from Mexico City spoke to us about the Sage or Magi. Chadd Schroeder, from Amherst Texas taught on the Sovereign quadrant and John Owen, from Houston, spoke to us about being a healthy Warrior.

Through the month of May, we met together on zoom at 6:00 am and begin with a check-in. By 6:20, the leader had the floor and was off and running. The next hour was spent with a mixture of teaching, questions and exercises designed to access each quadrant in a healthy way.

Before we began, Terrence Foster asked if we could open this up to the community at large, which was an excellent idea as we soon had between 15 and 25 participants each time. We were joined by two brothers from Australia, and at one point we had men on the call representing 4 different cities in Mexico. Seeing the international reach of TCP is still impacting me.

In the month of June we’ve transitioned to a discussion of the interaction of the quadrants. Christen Kolb, TCP’s Director of Women’s Programs and Services has agreed to lead these sessions, unpacking the “loops” we traverse between the quadrants.

The feedback from May and June has been incredible. As we continue to do our own work, we are blessed by leaders who are willing to share their journeys with us. Each has spoken from a place of true gold, while completely acknowledging and blessing their own shadow. And our whole selves have been welcomed into these discussions, looking at how these quadrants show up in real time, in our real lives.

Dealing with Dad

(Fort Worth Redwood, Mike Hall, works with thousands of fathers every year with his organization, Strong Fathers, and contributed this article as Father's Day approaches.)

I have been a father for 28 years. I have worked with fathers for almost 20 years. I still struggle every day with my own fatherhood, my fathering, and my own father.

I was blessed to have a good father. However, being the first child I got to experience a lot of his mistakes as he stumbled through trying to be a father himself. No matter how good a dad he was, he left his influence and his wound all at the same time. It is the peril of being parented by a human. It is the peril of being a human parent. He asked me to forgive him hundreds of times when he would lose his temper. That is what makes him an extraordinary father. Whatever was left for me to forgive of him I am still working on. That is the beauty of being in this work and in this community.

Recently, a dad in an online dad’s group I am in said that he was not a good father when his child was born and he is trying to make up for it. He should and he is. His child is responding well to his work because kids WANT US to be there for them. I told him he had to forgive himself because his child was not worrying about what he did in the past (that comes later on the carpet as many of us know). When I told him that online it struck me that we all need that.

If you have not messed up your child yet, they are either not here or you are in serious denial. My “famous” quote in the workshops I do is that we do not need to be perfect parents, we just work to reduce the amount of therapy (or carpet time) our kids need as adults. Nobody gets out of this thing without father wounds. No father escapes being the one that wounds his children. You have done it, you will do it again, and everyone will experience it in their lives.

I encourage you to do TWO things as we approach the upcoming Father’s Day.

Forgive yourself. Now and later. Own your mistakes but give yourself grace. You will be a better father if you live in that space of grace instead of a space of dis-grace in your own mind. Get up and do better the next time. Every time you get a chance. But do not aim for perfection because it will distract you from being an authentic father to your children.
Forgive the old man that wounded you. Do not minimize any of the pain he may have caused. We are not talking about acting like things didn’t happen. They did, they were real, and they have messed you up in lots of way. See your own father as one of the redwoods that approaches the carpet. You might say “My dad would never do that!” He might have loved to do that if he had ever gotten the opportunity or the invitation. We have all seen men go through a weekend and been repulsed by some of the behavior they have confessed to but given them grace knowing we are all in need of it. Your father is no different. Most of us struggle when we can’t get out of our own way. You may have a father that could not do it either. It does not mean he doesn’t or didn’t love you even though he did not love you well. It also doesn’t mean that he is not in a place where he needs abounding grace that comes from knowing what we have all come to know as Redwoods.

This Father’s Day I encourage you to live in scandalous grace as a Father and as a Son/Daughter because we will forever be both.

Don't miss Mike and Roy Wooten speaking about fathers live on FB June 1st 8pm CST

A Refuge When Galeforce Winds Hit

Every evening at 7:30PM Central, Redwoods from across the globe meet to pray (LINK) over prayer requests sent in through Prayer@thecrucibleproject.org. We pray for sick Redwoods and family members, dying relatives that cannot be grieved in normal ways, those isolated from family, frontliners fighting the pandemic and feeding America, those with job loss or fear of job loss, marriages, and many more prayer requests.

Redwood Marshall Combs shared that his wife suffers from debilitating arthritis. “When I checked in I mentioned it briefly and it was freeing for me to ask for a prayer request and pour out my heart in the zoom chat. To hear somebody else pray out loud for my wife by name was very special to me. It was freeing."

He continued about the first time he connected to our evening prayer time: “I was having a hard time staying motivated in this pandemic as a self-employed graphic designer. I have work to do but just could not get it done. I zoomed in and shared my prayer concern and the next day my motivation began to return.”

“I also get something out of praying for others. Something special happened when I got to pray for the first voice of peace on my weekend, when I found out he is fighting cancer.”

Marshall continued to share, “I think a lot of people are like me… we caught up in our own little world and we’ve got this family that I’m a part of that would go for bat for me 24/7. I’ve got to meet great people within my community and from all over the world, even Mexico, that I didn’t even know. I get support, get caught up with people and what is going on in their lives. “

“It is togetherness. I’ve met Redwoods who have been away from Crucible for over a decade and are reconnecting to Redwoods through earnest prayer. Everyone is real, authentic and pour their hearts out to the Lord for themselves, leaders and Redwood’s prayer requests. I think it is very important."

“I am so thankful for Chicagoland Redwood Bill Snyder! Lives have been changed because of Bill’s action and leadership, courage and time as he stepped into his power to head this up. Bill’s leadership has changed hearts just in the way he prays. Thank you is not an adequate enough expression of my appreciation for Bill. He is a great mentor and model for all the prayers and prayer leaders.”

“I believe in prayer. When God’s people pray something happens. We zoom in from our basements or garages, or living rooms, or cars, but are truly before the throne of God. Every time we pray we shake the gates of hell on behalf of Redwoods across the globe.”

Please join us. Use this Zoom link.

Prayer & Support

The Crucible Project now meets nightly to pray. Every evening at 7:30 pm CST.

Bill Snyder explains the origin: "The Prayer Time started in our March Chicagoland regional meeting. We were brainstorming on how we could use COVID to connect and support amidst stories of social distancing and isolation, and someone voiced the idea that it would great if we could support one another in prayer.

It morphed into what if we could all join - across our country and globe - to proclaim the goodness or our God, Our Solid Rock - while everything else in the world around us is going crazy. What if we could support fellow Redwoods impacted financially, physically, and emotionally? We're not alone. We wanted the prayer time to bring us together.

We thought about making this a regionally supported prayer time. Terrance Foster suggested we share this with all regional team leaders to get broad support. In addition we ran this by Crucible women to share in the leadership.

So far the following communities have enrolled to help support upcoming prayer evenings: Kansas/Oklahoma, Houston, Connecticut, Colorado, Chicagoland Women, NE Texas, Australia and the Chicagoland Urban Communities."

Please join us. The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/570369618

^"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:13-16

Additionally - there is a Facebook support group for parents homeschooling their children! Terri Stafford is leading this:

This group is for Crucible Redwoods, men and women. The purpose of this group is to provide a place of support to Redwoods in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic who are home with their children. Whether you already homeschool, have been thrown into homeschool, or are at home with the kiddos, let's support one another. Let's share educational and survival ideas; our joys and struggles.
Redwoods never stand alone!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/196343371817031/

Doing The Two Year Program as Community

We recently asked a couple of recent "grads" from the Two Year Program about the unique features, blessings and challenges they experienced.

Both Rich Gregg and Jason Brogan were highly recommended by their leaders as men who stepped into their work with intentionality.

Q: What were the benefits of doing the 2 year program with a group of men, going to 2nd level weekends together, maybe staffing together?

Rich: One of the biggest benefits for me was feeling like I had a group of men "in it" with me. They shared my triumphs, failures, growth spurts, and I shared in theirs.

Sharing time on all of the 2nd level weekends really creates a special bond that really brings it home when you step back into group time. The time on weekends allows for deeper connections than you can achieve during a couple of hours a week three times a month.

I would also say that for me - even within the tight group of men that was the group - I was able to form even deeper friendships with a few of the men that I shared similar interests with. Those are the ones that get you through the tough stretches of life during those 2 years, and beyond.

Jason: There are many benefits to completing a 2-year program with a consistent group of men. Bonds are forged when we walk through our work with other men, and authentic relationships can be built when men spend time with the same men week after week. Not only do you get to complete carpet exercises with each other, but you also get to truly know other men and care for them on a deeper level.

I have found that I have an immediate bond with any TCP brother; however, anytime I see or hear from a 2-Year TCP brother, the feeling is even more personal and heartfelt. You truly get a chance to become a brotherhood if you embrace the men in your group as the gifts from God that they are.

You also will likely experience friction within the group at some point, which I believe is a good thing. Some of my most personal growth came from processes that involved resolving conflict within the group, or facing my own shadow in what I perceived to be a negative part of another man's personality.

Q: What were the biggest challenges during and after the group (now that you've "graduated")?

Jason: The biggest challenge I felt during my time in a group was that there were times when I felt we were constantly in transition. As some men graduated, and other men joined, there was always a breaking in period that we had to walk through.

I personally feel those moments provided opportunities for unique and powerful work, so tI don't necessarily view those challenges as bad things. Just challenges.

My biggest personal challenge since graduating has been finding the fire to constantly be working on myself. I had that fire during the two-year program, but noticed that I went into a "cruise-control" mindset fairly quickly after graduating.

I was blessed to be welcomed into a Two-Year Alumni group two months after my graduation, which has helped me get back in a healthy container of God honoring men.

Rich: For me it is always feeling like I have to have my shit together to be wanted, or acceptable. I joined the group that I did (intentionally) in order to become a more tender warrior. I was able to come to group just as I was and be me.

I felt safe enough to share my anger, my shortcomings, and feel acceptance from the men in the group. This allowed me to step into the things that were necessary to get to the place I wanted to land - a more tender man for my family.

Q: What gifts have you received from God in your time with this group of men?

Rich: I have received the gift of being known and of having the privilege of knowing other men deeply and authentically. I also was able to attempt to do things in my life differently than I always have (with support from a band of brothers) and get a different result. Some success, some failure, but certainly movement forward.

I was also able to bless and receive blessing from other men on a regular basis, which is pretty rare in the world.

Jason: I've better embraced my gold, and have stepped into a place of boldness as a man. Being able to process my life, wounds, and shadows with a safe group of men, helped me have the courage to step out into the real world as a stronger, more confident man of God.

I feel that in many ways I was able to find myself again within the group. Parts of myself that I had been suppressing came back to life in healthier and more God-honoring ways. I really feel that I have been better able to love myself because of the experiences and love that I shared with the group of men God surrounded me with.

Q: If you were talking with a friend - what would you tell them to motivate them to join this next level?

Rich: I would ask him if there is anything about his life that is out of bounds. Any area that he might be playing it safe. I'd also ask if there is anything about his life he would want to change, regarding himself.

It's incredible the things that God can show up and orchestrate through a bunch of rag-tag men in the confines of a Crucible. The things we keep from God, stuff that's out of bounds. The areas that we are playing it safe and maybe don't even realize it until a brother lovingly asks about it.

It's crazy what God might show up and decide to show us about ourselves when we surrender to what just might seem like a pipe dream. I would also ask how much time he is willing to watch go by before he takes advantage of the opportunity in front of him to be all that God intends for him, and his family.

Jason: I would tell them that it is the best investment that they can make in themselves. I also think of the scriptures below...

Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

If a man truly prays the prayer above that David prayed, and allows God to test him, know his heart, and change him, that man will truly find transformation.

There are likely many ways that this can be done. However, I don't know of a more direct path to Godly transformation, outside of this program. Bible study groups matter. Daily scripture reading is critical. However, joining a two-year group allows a man to continue the wrestling match that he started on his initial weekend.

When a man joins a two-year group, the journey truly does continue.

Carpet Work Online? Video Groups

Sometimes scheduling or geography get in the way of joining a next level Crucible group. You’ve explored all the local options. Have you considered a Video Group?

We asked a number of Crucible people in video groups two questions:

What is the biggest value in being in an online group?

Is there anything that you miss being face to face in an online group?

Rachel Shubin: The BIGGEST value I have found is watching the women who do not have a local community get to participate every week in soul work and connection. The “lone woman” has a place she can grow, thrive and belong. This is what is all about for me!!! Attending a weekend and then going back home to no local support system can create isolation and despair for women. Having the option of participating in an online group is a game changer! No woman ever has to be alone! No woman has to wait for community to build up in her local area to experience groups.

Christen Burns: The biggest miss is touch - physical touch. However attendance rates are higher because you can attend from anywhere. Partnering up in breakout rooms, with no side chatter at all, helps to build community. And we get to be in community from other regions., go deeper and grow! While I miss the in person, it forces me to develop my community - keeps me balanced as the women's leader for all the regions.

Ryan Walsh: While it is virtually impossible to replace a “secret handshake” in an online group, the video conferencing technology today is excellent, and can provide an experience that feels more safe and private while doing processes or virtual carpets in comparison to face-to-face groups.

Katherine Wheat-Elmore: There are times I would like to meet and have a coffee or Diet Dr Pepper or dinner with my group. It is difficult to do that when a group is scattered across the USA, but it feels like homecoming when you connect face to face. People you've only seen online, but share deeply with feel like coming home when you meet for the first time face to face. It also always me to connect with women hundreds of miles away. Sometimes, even lending itself to the opportunity to share in a community not my own.

Jay Goldberg: It’s awesome to connect with men around the country on video. The value I gain is the knowledge, experience and wisdom from men doing their work. The true 1 on 1 connection being face to face.

Sharon Cooper: The biggest value for leading distributed groups in Zoom is that we are able to build strong inter community relationships and provide community and tools to women who are not able to meet Face to face. Some of the little community building things which happen before the meeting and after in a purely social setting are missing. I think some intentional virtual coffee sessions which each other could potentially solve that "bonding" as well as well as choosing a weekend to staff a weekend together.

Brian Kimmel: For me the main value of being in an online group is that I actually do work! (I wasn't going regularly to my local group- and I wasn't growing). The main thing I miss is the extra time of hanging out, (before and after a meeting), just hanging out in fellowship with my brothers.

Bob Locascio adds: The values of being in a video group are the same as any group, support for your journey from those in your group, and a place to continue the work started on your initiation weekend. The one missing component in a video group is, of course, physical touch, being able to convey and receive support through touch. However, this does not lessen the ability to do soul work.

Interested in an online group (after you've checked out local offerings)? Contact Brittany bduke@thecrucibleproject.org

Controlling Top-Down Management or Local Movement Growing Global?

The Crucible Project served its 5,000th soul this year. With over fifty weekends scheduled reaching another 1,000 souls in 2020, it is obvious The Crucible Project’s rapid growth is being used by God to meet the mission of the organization. Rapid growth is also challenging to fulfilling the mission with all of the raw honesty and grace that has been part of our healing history.

This incredible movement reaches its mission primarily through a huge number of Redwoods who do life together in their local soul work community. It is at the local community level that Redwoods respond to the calls of other Redwoods. No one stands alone.

Instead of a top-down corporate structure, The Crucible Project supports and encourages Redwoods to step into local leadership as a part of community building teams. Most of the ministry that happens within the organization occurs outside of our weekends in Crucible communities across the globe.

Crucible community leaders at the local level decide when and where their weekends are hosted, schedule and coordinate community soul work groups, encourage and support leader identification and achievement, coordinate leadership training needs, and build community through social and soul work functions.

The Crucible Project corporate staff support the accomplishment of the local community’s efforts, ensure organizational sustainability, coordinate leader certifications and processes, provide organizational infrastructure and back office support, and develop systems to ensure all programs and services are provided with the highest quality and levels of safety of a world-class ministry.

A recent example of how well this local – global interaction is working to meet the mission occurred in the website redesign with each established region having their own editable regional page. Another example is the request that regional leaders made to clarify group offerings and the development and expansion of the Growth Group curriculum to include some initial group offerings as part of the weekend participation fees.

The Crucible Project’s mission requires great local and global interaction to maintain its rawness, radical honesty and scandalous grace through this period of rapid growth and beyond. Regional Leaders and Community Developers, who almost daily put their faith into action serving in this ministry, are the Redwoods at the point of the mission spear. Thank you to each and every community leader across the globe.

If you have gratitude for leaders in your community, we encourage you to reach out and express your appreciation for them. If you do not know who your community leader is, it very well may be the person you see in the mirror. Contact Community Development Specialist Terrance Foster at tfoster@thecrucibleproject.org for more information.

Graduations are Happening!

Here are pictures from three graduations this month! Chicago, St. Louis & Connecticut.

John Redstone reports, "The StL Region hosted another co-ed/mixed gender graduation night covering Two Women’s Weekends and Two Men’s Weekends. Four Ladies and one Man stood before Family and Friends celebrating what God has done in their lives. Each person on the stage, a representation of others in the StL Region continuing to do their work. At the end of the Ceremony many other committed to attending a weekend in 2020, so that they will be ready when The Crucible Project comes to the St Louis area in Nov of 2020. Women’s Initial Weekend Nov 13-15 2020, Men’s Initial Weekend Nov. 20-22 2020. The Journey Continues!!!"

Dawn Aldrich chimed in, "The seed was planted three years ago when a few of our husbands returned from their Crucible Weekend. We saw the positive changes, watched their work continue, longed for our own opportunity to truly connect with our own tribe of women. Then a year ago, Chris Cleghorn watered that seed, asked if I’d commit to attending and staffing the Women’s Crucible pilot weekends in April and May. I did and it’s brought everything I longed for and then some: breakthrough, healing, connection, authenticity, integrity and a tribe of well connected women-sisters!

Graduations in St. Louis, Connecticut, and Chicago

We’re grown exponentially as we shared how God met us with friends and family. We celebrated our inaugural graduation, November 21st. We’re now committed to inviting others into this healing work and growing our Northeast community."

Tim White witnessed, "Our Chicago region had it's first women & men's graduation - the difference between this and past graduations? More people! It's exciting to see what God is doing in Chicagoland, and how quickly things are multiplying with weekends and transformed lives."

Got photos and grad stories? Get them to us at communications @ thecrucibleproject.org

Where is my Community?

In February, 2002, what would become The Crucible Project began with the first ever initiatory weekend experience in the Chicagoland area. In January 2009, a group of initiated men led the first experience outside of Chicago and a new community was berthed in Midland, Texas. Shortly after that came Houston and Denver and Connecticut and Northeast Texas.

Today over twenty communities are spread across the United States and internationally. If you are not sure there is a Crucible community where you live, you may be able to look on our map to see whom you can contact near you.

Almost all communities are led by a Regional Leadership Team. Some teams include both Crucible Men and Women, while others have separate Crucible Men and Crucible Women communities. Regional Leadership Teams schedule the groups and weekends in their community, support leadership development within their community, schedule Crucible training and social events, and share resources across The Crucible Project Mens and Womens Communities.

If you don’t see your community listed, that means you are a future community leader. It begins by you continuing to do your work in a group, through coaching or participating in second level weekends. You also begin to build a community by inviting others around you to attend an initial weekend. As you build a group of local men, we usually encourage you to go staff an initial weekend together. Before long you will be hosting weekends and growing your community.

If you want some assistance growing your community, contact Terrance Foster, Community Development Specialist, TFoster@TheCrucibleProject.org. He will be happy to connect you with Regional Leaders in your area or provide mentoring to grow your community.

View the Interactive Map

Crucible Communities at Play

Playing is a part of healthy Rest. Didn’t God say that “It’s not good for man to be all work and no play?” So what do The Crucible Project communities do to play?

Both Houston and Chicago have been doing a great job of having some playful times together in community.

Of course, Houston is famous for their get togethers that feature previews of Crucible and the food they have - from BBQ to crawfish. Families are invited and they enjoy just being together. “Bringing the whole family helps grow this work. It helps achieve buy-in from the wives and children and allows us to do life together outside of a weekend or “the work,” states John Owen. Cigar nights are also well attended. If you’ve followed posts in our FB community, you’re also aware of Houston’s #BadAss breakfast tradition.

Inspired by Houston, the Chicagoland community has been busy in the past year. Their mainstay have been quarterly breakfasts - “Taste of Crucible” - where uninitiated men are invited to taste and see what a weekend is like. “We have been offering a teaching and interactive on one of the four quadrants (Lover, Sage, Warrior, King) which isn’t exclusive to The Crucible Project,” says Bill Snyder. It has motivated men to bring their friends who might need an extra nudge in doing a weekend. In addition, Chicagoland has had a cigar night, Super Bowl parties, a golf outing and a family oriented picnic for everyone - inviting women’s ministries as well (The Crucible Project for Women, Women Revealed, and Soul Beauty).

When should other communities do to play? Whether you replicate Houston & Chicagoland or put your own unique spin on things, just planning and hosting some events is a great start!

Crucible on the Inside

What happens when you have a heart for men that transcends any and all boundaries?

Crucible on the Inside.

On June 21 and 22nd - a team of Crucible men went into a juvenile prison facility and took 15 young men through “Crucible on the Inside” - a version of the initial weekend with unique and strategic twists.

It takes time to fulfill a vision.

Michael Byrd states: “On Thanksgiving day a young man who had written a significant story about one of the ways he had become wounded, later dramatized by our Storycatchers Theatre, was killed only several weeks after his release.

Through my tears I thought of him and wished that we at IYC-Chicago had been able to do something to help him heal the wounds that he carried. I wished that I had a way to bring Crucible to the facility and our incarcerated juveniles.

Since attending my initial weekend in 2014 I have wanted the young men I work with to have the healing in their souls that every day I recognize they so need. I had spoken this to the Crucible Urban Initiative team over a year ago and dreamed that someday the grace of God would touch the boys I work for.

I was introduced to Scott Larson several years ago but we didn't connect until last fall and the time finally came for us to work together. Terrance Foster and I decided to make our Leadership project to bring a Crucible Weekend inside of the Illinois Youth Center - Chicago.

The dream team that was put together gave their hearts and their skills making the unorthodox and experimental weekend schedule work like we had done it before. The young men engaged in the weekend and moved through the process.

It has been hard to determine the long term outcome on the youth but in faith I know that a change has been imprinted on many of the young men. Lives have been changed and saved because the sacrifices of the team to give of their souls for the sake of the souls of the young men in our facility.

I am grateful and can't wait to put the design of this Crucible weekend into the action again and again in our facility and others. Our young men often come from homes where their father wound is still being created daily while their fathers are also incarcerated, absent or are also misguided.

Our young men are dealing with messages that are actively telling them that they are valueless. Our young men in so many ways are still boys struggling for identity. The Reset Yourself: Crucible on the Inside weekend gave them opportunity that they wouldn't have gotten otherwise in our system. I thank God.”

Scott Larson adds: “This vision to have a Crucible on the Inside is the fulfillment of a vision I have carried for a long time, and in many ways, what drove me to become involved with The Crucible Project.

Our work at Straight Ahead Ministries is with young men in the juvenile justice system, and the core issues we deal with at Crucible is what often gets them into, and stuck in, the justice system - unhealed childhood wounds, not knowing what it is to be a man, destructive anger patterns, unexamined shadow, father wounds, rampant shame and unforgiveness.

The vision has been to see young men who are locked up step into their true identities as men of God, deal with their wounds, and begin to break the generational curses that have been passed down to them.

This all collided with Michael Byrd’s vision and 2-year leadership project of bringing a Crucible weekend into the Chicago juvenile facility where he serves as Asst. Superintendent of Programs. Chris Cleghorn connected us and we were able to put together a first class staff team from the Chicago Urban Leadership group, Crucible national leadership team, and 5 Straight Ahead Ministries initiated men.

There are some significant differences from our initial weekends in both the population (mostly urban, trauma impacted, young men - which makes this more of an initiatory experience into manhood), as well as the setting (inside a prison environment). While we are using the same flow and distinctions of an initial weekend, how we carry those out has had to be reworked significantly for the setting.

We will make some further tweaks to the weekend program in the aftermath of each of us dissecting what happened. And then our vision is to move it to other Crucible communities around the world where there are jails, prisons and youth detention facilities in proximity, and where men have a vision to do this."

Chris Cleghorn was also there: “This was unique for Crucible Weekends. So many things were different and the core of it the same.

The staff’s leadership working with the young men was amazing. We had six of our 16 staff who were doing their first Crucible and they brought skills and experience that was profound, and necessary for the success of the weekend. As an Urban Chicago leadership work the men did a beautiful job.

We had a lot of learning about how we have to adjust our normal approaches for this. Quite messy, a lot of things beyond our control. And it was great, powerful, amazing.

The young men all reported getting something good for themselves and said they’d take what was in them into their worlds.”

The journey continues!

Community Spotlight: Kentucky

Bill Weedman reports on the first Kentucky Crucible held March 1-3, 2019 at Loucon Retreat Center in Leitchfield, KY. ----

Leitchfield, KY is located in the center of Kentucky and is manageable driving distance for Southern Indiana, Nashville, TN, Lexington and the Louisville, KY areas.

Thirty-nine men arrived on Friday and 38 were initiated. ….no, no one “failed”, one man decided early Saturday morning that it wasn’t for him. Strangely enough right after 'breakfast'. 😉

The weekend brought seasoned staff men in from all over the United States that had our backs for this first weekend!

Men from Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas joined with men from Kentucky to staff for participants of (a tri-state area of Southern Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky).

The weekend was a huge success and a few "lessons" were learned along the way.

Keep things as “tight” as possible - if participants are using multiple facilities for 3 carpets, make the walk for all involved as short as possible. This seems to be “obvious”, but we were confronted with nicer areas versus closer areas. Turns out “closer” beats “nicer” in the scheme of things if the facility works!
Take pictures beforehand of areas where furniture is moved and print the pictures. The men using cell phones to photograph the room set up on Friday morning may not be the same men putting furniture back in on Sunday afternoon!
One really handy item not on the list of equipment needed was a container to “snuff” out unused, burning sage. Thank you to Judson Poling for donating a quart, steel thermos in which to extinguish (and save) unused sage!
There is value in having the graduation the Monday following the weekend to allow some out of town staff men to delay travel and attend. A huge thank you to Judson Poling for staying two extra days and speaking at the graduation.

I sincerely appreciated the men who staffed that kept things moving, sacrificed ego for efficiency and team work, and made the entire weekend fun (yet exhausting!).

Most of all, thank you to Chris Mosher, Chris Cleghorn, Byron Myers and Judson Poling for leading the weekend. Chris Mosher was the weekend leader, and the experience and insight of all of these men made for a successful weekend where 38 more men from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee join all other initiated men from around the world.

Our next Kentucky weekend is October 4-6, 2019 with plans for more weekends in 2020.

The journey continues.

Saturday’s Initiation ceremony around a camp fire.

Judson Poling explaining the reasons for a Crucible weekend at graduation

Weekend elder Eddie Johnson opening the graduation ceremony at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. More than 200 family and friends attended.

Where in the World is Crucible?

Do you ever wonder where else Crucible is operating? We tend to hear about the “big areas” but often overlook the pockets of activity where groups are taking place. They may not be hosting a Weekend, but they have a group of men who are gathering on a regular basis and doing their work. Listed below are the areas where the Crucible flag is currently flown and where we can envision it being planted.

Currently these communities have active groups of men that sponsor weekends, participate in several types of groups, staff, and have levels of organized leadership for their communities:

Colorado: Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, Loveland, Colorado Springs

Connecticut: Hartford

Illinois: Suburbs of Chicago, City of Chicago

Indiana: Northern, Southern

Kansas: Kansas City/ Lawrence

Kentucky: Louisville

Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis/ Granite City IL

Oklahoma: Tulsa

Texas: Midland/ Odessa, Houston, North East, Lubbock/Amherst

Wisconsin: Southern

Wyoming: Cheyenne

Australia: Perth

Kenya: Nairobi

Mexico: Mexico State, City of Mexico, Jalisco, Morelos

In the following places we have men who meet or are just building a critical mass of men:

Georgia: Atlanta

Illinois: Rockford

Indiana: Indianapolis, Muncie

Iowa: Des Moises

Maryland: Baltimore/DC

Massachusetts

Minnesota: Minneapolis

Nebraska: North Platte

North Carolina: Charlotte

Tennessee: Nashville

Texas: Austin

Wisconsin: Green Bay

And then there are some areas where we have either one man or a few that have attended Weekends and have expressed a desire to see Crucible grown where they live. We could eventually see Crucible communities in these locations:

California: San Diego, Los Angeles

Florida

Kentucky: Lexington

Ohio: Cincinnati

South Carolina

Texas: Dallas/Ft Worth

Washington: SeaTac-Yakima

Australia: Gladstone, Melbourne

England

This is how we grow. First one, then two men, then more gathering and deciding they want Crucible work where they are. If you are interested in building Crucible work near you and we’ve missed you here, please contact us.

Spotlight on the Elder role

Elder and Pastor are not two different roles in the church. Elder, Pastor, Overseer are all interchanged titles in the New Testament.

In The Crucible Project, there is a lead Elder and additional Elders for the carpets.

Elders are generally 50 years or older, have staffed a number of times, and have a pastoral heart to help men connect intimately with God.

Elders enroll the leaders for the weekend, giving them something to remind them of the role they are taking on in leading the staff and uninitiated men soon to arrive.

They light and put out the candle that represents the invitation to God acknowledging that He is in control and in charge of this work.

Elders pray for each man on the carpet before and after they do their work – adding the important truth that this is God’s work in the person of the Holy Spirit who is truly empowering the effort.

One could say that the Elder keeps a Crucible Project weekend grounded in the Truth and Grace that only God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit bestow on all who enter into the weekend.

We interviewed many Crucible men who have entered the role of Elder. Here are some of their insights:

The draw to be an elder ranges from wanting to be a tangible vision of support for a man on the carpet, to the desire to help remind us of God’s sovereignty over everything going on that weekend.

“To encourage and affirm them before and after and pray for them during their work is one of the greatest privileges for any staff man and certainly something that can draw out the gifts of those with shepherding hearts.” – an Elder

Many Elders actually have served as elders at their home church, and want to bring blessing and support while helping keep the focus of the power and presence of the Triune God to the forefront. Elders expressed their joy of being able to enter into prayer and spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men.

Many Elders are praying even months before a weekend occurs – not just for the men who are attending, but also for the staff and the roles they are responsible for.

There is in an Elder the deep desire to bless and be blessed by the role. “I see it as a most intimate connection with a man just before and just after what is often an incredible moment of transformation,” one Elder expressed.

The Elder role is not without challenges. Many men speak about persevering for a man during lengthy carpet processes, or when a man isn’t finding clarity on what he wants. Being uniquely present just for each man can have its challenges.

Another challenge is to make sure that the role of Elder isn’t about the Elder himself! There aren’t really protocols for the Elder at this time. And really, should there be? A part of this role is really about listening to the Spirit and being in tune with Him.

“I knew this role was not about performance, but I didn’t want to be out of step with the other more-experienced elders and I was used to having protocols in all my other previous weekend roles. I was ultimately very glad just be able to listen and be guided to the Spirit and have the leadership affirm that.” – Elder

Men who have been Elders have experienced transformation from the role itself, often rejoicing in new relationships, God ordained words spoken at the right time, and helping men who felt disconnected or distant from Jesus – come into an intimate relationship with Him.

"During a Carpet session for a man that I had the privilege to lead, I realized he did not have a personal relationship with Christ but wanted it. I reconnected with him during the lunch on Sunday and we prayed together as he asked Christ into his life a Savior and Lord." - Elder

The Elder role is the Spiritual Anchor in the Transformational Work we do!

As 1 Timothy 3:1 states, "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."

Celebrating 10 Years at Midlands

Barry Thomas went on a Dare to Soar (early name for TCP) weekend at Dickson Valley, Illinois in August of 2005 before moving to Midland, Texas in June 2006.

“Upon arriving in Midland, I felt God was calling to build a culture of spiritual transformation in my local church. I got a picture of showing up in Midland with a plow - one that is pulled by oxen. The job was to plow the field so that God could do his job of transforming people's lives in deep ways."

"The things I was attempting to introduce ministry leaders in my church to were foreign to them. They didn't understand the type of transformation I was talking about. I realized a field couldn’t be plowed until removing all rocks and stumps."

"A Dare to Soar weekend could serve as the dynamite to blow the rocks and stumps out of the ground. In the fall of 2007, I called Greg Huston and began the discussions of bringing Dare to Soar to Texas.”

Since then, there have been 27 Initial weekends hosted by the Midland community with 10 Second level weekends (This does not include the weekends in Houston and East Texas).

God provided generous donors to help get weekends off the ground. Money paid for flights to Chicago, training and materials (backjacks, carpets, carpet materials, etc.).

God provided men with pioneering spirits who were energetic in building a community of authentic men. Tod Brown was very instrumental in helping get The Crucible Project started in Texas.

The first weekend was a huge success. At the final staff meeting, staff declared that a wild fire had just started and it was going to spread.

That is exactly what has happened. Different embers can be tracked to the start of some big fires. From Barry Thomas to Brandon Brunson to Roy Wooten OR Barry to Tod Brown to Chadd Schroeder to James Henderson to Jim Burgen OR Barry to Byron Myers to Joe Smith to David Elmore to...

Look at what God does when there are willing, brave men that step out in faith!

Celebrating 10 years in Texas

Saturday, January 19th

12:00 - 1:30; lunch provided

with special guest Greg Huston, founder of TCP

Home of Kyle and DeAnn McGraw

3004 Bluebird Lane

Midland, TX 79705

Please RSVP to Mike Hargesheimer at mikehargesheimer@yahoo.com

Meet with Greg Huston
Reflect on what God has done in your life and through this ministry
Help shape the future of TCP in Texas

Emerging Communities

We frequently highlight our existing communities with stories and engaging news, but what is happening in other areas? In Acts, the apostles and missionaries went to separate regions that led to them expand God’s work to new regions. So it goes in The Crucible Project - men do an initial weekend far from their home, and they have a desire to bring it back to their home. Here are some men and areas where things are percolating (an ancient coffee term)! J.D. Ackley in Atlanta, GA: My involvement with the Crucible Project allowed me to slow down from my frenetic pace and listen to Him a great deal more. When my conditions of employment were changing late last year I prayed to be faithful to His desires and path for my life. Although I couldn't see further down the road, my wife and I felt certain relocating was the right next step for us. Timing was everything, as I was wrapping up my two year program and looking for my next steps in The Crucible Project as I arrived in Atlanta. The Lord brought Crucible brother Craig McCall (North Carolina) into my life, and our shared passion for this work has fueled a program to develop TCP in the South East. Craig McCall in Charlotte, NC: “God put on my heart that this (Crucible) work is some of the most important work in a man’s life. I am motivated to bring this opportunity to a new geography that does not have this offering. The insight, transparency and safety this work provides for a man is so unique and needed in every city and state. Some pockets of the South and Southeast have a culture of “look good on the surface, remain pleasant and put together” vs. what Crucible strives for as we set out to do God’s work with men.” Mark Dunning in Green Bay, WI: “God has used The Crucible Project to change my life and empower me to bring gold to my world - now He has woven bringing this work to men around into the deepest parts of me. It has been exciting for me to see some of how He has been stirring up possibility in the Green Bay region as I have gotten to know a couple of Christian men from the Mankind Project, staffed initial weekends with them and invited new men from our area to participate. Please pray for God to keep doing His thing up here and that we would follow His lead in the transformation of men.” Bill Weedman in Louisville, KY: “God put in my heart to work on starting a Crucible community in Kentucky as soon as I returned from my initial 2015 weekend in Como, CO. I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to begin, but I remember telling other men in my first weekend staffing that I wanted to bring Crucible to Kentucky and Southern Indiana.” With Chris Cleghorn’s mentorship, and the support of various leaders from the Crucible family, we have a core community and our initial weekend is scheduled for March 1-3, 2019. The men in Kentucky and surrounding areas lack authentic community where we are free to admit our “shadow” and where we feel released to allow other men to know the “real us” and still be accepted. Crucible offers this and provides the knowledge to grow.” Pete Majors in Nashville, TN: “I needed significant change in my life and a life long friend experienced a Crucible weekend and how the Lord showing up for him in a powerful way (and that he had since purchased a pet pigeon). After my initial weekend, purchasing a pet wolf was not an option... I saw the need for myself and men in my sphere of influence, to have a similar weekend experience, because we were designed to be in authentic relationship WITH ourselves, other men and God. The Crucible weekend and more importantly the walking out community after, is vital. What motivates me to help start a community, honestly, I think is anger.I remember a movie showing a man with his head held underwater as a 'training' exercise by his mentor. When he finally desired to fight (healthy anger) to get air in his lungs he struggled for a breath and got what he needed. The anger for change in myself to continue to fight for a community of brothers doing life together has been a tremendous motivator. Bringing the Crucible Project to our back yard, will allow men a chance to take their own first step and to offer an opportunity for them to begin life on life community with men they already do life with."

Virtual Community: Really?

What happens when you cannot connect with other initiated men in your area? You go to the Matrix, my friend. It's still the real world in The Crucible Project. Jay Jarboe who has facilitated six different groups with over 35 men from 14 different states. Initially in a virtual growth group led by Byron Myers, and then mentored by Byron to lead virtual groups, we entered the Matrix and spoke with Jay. Q: What was the reason for launching virtual groups and how did it capture your heart? A: When I returned from my Initial Crucible Weekend, I was so encouraged and eager to continue my work. There were some men in my area but it was difficult to get a group together. I started reaching out to men I knew and was able to connect with several men in the area and beyond. There were resources and relationships which allowed me to find ways to continue my work without a local active community. However, I kept thinking about the men who did not have access to the same resources. With a heart and a passion for these men, I felt that they needed the opportunity to continue their work and to have access to a community of men with whom they could grow. Many men have a transformative experience at the initial weekend, but without a community, they aren't able to build upon their weekend experience. I do a lot of connecting and coaching with leaders around the world through video conferencing with my missions organization. I had the passion, the calling, and the experience to give men who did not have a local community a way to connect with a strong container of men who would empower one another to continue their work. I was hooked and was so amazed how safe and strong a container could be built virtually. The shared experience during the initial weekend in addition to the common protocols Crucible provides creates a safe place for us all. I have wanted to see a local community built in my area, but like everyone else, I have limited time. God has called me to provide this opportunity to men who will create the world they want to live in their region of influence. Q: How is it similar to a face to face community – and how is it different? A: To be honest, I have never been involved in a face-to-face community over a long period of time. I have been involved in face to face communities for a short period of time and would argue that there is not much difference. Perhaps virtually, we don't take the time to have spontaneous one-on-one conversations before and after the group. However, there is a great deal of connecting outside of the group through text, phone calls, personal video conferencing and even reaching out to those within driving distance. The last group I was a part of (that I still miss) made the decision to staff together. We all staffed in Texas coming from California, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado and Illinois. We were disappointed that our brother from New Zealand could not make it. It was a great experience to staff with one another and be physically present for the first time. But the bond was like we had been together for years. The strange thing I noticed is that virtually, I could not tell how tall the men were, so I was surprised that those who I thought were tall actually were shorter and those I thought were shorter were tall. 🙂 The strength of our relationships were evident as we staffed together. When we do work in pairs, the video conferencing tool we use called Zoom, allows us to create smaller groups of pairs or any number of combinations. The men go into private rooms where they can work through an exercise together and then when the time is up I can bring all of the men back together. We can see, hear and interact with one another much the same way as we would if we were in the same room. When there is physical activity connected to an exercise we make sure the men have a room where they can have space and privacy. We follow the same protocol as a face to face community. Of course, there is some adjustment to the exercises we do together, but actually, we don't have to make many changes. I am always impressed with how quickly we can build a strong, safe container through the virtual community. I know that I can call any of these men if I needed help and they would do anything for me that was physically possible for them. Q: How can other men become a part of this type of community where there is no community close to them? A: First, I would say try it out. Don't judge it as not for you until you have the experience. All you need is an internet connection and a device with a camera, microphone and speakers and a willingness to give yourself to building a strong container. Contact Bob Locascio at ministry@thecrucibleproject.org if you are interested in finding a Virtual Growth Group.

Also, if you are interested in being trained to facilitate a virtual group contact Byron Myers at leadershipdevelopment@thecrucibleproject.org

Houston, we have a Community!

We recently engaged John Owen & Roy Wooten about the Houston Crucible Community.

How and when did Houston as a Crucible community start? Who were the key players?

The Houston crucible community started in January 2009 following the inaugural Texas weekend at Providence Point on Lake Brownwood. Six men from Houston attended, and they were: Roy Wooten, Matt White, John Owen, Gary Smith, Jason Anderson and Sean Young. All but Sean were actively engaged in continuing their work in group and working toward bringing this work to the Houston area in the form of an initial weekend.

What were the challenges in launching?

One of the biggest challenges was we were all very high warrior coming off of our initial weekend and in general at the time. Our energy was more focused on accountability – I should say outwardly focused rather than on ourselves, which resulted in a lot of clearings early on! We didn’t have any experienced facilitators in the Houston area to help mediate, so we dealt with division and conflict on a regular basis, often in unhealthy ways. There was an experienced man from the MKP community who helped us get through that time. We also enlisted the support of leaders in the Midland and Chicago communities.

What’s the story on doing social events? What have you done and are doing?

These get-togethers started out as something we called “Crucible weekend previews.” We would meet at a restaurant and invite uninitiated men in a mostly social setting with some structure – start with prayer and a check in and then just organically share our stories. Men would ask questions about the weekend. These have evolved to cigar smokers, barbecues, crawfish boils and the like, and some of them – families – in an effort to build community — not just among brothers, but across families. Bringing the whole family in helps grow this work. It helps achieve buy-in from the wives and children and allows us to do life together outside of a weekend or “the work.“

How have you implemented and put together training for men?

Our model has been one that Greg Huston taught us. We ask leaders to EXPERIENCE IT, WATCH CERTIFIED LEADERS LEAD and CO-LEAD, let a certified leader WATCH YOU LEAD with feedback, then they are ready to LEAD. We encourage strongly all leaders and men staffing weekends to regularly be in a group doing their own work. As our community grows and our leadership development focus continues, we will have a need for more trainings.

How has God blessed your community?

God blessed us early on by getting us through some really tough times as we sought to grow our fledgling community. We struggled with recruitment and canceled two weekends that I am aware of and held a six-man weekend in December 2013 rather than cancel. God richly blessed us in 2014 following that tough year-and-a-half stretch, as we regularly met on calls with Chicago leadership and devised a plan to help get us to where we are now. We removed the pressure of trying to fill two carpet weekends and increased the number of weekends per year we were trying to do from 2 to 3, which allowed us to gain momentum with less time lapsing between weekends. After two one-carpet weekends, we filled a two carpet weekend, and have since held three carpet weekends nearly (if not) every time, so our plan worked (God blessed it). God continues to bring men who are willing to step into leadership. John Owen is the point of the spear but so many men in this community serve in a community leadership role or have stepped formerly in the Crucible Leadership Development process.

What key points of advice would you give a newly starting Crucible community?

Be patient. Be diligent. Pray. Trust God. Continue your work in group life. Allow yourselves and your community to start small. Don’t be too ambitious, but stay engaged and keep the pedal down. Apply some focus on people of influence — pastors, ministry leaders, community leaders, etc. Always be sharing your story and looking for those opportunities because God will grow those seeds you’re planting. Also, develop a leadership culture. Identify men with leadership potential and give them opportunities to step into leadership immediately.

Community Spotlight: KC-Tulsa-St Louis

When birds and insects take flight - they unknowingly take seeds or pollen on their journey and spread the plant's legacy further than it could. That's called mutualism in biology - they each benefit from each other's activity. The same can be said for the Crucible community that consists of Kansas City, Tulsa and St. Louis. You need to drive 915 miles to get to all three of them. Chris Batz (initial weekend 2005) was moving back to Kansas City with his family from Houston when Crucible leaders asked about starting something in KC. Doug Harwood met with Chris in 2011 to dream about what God could do. Chris also invited his friend, Josh Bruton, back to a Texas weekend in 2013. Josh was hooked and immediately saw the need. The seeds were spreading. They engaged men through a business community group, and held a few pizza and beer info nights to get a core of men. Many of those men attended out of area Crucible weekends. When Greg Huston was honored by Crucible in 2015, the challenge for KC to host their own initial weekend was encouraged and men like John Casey, Chris Cleghorn and Byron Meyers were instrumental in assisting this continuing process. Tulsa and St. Louis were now in the mix with men like Tim Rush and Crucible veteran, Doug Corey. God just brought the seeds together across some miles. In 2016, the KC area held it's first initial weekend - currently Kansas City has over 50+ who attended initial retreat weekends, over a dozen who attended 2nd level weekends and two men who were in the 2 year process. Chris states, "The community of men are primarily younger in their 20s and 30s. We mainly grew from recruiting close friends and pulled from a pool of men concentrated at a local church." What does the future look like? Joshua Bruton, Zach Saleh, Russell Capps, Brett Powers have been taking on more responsibilities with leadership tasks. They continue in the organic growth mode that go them this far. God continues to have men connect with new men around their work. The bottom line is changed lives: Chris shares, "One man, Zach 23, my neighbor was on the edge of suicide and heavy into alcoholism and drug abuse. He went on the weekend and it exposed him to areas of his heart and relationship he didn't know about. He came home and gave his dad a hug and said he loved him. His dad and his whole family had given up on him. His Dad was like, ' What have you done with him!' He now really believes in our work. We all believe in the work of the Show-Me-Sooners!

Community Spotlight: Northeast Texas

David Elmore writes about the ripple effect of starting a new Crucible community: Langston Hughes said in his poem Dreams, Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen in snow. Many years ago, I wanted to work with men and give back what I had been given, but things didn’t work out like I had dreamed. Not only did my dreams limp along wounded and unable to produce, but my life seemed to be following the same pattern.I made the adult decision to give up on my pipe dreams and leave the idea behind of helping others. I would work and take care of my family and that was enough. Throughout those working years, I became quite successful, but I also struggled with an illness that put me into the hospital many times. Battling bouts of illness, I still worked and traveled from East Texas to West Texas and all around the USA for business. In this process, I met a man named Joe Smith and developed a typical male relationship, but Joe began to ask me to go to this men’s weekend. I initially had no desire, then I said yes to get him off my back, but as each weekend came and went, I always found a reason why I couldn’t go: “I don’t have the money.” “I don’t have the time.” “I have to work.” “I’m sick.” Joe never gave up. As the next weekend approached, the phone calls would begin and I would look at my phone and not want to answer. Eventually, all the excuses were taken away. I walked into work one day and I was let go. I now had plenty of time; I didn’t have to work, they gave me a severance package and I was well. I went to The Crucible Project on July 2015. Those 3 days changed not only the trajectory of my life, but also dreamed life back into a dying dreamer. See, at the first Crucible Project weekend that I worked, I saw a future where men could heal and the ripple effect to those men’s families and communities was exactly what I was most passionate about….giving men a second chance to reclaim their power and future. I told the men at the closing meeting that we would have a Northeast Texas Community. I could not find something this life changing and not share it with the people I cared about. Shane Elmore is my brother and one of the first men with whom I shared The Crucible Project. Shane says, "I had found Men's Fraternity 5 years before, and I'd been trying to talk David into going through the material. David never really seem interested in being a part of it. I knew David had worked with Joe and had invited him to The Crucible Project weekend. When David came back from the weekend in July, he was so pumped up and excited. In my mind, he finally got a glimpse of what I had found five years ago. Little did I know that he had experienced something that a video or a book couldn't provide. David immediately began to invite me and asked that I attend an initial weekend. I was truly happy for him and was proud of the step that he had taken, but I'll be honest, I had no desire to go. You see, things were going well for me. My life wasn't falling apart, and everything seemed to be working fine for me. I was surprised at the immediate changes in him. David and I had a very strained relationship that was full of spite and competition. Anything I said seemed to set him off. After David came back from the weekend, it's as if he had learned to evaluate himself and his thoughts. When I would say something, instead of getting all twisted up, he would share with me how he interpreted what I said. I had no idea the story he told himself about the things I said. Over the next month, I saw a complete metamorphosis. David was born again not in a spiritual sense but in a literal sense. By the time October came around, I had to see what it was all about. After the weekend I told David for the first time in our lives, he was the big brother. I had no idea what this would do for our relationship. The challenge I experienced when I came home from The Crucible Project was that I felt alone. It was as if Pandora's Box opened to me, and I learned to connect with men like I never had before, but I came home with only one Man, my brother, who was able to speak the same language. I was starving to connect with men like that on a day to day basis, but it was just the two of us. I started the 2-year program and continued my work via Skype with Crucible Project men across the country. After my initial weekend, I thought my journey was complete. I didn't think it was possible, but my work with a group of men from different parts of the country, via Skype was so much deeper than any of the work I did on my weekends. It wasn't until David became a part of Summit Heights Fellowship that the magic began to happen. We began to pray and dream about what it would look like to have a group of men from our Church that we could connect with like we did on the weekend." It is true what Victor Hugo said, "There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come." Men are looking for something and sometimes they don’t even know what it is. When my brother and I joined forces and took The Crucible Project back to our community - suddenly men in our lives, in our church, in our community, even in our jobs sat up and took notice. The time was right; the time was now to make a difference in men’s lives. Jake Conner is the Executive Pastor at Summit Heights Fellowship, and as the ripple effect begins to grow, Shane invited him to join in the next Crucible Project weekend. Jakes says, "I was introduced to Crucible and invited to a weekend when I met Shane Elmore. Shane and I had been talking about how to get a solid Men’s Ministry going at Summit Heights Fellowship. Shane continued to talk to me about going to Crucible for almost a year.It wasn’t until our Youth Pastor, Ryan Lewis, went to an initial weekend that I realized how this work could benefit me and possibly the men at our Church. I had been really struggling with myself for some time. I had no self-confidence and was angry all the time and taking it out on my family. This had begun to take a toll on my marriage and my ministry at the church. I went to my initial weekend in April of 2017 four months after Ryan got back and almost a year to the day Shane first invited me to attend TCP. My weekend centered around me reclaiming my masculinity and 'getting my balls back'! I realized I had a wound that I had ignored for 36 years because of a lack of a male role model in my life. When I came back from my weekend, I preached a message to our church about recovery work, and I mentioned my Crucible journey and what God had done in me, how my life was different and how my wife and kids were changing because I was changing and getting healthy. People in our church began to see the change, and Men that I had known for some time began to come to me and ask me about my experience. The next weekend in July we sent 6 men from our church and that began to snowball as with each weekend in the Texas area we had men from our church attend and then it all came together at our first NEXT weekend where we saw 10 men attend! We now have close to 40 initiated men that either attend our church or are connected to pour church in someway." I spoke to those closest to me, but I didn’t stop there. I spoke to men at church, at work and eventually men I didn’t know but whom I came into contact with everyday. A ripple effect is one small change that can have an enormous impact. So, just over two years later, not only do we have our own Northeast Texas Community, but we have hosted our first initial weekend with our own men filling many of the positions, and it continues to grow! I can never forget that Langston Hughes’ bird did not heal on its own nor can the barren field plant it’s own seeds for growth. It takes one willing to invest. Thank you Joe Smith for giving me the opportunity to let me dreams take flight!

Community Spotlight: Kenya

How in the WORLD did The Crucible Project come to Kenya? When there is a common passion to see men transform, there is a place for community. The Crucible Project came to Kenya at the invitation of a Kenyan man named Simon Mbevi, founder and director of Transform Nations, of which “Man Enough” is a program to help men “rediscover the truth of masculinity.” They operate in Kenya and the nations beyond its borders. Simon experienced a Crucible Weekend and knew the impact it would have on the men of his country. With only two Kenyan men that had been through a Weekend and thirty men from the U.S., Kenya held their first two Crucible Weekends in 2017. Two Soul Groups formed to carry on that work. Shortly after, two men travelled to Colorado for training. This year 19 Kenyan men who participated last year returned and served as staff for their brothers. Their intentionality to learn and grow meant only 13 men from the U.S. came to support the weekends. Those that travelled overseas came to mentor the Kenyan men that stepped out to teach, lead, and coordinate. What is more exciting, then men taking ownership of their community and letting their passion to learn drive them to deep commitments? This coming September there will be two more Initial Weekends, and enough Kenyan men to staff them! Only a small handful of U.S. staff will serve in roles as Certified Retreat/carpet leaders. Between the two weekends many Kenyan staff men attended two training nights to improve their relational community skills. They were eager to learn more about Accountability and Clearings! Now, the work of creating new soul groups has begun. The Kenyan community doubled in size and is experiencing what other Crucible Project communities face…the need to communicate, develop leaders, and keep people engaged. Please continue to pray for them and other new communities that God is raising up – where the passion to transform men’s lives ignites!

Eddy, Materials Coordinator Extraordinaire!

Community Spotlight: Mexico

Omar Vargas’ animal name is Jaguar Valiente (Brave Jaguar). In Aztec history, jaguars represented outstanding warriors. Omar did his initial weekend in Mexico, 2015. He is on the key teaching's track of Crucible initial weekends and co-leads a soul group which meets on a dark rooftop in downtown Tenancingo. Simple, rustic, and inspiring, they do check-ins and exercises by candlelight, surrounded by Crucible and warrior symbols that remind the men to do honest, risky soul work. Omar is a personal trainer and owns a gym. He is also an artist and last fall at his hometown cultural center, Omar put together an art exhibit that he called “Wild Man”, a collection of paintings that were inspired by his soul work, love for God, and journey through Crucible. Matthew Reed says, “Omar is highly artistic and talented. Deeply committed to his continued soul work, Omar has overcome a low sense of self-worth and rejection. He strives in a courageous manner to take an honest look at his life. Omar focuses on seeing Jesus and notices the beauty all around him. Omar is intense. A strong warrior. He has grown in his assertiveness, but I can’t help but notice a maturing tenderness in Omar.” Jorge Ortega says: "Omar is a man with warrior energy, but with a creative and artistic soul. His character reflects what a man needs to overcome his fears and for the Mexican Crucible community, Omar embodies strength, credibility, and trust." James Henderson says: "I love the character and leadership I see in Omar Vargas, he's a good example to our Crucible community. I love the attention he gives to his relationship with God - his life of prayer is a mix of a warrior's discipline and a lover's depth. At his art exhibit, on a rock of one of his paintings, Omar wrote: "I don't think God is found in what is easy. You've got to look for God, and that quest requires time and effort. God speaks to us in the desert and in the silence.'" Because of men like Omar, in Mexico, we marvel at what God is orchestrating in the lives of men through Crucible communities around the world.

Community Spotlight: Connecticut

Nor’easters are strong winds that bring intensity and heavy impact weather to the northeastern region of the United States. Peter Aldrich, John Ivan, and Brian Smith are Nor’easters for The Crucible Project. John did his initial work through the ManKind Project in 2006, and discovered Dare to Soar (The Crucible Project’s former name), where Greg Huston invited him to staff a weekend in 2007. He then joined a Transformation (Two Year Program) group. Brian attended his initial weekend in March of 2015 and joined a Curriculum SKYPE group later that year. Peter did his first weekend in March of 2016 and started staffing. The idea of offering a Crucible Weekend in the Northeast has been a desire since 2008, when John started talking to Bob Locascio about the idea. The overarching reason these men wanted to bring Crucible Weekends to their region was because of their own hunger to do this work AND the desire to bring this to the men in their local community. Peter adds, “…for me staffing and seeing this work happening in other men re-kindles everything that happened on my Initial Weekend. To see the physical transformation in the face of a man, see him arrive a hard cynic on Friday and to leave on Sunday a different individual, drives home being transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The tipping point occurred when they started staffing, speaking to staff men from other regions that were newly formed. Brian states, “Their journey and encouragement all had some similar themes... invest in my own growth, continue to staff, and continuing to reach out to local men. I think it was on the way back from that weekend with John Ivan that I first seriously thought that holding weekends in CT might be a real possibility... some day.” A few more men from the region went through their Initial Weekend and then staffed weekends – giving them men who could form the core of a staff in Connecticut. In 2015, there were seven initiated men – and by 2017 there were sixteen! The winds were blowing. When these men met with Crucible leadership to identify next steps, Brian states; "It became clear that our most pressing barrier to hosting weekends was more local men with staffing experience. Peter, John, and I started encouraging men to staff by telling our stories about all we were gaining from our staffing experience. As the staff application for the August 2017 Weekend in St. Charles came due it became clear that the five rookies planning to travel to staff St. Charles would double our local staffing experience and would push us over what was requested for us to have to schedule a weekend." The winds were blowing harder. After years of hard work, The Crucible Project Northeast region will host its first Initial Weekend in Andover, CT on April 15-18, 2018! John, Brian and Peter met twice a month since last September to plan and complete the tasks that need completion for the North East’s first Crucible Weekend. There is a prayer team that is lifting it all up. Using online technology to communicate, plan and manage helps tremendously, and there are other initiated men who are sharing the load. They currently have a DEVELOPMENT group (formerly known as a “Soul group”) and a GROWTH group (formerly known as “Curriculum group”) in place already. They sponsored a delayed graduation ceremony for all the men who completed weekends elsewhere this last year and they hold “Open Circle” events where uninitiated men can experience a taste of this work. The efforts of these three men and many others in the growing community of the North East shows the hunger they have for God, and who He really is – a caring, loving Father who wants to meet men’s needs through connection and authenticity so they can receive grace and truth. Brian personalizes what this work means to him: “I came to this work with my marriage hanging by a thread. I hung on for years hoping that reconciliation was possible, and it hasn’t. I don't know how I could've survived the last few years without the local men of my community and the greater network of support around the country. I know and believe things about myself and other men around me that weren't part of my wildest dreams three years ago. I can embrace life's messy parts with other men and come through better on the other side. I am so very thankful to be a part of bringing this work to my region of the country.”

Community Spotlight: Colorado

On November 10-12, eight Crucible Men from Colorado AND from the same Soul group journeyed to Wisconsin to staff a Weekend together! Why did they do that and how did they do in a foreign land? Let’s jump in as we talk to Tim Feikert (Authentic Owl), Robb Paolasso (Burley Bear), Andrew Palmer (Royal Tiger), Dave Record (Freebird), Gary Piotraschke (Swift Dolphin), Greg Coleman (Leading Dolphin), John Silz (Fierce Grizzly) and Mike Ginocchio (Brahma Bull). Here are some of their responses: You guys have done your initial weekends between 2015-2016 and have been in this Soul Group together. That’s very cool – what do you enjoy about being in this Soul Group? We have authentic and deep connections. We do WORK. We are a very strong connected brotherhood. We’re ALWAYS there for each other no matter what’s wanted/needed. We’ve been to some really high places and have spent some time in the trenches with each other, pushing each other to lean-in to our work. It’s the fellowship, the authenticity and no bullshit approach that invites me to push my growth edge. We are all beautifully messed up dudes. And we have very open and honest conversations – when we meet, we don’t just socialize. We keep in contact throughout the week through group texts, meeting up individually/via phone. The group is not once a week, it is always running. How did you get the idea to staff together? Someone brought it up (I think it was Tim) and most of us agreed it would be an awesome idea. You are basically on a waiting list if you want to serve in Como (Colorado), so why not serve in another state? We wanted to share the growth, challenge and passion we individually would come back with after staffing. We wanted to share the experience with those who hadn’t staffed yet. We’d been throwing the idea around all year, but Como was filling up so quickly and the thought of looking into Chicago/Texas came up and we went from there. We had a couple of men in our group that had not staffed yet and we wanted to make that happen. Was there a challenge in staffing in another location? For me, not feeling connected on the conference call check-ins and coming into the weekend feeling displaced . . . lasted about 30 minutes. The new environment and many new men brought some challenges in terms of container building in a hurry. I’d staffed three other times in Como, CO so the camp and most the people were familiar – learning these on top of preparing for being there for participants added some extra work. I (Dave) have the unique perspective in this group of never staffing in Colorado. Even though I’m from here and this is where I call home, I didn’t do my initial weekend in Colorado, so staffing outside the state was something I was comfortable with. A challenge that is always a concern is the extra travel time and the financial impact of staffing outside the local area. However, as a group we committed to making sure every man was able to go regardless of finances. What’s a blessing in staffing at another location? The biggest blessing for me was the warm reception from the Wisconsin staff men – just getting to know Crucible men in a different city was awesome! There was this staff guy who pointed out some gold he saw in me. I do not remember the exact words, but he was pointing out that I was genuine in my response when I took responsibility for missing a small part through our walk through. I tend to beat myself up a lot, which generally cools down after I realize my gold. EASY! – I made real connections with men doing the same work in a different state. I feel like that will help build a larger community of Crucible men Meeting a whole new group of strong, safe men is always refreshing and a blessing. I keep in contact with many via Facebook and believe there are some good lifelong friends among them. Also, being out of our element in terms of a new location really challenged us to bring our A game and try things in a new way. It brought fresh perspective around the whole weekend. Would you recommend staffing as a Soul Group? Any advice? Absolutely – I’d recommend traveling together (same flight, same rentals, a couple pre- and post-weekend meals together. Made for an overall awesome bonding experience. Traveling together and spending serious time together is a good way to build structure inside the fabric of the “container”. The only advice I would give is to just be open and embrace the experience. Don’t drive your own expectations into the weekend or into what you think might happen with your group. Let things happen naturally and set aside time to connect with each of the men in the group. One last thing, go the extra mile when you get back home and connect with the men from your group that didn’t get to make the trip. It is really easy to inadvertently build a wall between them and the group that staffed together. What cool things happened on the weekend? Most of the men in my group hadn’t observed me (Tim F) leading nor had they heard my full story as shared in the Shadow teach and drama. The bonding experience of being on the same carpet team was incredible! I was able to staff with Dan Kuiper, who had reached out to me via other staff men on my initial weekend in CO. Back then we talked on the phone, he sent me his book to read, and we’ve been in contact via Facebook ever since. Then to be able to staff with he and his nephew on a weekend brought the whole thing full-circle. I even unknowingly ended up bunking right above him and really got to know him better. Most amazing first staffing ever. Knowing your brothers got your back giving you courage and encouragement the whole way. We would also like to thank the Chicago crew for not only allowing us to come by being amazing and gracious hosts. Felt like family. We are grateful and humbled for the opportunity and will treasure the experience forever.