How 3 Works

Simple explanation of 3

In its simplest form 3 is a group of 3 men with common interests and a leader (4th person).  Together they read chapters from 3 chosen books over a period of time, meeting every couple of weeks to discuss the 3 chapters they have read from these books.  Occasionally, movies are also incorporated, with discussion at the end of the movie.  Outings are planned during this reading period. After completing the 3 books, they graduate. Each person from the graduated group begins a new group by inviting 3 men to begin the process again. 3 naturally builds strong relationships with like-minded men within these small groups. 3 is intended to build up men in America one small group at a time! 

Why the name 3

First, it’s simple to remember!  Everything about the group is based on 3’s. Preachers and speakers are formally taught to teach and speak with only 3 points in mind.  People simply remember points in 3’s better!  3 is based on the concept that GOD has done mighty things throughout history in 3’s; a simple Bible study will show this.  Here are a few examples: 

GOD Himself is a 3 (Triune) personal being; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Humans model this within the family such as: husband, wife and children. 

There are 3 stages to human existence on earth: birth, life and death. 

Do a Bible study yourself on the number 3 and you will be amazed at how many significant Biblical events and number of times the word is used.  One can go on and on with this interesting stuff, but please understand we are not trying to make something weird or spiritual about the number 3. 

Begin a group

If you are interested in beginning a 3 group, simply print this page as well as any download pages. Place them in a binder or staple together. Take it to your pastor, group leader, or two other friends. Then invite 3 men to join your group and follow the process. 

The Process

3 - Focuses on 3 specific areas of a man’s walk with GOD: They are: Personal growth in the Lord, accountability, and Mentoring men. It is not meant solely to be about fellowship or fun outdoor activity, but is designed for those who want a deeper closer walk with Jesus.  Not everyone will be interested.

A 3 group consists of 3 men and 1 to 3 leaders. Keeping this group small creates deep fellowship, trust and closeness. A small band of brothers! It’s also easier to keep the group focused on 3 principles and objectives. 

Each 3 group can have up to 3 leaders who are mature men in Christ. The 3 different group leaders share leadership and can rotate leadership roles every 3 weeks. We encourage each leader to attend as many meetings as possible. Having three leaders creates less stress by not depending on one man to lead, and also frees up the leaders to spend some one on one time with the other men in the group. This concept can be accomplished with one or two leaders if needed, but we have found it works best with three leaders. 

Leaders can cover for each other as situations arise. Having three leaders ensures that there is always a leader. 

Everyone entering a 3 group agrees on 3 things.  

·         Attendance

·         Participation

·         Giving back   

Our desire is that the graduated groups become group leaders and take on a new group of 3 men. 3 groups can be specialized, focusing on difficult subjects such as pornography, substance abuse, addictions, anger etc. Or they can use some of the resources we have provided.  

3 Scriptures 3 relies on: 

Proverbs 1:5

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— 

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.   

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.       

Where to meet: 

During your initial meeting set up dates, times and locations that best fit your group. Your group can literally meet anywhere. Some groups may like to move the meetings around and others may want to keep it at one location such as a member’s home. The following are examples: 

·         Church

·         Restaurants

·         Parks

·         Homes

·         Clubhouses

·         Camp outs

·         Hiking  

Activity

3 groups can meet and participate in outings almost anywhere.  Just keep in mind, this is a discipleship/ mentoring program that is meant to grow people in a deeper walk with the Lord and strengthen relationships with other like-minded people.  

Spiritual Lessons 

·         Personal daily Bible reading…knowledge & wisdom for men

·         Personal and outward demonstration of worship

·         Personal prayer & accountability to others.

By showing men in their 3 group how to instill these 3 spiritual lessons, they become deeply changed. 

Again, 3 is designed for men that desire a deeper walk with GOD. It is a discipleship/mentor program that may use common activities, but we must emphasize it’s not about activities. It’s simply not another church fun fishing trip for a bunch of guys. Churches do these types of activities all the time without much Spiritual growth among men. 3 is intended to build up men in America through strengthening them in God, one small group at a time! 

3 Outdoor Activities

When initially signing up people for 3 it is best to have them sign up by common interests. For example you could form a fishing group where all have a strong interest in fishing and this connects each one together.  Lessons can be built around outdoor activity. Other examples for group sign ups could be: golfing, hiking/backpacking, professional TV sports, hunting, camping, ATV, 4x4 vehicle outings, exercise programs and so many more. The outdoor activity will help bind a group of like-minded guys together and creates the following between the men:  

·         Fellowship

·         Trusted Friendships

·         Education  

So as an example let’s say your group is a like-minded group of men that enjoy outdoor sporting activities. Lessons can be taught during hikes, fishing, hunting or other outdoor activities. Meetings can simply be a breakfast out or at a member’s home, or church.

Using the example of outdoor sporting activities the focus would be …  

·         Fellowship

·         Outdoor education, mentoring

·         Outdoor activity 

Lessons

The reason 3 works is because anyone can become an active participant in the group, and even leadership is not dependent upon formal Christian education. Instead, leaders decide on a men’s Christian book to read through, and the book does the teaching one chapter at a time. Let’s say you choose the small book “Wild at Heart” by Eldridge. 

*  Three chapters are read prior to each weekly or bi-weekly meeting, by members of the group on their own.

 * Each person brings 3 things from each chapter that impacted them. 

* During the meeting each group member shares their 3 points from each chapter, that they may have questions on or that spoke to their hearts.

 We encourage taking notes and developing more questions to maximize what God is trying to show you on a personal level. Remember always come with at least one solid principle God has revealed to you from each chapter. 

 Movies

3 Also uses 3 different Christian movies to teach 3 different Christian concepts from each movie. Movies are fun and exciting for men. After the movie be prepared to ask questions.  Click here to download movie questions and print them. Movies can be shown at home or at church.

Several 3 groups can come together and watch the movie at one time. Dates can be planned for in advance. Offer popcorn and drinks, or a pizza party. Do not tell your group what movies they will be watching initially. Here are some movies we use.

·         Fire Proof

·         Saints & Soldiers (our favorite Christian movie)

·         The Passion

For more recommended movies click here. 

Christ ting

The Christ ting concept could be utilized by the group. Christ ting if you are not aware, is a cell phone group texting concept, again created by the team at SportsmensDevotional.com. It institutes instant prayer among the group and healthy sharing during work weeks. It was originally developed to compete with sexting and create a sort of home fellowship cell phone group. This will further band the group together.

Click here to visit the Christ ting site.  http://christting.com/index.htm 

3 Things

Have group prayerfully contemplate 3 words that best describe what they want to build their life around before their next meeting. This will be different for each person depending on what stage of life each is in.
Have each person write down 3 things they want to build their life around. Use only 3 words to describe each of the three.
Further have them include 3 things they do not want to do, or work on stopping. Use only 3 words to describe each of the three.
Bring to the next meeting for sharing.

Graduation

Once the group of men completes reading and discussing 3 books, they graduate! Again using the example of outdoor sporting activity, an overnight camping/fishing trip could be planned somewhere. Other ideas could include a church scheduling a date when several groups come together for a formal graduation. A simple backyard barbeque also works with all family members invited. 

Giving Back

Once graduated, this 3 group forms their own leadership plan and takes on a new group of 3 men. This concept grows rapidly. 

By-products from the concept 

·         3 naturally creates a close personal band of brothers.

·         It creates trust, accountability & long lasting friendships.

·         It spreads Christian discipleship, once again, across America which is badly needed!

·         It spreads fast and is fun, and it is desirable to join a 3 group.

·         It creates men who are whole-hearted Christ followers, leaders and lovers of their families.

·         Men deepen their relationship with GOD and become worshipers of the ONE who made them and from whom all life is given.

·         It creates a strong church, strong community and strong workplaces. 

Group Structure

In a church or ministry setting, there should be someone in charge of 3 groups. This is much like someone who is in charge of home fellowship groups. Once a group splits off and begins their own 3 group the previous group leaders should continue to pray for and mentor their previous group.  

3 Possible Agenda 

1st meeting: make it in a comfortable setting for all

Refreshments, introductions, rules, plans, how it works, field trips options, agenda, book to order, prayer.   

2ND meeting

Refreshments/talk and discuss book, Bible lesson (note all the books we have recommended have powerful Biblical lessons), prayer needs, introduce Christ ting 

Continued meetings

Each week discuss 3 things from each chapter. Do this over a breakfast, short hike into a quiet secluded area, a home, backyard, church, or other outdoor activity. Movie nights are added in where appropriate and can be coordinated with several other 3 groups on pre-identified dates. 

Graduation

Down-loadable printable certificate for ceremony, family barbeque, camping trip, etc.

Graduating group plans agenda and books for their new 3 group.  

Possible Christian men’s books to use for 3

For outdoor men we recommended the following series of books-read in the following order. 

·         Wild at Heart… John Eldridge

·         Courage.... Ed Cole 

·         Ordering Your Private World... McDonald

This list of books is our recommendations. If you would like to recommended Christian books please let us know so we can review them. This list is updated often.

Click here for a list by category.