Reflecting on Training Year

On May 15th , the men who comprised this year’s “Training Year” gathered for our final meeting. Like every good thing, it was difficult to see it come to an end.

Twice a month, for the last year, I had the privilege of sitting shoulder to shoulder with a group of faithful men who love the Lord, His word, and His church. Not only did we work through the scriptures together, but we were challenged in many new ways, specifically in our ability to teach.

Teaching God’s word from behind the pulpit was unchartered territory for most of us, the thought of it was terrifying. However, I believe this was some of the dearest time we spent together. It was through Sunday preaching practice runs and leading mock growth groups that our camaraderie, trust, and love for one another grew exponentially. During these vulnerable moments of critique, we grew the most and had our deepest laughs. Our trust developed in ways that allowed us to share our daily struggles.

Proverbs 27:17 summarizes the growth that took place amongst the men in training year. “Iron sharpens Iron and so one person sharpens another.” The men in training year forged long-lasting Christ centered friendships as we grew in God’s word and helped each other follow Jesus.