Christian Guys Cohorts are groups that meet on a regular basis to provide teaching, accountability, support and prayer to guys 17 to 25. Regardless of age or background all Christian guys want to be the man who God has called then to be and being part of a Christian Guys Cohorts can help.
Christian Guys Ministries Headquarters does not put out “cookie cutter” cohorts with a set of curriculum that the group must follow. Each group adapts to fit the size and “personality” of the group. The only guidelines if you will are…
Cohorts should stay small with no more than 10 guys in any given group. However each church may have as many as necessary to accommodate all the guys that are interested in joining.
Cohorts should meet as often as possible, ideally once a week, but can be as infrequently as once a month, the day and the time is determined around the availability of the groups members.
Cohorts should meet in places that are private as to afford the group members a safe place to talk openly about the things that are going on in their life without risk of being overheard, never should the group meet with only the Coach and one group member as to avoid any chance of slanderous comment or accusation.
Cohorts can be chartered through local faith-based organizations, including churches and para-church ministries. While each group is different, Christian Guys does have at its core several basic principles:
Connections: The Cohorts provides an open, supporting, and accepting atmosphere where guys can get together to talk about the struggles and trials they are going through without judgment or prejudice.
Mentoring: Coaches will listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.
Practical Instruction: Teaching times focus on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant.
Leadership Development: Christian Guys Cohorts are organized and run by Godly men who come from all walks of life. They may have backgrounds in ministry, business, agriculture, social services etc. Each coach will bring a unique perspective on leadership as well as providing the group members the opportunity to grow into leadership positions on their or other groups.
The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a Cohort:
Discussion: The small and accepting atmosphere of a cohort offers guys a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that guys realize that they are not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
Teaching: Topics presented at group meetings, can be anything from Rock Climbing techniques to deep Bible study. They are designed to challenge guys to take their life to the next level both in the world and in their relationship with Christ.
Hand-on Experiences: Groups are encouraged to have “offsite” activities and trips. These can include the Christian Guys Conference or Annual Missions Trip or Group, Area or State activities. These times allow for team building and stretching to know where each guy is and how far they need to go.