WHAT IS REALMAN?
REALMAN is a long-term discipleship program for fathers and sons. The program is designed to be led by a group of fathers who make a decision to intentionally raise their sons together in authentic biblical community.
The mutual leadership of fathers in REALMAN is a vital aspect of the experience. Every father in REALMAN has a unique set of gifts and talents to contribute to the group, and every dad takes responsibility to help plan and lead the group meetings.
“Fire is a powerful thing. When harnessed and used properly, it is a mighty force for the good of all who gather around. When allowed to burn recklessly or out of control, it can be a dangerous force for evil and destruction. The same is true for masculinity.”
What does a realman group look like?
Most groups consist of 6-10 fathers who agree to share in the leadership of the group. A typical yearly schedule includes an annual REALMAN Weekend along with three additional quarterly meetings.
While four meetings is the recommended minimum to achieve success in the program and create authentic community, some groups meet six times per year and some even choose to meet monthly.
how old should boys be to start realman?
AGE 5 IS IDEAL, BUT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START
When a boy starts REALMAN at age 5, he has 14 years to walk through the seven-year teaching cycle twice before he turns 18 and graduates from high school and from REALMAN.
Don’t worry if you have older sons. It’s never too late to start REALMAN and begin intentionally investing in their growth. Make the most of the years you have left to enjoy and equip them before they leave home.
WHO LEADS THE GROUP? WHO TEACHES THE CURRICULUM?
YOU DO! If you are a father, God has called and equipped you to be the primary discipler of your children. Every man in a REALMAN group has different gifts to offer the larger body, and every man takes responsibility to contribute, plan, and lead.
The mutual leadership of dads in REALMAN is a vital aspect of the experience. It honors the Biblical mandate for men to lead their families, while also expanding their influence in the context of authentic community.
“When a group of men decide to raise their sons in community with others, their influence is extended in immeasurable ways. As fathers integrate the five essential elements of REALMAN – Biblical teaching on manhood, storytelling, work projects, community, and learning ‘man skills’ – boys are intentionally developed into men over time.”
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF REALMAN
The REALMAN program is built on five essential elements designed to help fathers intentionally develop their sons into men over time.
1. Biblical Teaching on Manhood - Passing on what the Bible says about manhood and how we can reflect God’s image as a man.
2. Storytelling - Remembering the great things God has done and sharing personal experiences with the group.
3. Community & Relationships - Battling isolation with authentic community and healthy relationships where we can know and be known, love and be loved, and serve and be served.
4. Work - Embracing our God-given responsibility to steward our resources and provide for others.
5. Man Skills - Teaching the essential life-skills that boys need to learn as they grow into men.
“Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in His commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
what is the realman teaching content?
The REALMAN teaching curriculum consists of a seven year cycle. Each year, a REALMAN group will focus on one of The Four Pillars or one of the Three Core Capacities of Biblical Manhood.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF MANHOOD
YEAR 1 - Reject Passivity
YEAR 2 - Accept Responsibility
YEAR 3 - Lead Courageously
YEAR 4 - Expect God’s Reward
THE THREE CORE CAPACITIES OF MANHOOD
YEAR 5 - Pursue
YEAR 6 - Protect
YEAR 7 - Provide
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
how much does it cost?
REALMAN registration is $150 for fathers plus $50 per son. With your initial registration, each dad will receive a REALMAN t-shirt and the “Field Guide for Dads.” Each son will receive a REALMAN t-shirt, a “Field Journal,” and a red fire medallion for their staff.
Registration includes all ongoing resources for your group provided by 3GEN Ministries, including access to REALMAN properties and events.
DOWNLOAD THE SAMPLER FIELD GUIDE FOR DADS
Click the button below to download a sample PDF of the Field Guide for Dads that contains more information about REALMAN and what to consider before starting a group.
how do I start a group?
IF YOU ARE READY, CONTACT US TO GET STARTED
There are several important things to consider before starting your group, click the button below to complete an interest form and let us walk through the steps with you.