Next Steps Archive

Annual Report

The 2019-2020 Annual Report hit inboxes in November!

We are so excited to share with you the work God has been doing through this ministry.   Se all that has been accomplished and all that we are striving for by downloading the report.

Download the Annual Report

 

 

 

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Winter Offerings!

Remember to always check our Redwoods page for the latest in trainings, workshops and more!

Trainings

Katherine Elmore and Byron Myers will hold Retreat Leader Training on Nov 30-Dec 3 via Zoom

Here are some highlights of what the training covers:

• An intentional look at how you lead
• Safety in leadership:  How do others respond to your leadership
• How to handle weekend “curveballs”
• Weekend logistics
• How to give feedback
• Effectively leading Accountability and Clearings among staff
• The importance of protocol knowledge
• Setting up schedules – balancing quality and growth
• Salesforce overview

Grief and Loss Workshop

Chris Cleghorn will lead a men's Grief and Loss Workshop Dec 12th and Lisa Modrzejewski and Kim Rush will lead the women's workshop on Dec 13th via Zoom

Register HERE

Beyond 2020 and the unique experience of this year, many of us carry  grief from years and decades of living life.  From childhood disappointments and major losses, through different personal rejections, failures, loss of loved ones, job losses, and myriad personal disappointments, over our lives we take into our hearts and bodies the pain and confusion of these losses. This workshop is designed to create a space for you to reflect on the accumulated losses that you are carrying,  process them in a ritual way and make steps toward reconciling what it all means to you

Carpet Training

Scott Selby and Byron Myers will be leading a Predator Process Training on January 07-10th via Zoom.  

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

Lunchtimes

Men's lunchtime Check-In and Topic Discussion.

Every Thursday 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT

No need to pre-register.  Just click here to join every Thursday:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2096332293

Women's FREE Community-Wide Check-In Group

12-1pm CT Weekly, Drop-In  Wed, Nov 25 – Thurs Dec 3 – Fri, Dec 11 – Thurs, Dec 17

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87200896855

password: gracetruth

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Trainings & Check-ins & Lunches!

Byron Myers: As the Men's ministry leader, I get to work alongside Lisa Modrzejewski, our Women's ministry leader, in designing and providing quality training experiences!

Remember to always check at our Redwoods page for the latest in trainings, workshops and more!

Trainings

Chadd Schroeder and Lisa Modrzejewski will be co-leading Intro to Carpet training on Nov. 6-7 via Zoom.  

• Learn the Art and Science of  leading the “wrestling with God” experience on weekends and groups. 
• Register RIGHT HERE.

Lunchtimes

Men's lunchtime Check-In and Topic Discussion.

Every Thursday 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT

10/22, Responsibility. Coming Up: 10/29 - Shadow;  11/5 - How to apply my soul work in my regular job. 

No need to pre-register.  Just click here to join every Thursday:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2096332293

Women's FREE Community-Wide Check-In Group

12-1pm CT Weekly, Drop-In  Wed, Oct 21 – Fri, Oct 30 – Wed, Nov 4 – Tues, Nov 10 – Thurs, Nov 19

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87200896855

password: gracetruth

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COVID19 Guidance Update September 15, 2020

This is an update of the Guidelines for COVID19 implications to our programs and services issued September 15, 2020. The pandemic is still with us as government is in the process of lifting of restrictions so cities can reopen and economies restart. Epidemiologists report that the last world-wide flu pandemic lasted eighteen to twenty-four months. The virus has not gone away, though, and some places are seeing a resurgence in infections when restrictions are removed. Updated public health guidance can always be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

The Crucible Project has remained in mission through a variety of online activities. Because so many people in the world are looking for answers during the period of physical distancing, the new online Exploration Groups have been launching across Crucible communities enabling souls from all over the world to begin their soul work journey anticipating the return of face-to-face weekends. The ministry is committed to continuing to incubate new online programs and services for Redwoods and pre-weekend participants.

Returning to Face-To-Face Groups, Trainings and Community Gatherings

The Board of Directors, along with input from COVID19 Committee, Modifications Committee, Retreat Leaders, Regional Leaders and key volunteers, have been developing face-to-face guidance for groups, training and weekends. We continue to hold out hope that we will have face-to-face weekends again soon.

Groups, Training and Community Gatherings

• Beginning Monday, May 18th, Crucible groups, training, and Community Gatherings can meet face-to-face again with compliance with this guidance. The philosophy that guided our actions early in the pandemic also drives this new guidance. It will be based on science, epidemiology, local conditions, risk and an abundance of caution to protect Redwoods and participants. This means our approach and timelines may differ from that of other companies or organizations. Our guidance will be based on following local public health guidance.
• If you are sick, opt out: Group Leaders, Trainers, Redwoods in Journey Groups and Community Leaders shall frequently remind group members that if they are feeling ill, running a fever or experiencing any symptoms of COVID19 to stay away from face-to-face meetings. An alternative is to have all or some participants attend online.
• Not Every Group Must Meet Face-To-Face: It’s important to note that the “reopening” does not mean that everyone must return to the face-to-face activities immediately, particularly those who are having success in the mission online. Redwoods in Journey Groups as well as Group and Community Leaders or Trainers have flexibility for when and how they bring people back into face-to-face activities. But all Crucible activities should follow this guidance. There shall be mutual consent to whether or not to meet face-to-face.
• Conform to Local Health Guidance: Leaders and Trainers shall conform to the recommendations of local public health authorities, which will reflect the level of virus transmission in the community, available tools (e.g., testing and contact tracing) and health system capacity.
• Physical distancing: We prefer the term “physical distancing” over “social distancing,” as we champion community and belonging. Leaders and Trainers shall look for ways to control the density in any meeting space so people can comfortably maintain approximately 6 feet between themselves and others. This applies to meeting rooms, bathrooms, dining/break areas, other common areas and carpooling. Square footage requirements shall be considered in the decision to resume face-to-face meetings.
• Individual Hygiene: Hosts and those leading will take steps to make meeting space less hospitable to the virus itself, including easily accessible hand-sanitizer, elimination of food handling materials that are touched by multiple people, voluntary temperature checks and constant reminders to stay away from group or training if ill. The personal hygiene practices that have been promoted by public health authorities should become the norm, including refraining from hugs and handshakes, instead offering elbow bumps and the like. At all times, mutual consent should be obtained prior to any touch.
• Masks: While masks are not a substitute for the physical distancing and infection control measures we are now all familiar with, they have become an expected practice in many places. And this will be an option in the groups or training in addition to physical distancing. Wearing a mask helps protect others who come in contact with you. As others wear masks, they too further protect you. Leaders and trainers shall recommend all in attendance wear masks when meeting.
• Safe To Work: Leaders or Journey Redwoods should make every effort to reduce possible barriers to continue their soul work. It is recommended that before meeting face-to-face, all group or training participants be willing to meet face-to-face. A participant who does not feel safe meeting face-to-face should continue to be provided all of the opportunity to do their soul work as any other member of the group. In general, mutual consent should drive the decision so as not to alienate any group member, creating barriers to continuing their soul work.
• The Virus Is Still With Us: The virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing or sneezing, shaking hands or hugging — and more rarely from touching un-sanitized surfaces. Until there is a cure or a vaccine, the opportunity for spikes in infections driving hospitalizations, intubations, long-term illness, and loss of life will remain with the world.

Testing

You may be wondering about the role of testing in our face-to-face strategy. There are two types of tests that are being used or developed: Testing for COVID19 and testing for the body’s immunological response to the virus. Given the technical and implementation considerations, legal considerations, including privacy laws, to be taken into account, it is our belief that it is not in our interest to establish a standardized policy relying heavily on testing at this time.

Travel Guidance

Any travel restriction imposed by governments shall be followed. Crucible travel should consider whether a “hot spot” is traveled through while commuting. Those who are medically vulnerable should not travel. Travel from a hot spot to a face-to-face event or weekend requires proof of a COVID negative test result within 72 hours of arrival. Crucible travel by private vehicle is recommended.

“Hot Spot” Definition

For the purposes of this guidance, a “hotspot” is any area with any of the following:

• More than 50% chance of COVID19 exposure for the group size meeting as identified at https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu or similar.
• The reported trending of weekly average of new cases or hospitalizations are increasing week by week.
• Any government guidance recommends not traveling to or from that area.

Returning to Face-To-Face Weekends

The Board of Directors, along with input from COVID19 Committee, Modifications Committee, Retreat Leaders, Regional Leaders and key volunteers, have been developing face-to-face guidance for weekends. We continue to hold out hope that we will have face-to-face weekends again beginning in October.

The Crucible Project’s vision is to create a world of men and women who live with integrity, grace and courage, fulfilling their God-given purpose. In order to make space for this world-changing growth, Crucible prioritizes physical, emotional, and spiritual safety in order to create environments where soul work flourishes. The following guidelines have been set with partiality for the overall safety for all people versus individual preferences.

Our safety goals are to:

• Make our gatherings as safe as possible by implementing layers of protection to reduce the risk of COVID-19 or other viral transmissions
• Adapt as the situation evolves based on wisdom, common sense, science, local conditions, risk and an abundance of caution to protect ourselves and other people
• Comply with local legal requirements and public health regulations as the minimum standard, although more conservative guidance may be taken by the organization as situations require.
• Cancel or postpone weekends in “hot spot” areas, allowing for general safety for all.

Weekend Guidelines

Each of the following must be taken into consideration when planning a weekend:

Local Guidelines and Restrictions

Any and all local guidelines and restrictions (e.g., openings limited to “essential services,” physical distancing, mask recommendations, etc.) must be adhered to by all those present on a weekend. The Retreat Leader will maintain contact with the retreat venue hosting the weekend to confirm their requirements. The Retreat Leader will ensure all local restrictions and guidelines are followed. The Retreat Leader is responsible for compliance of both with all people who are onsite to support The Crucible Project weekend.

Crucible Staff and Participants must follow the CDC and local public health official guidelines in effect at the time of the weekend, including (but not limited to) the following:

Physical Distancing Restrictions and Recommendations to Wear Masks

Retreats scheduled in “hot spot” areas shall be cancelled or postponed. Any Weekend scheduled in an area that becomes a “hot spot” within 45 days of schedule staff arrival shall be cancelled. Retreat scheduled in areas that is not a “hot spot” shall proceed, so long as it is practical to continue in compliance with local public health guidelines and restrictions and compliance with these guidelines:

• If the local guidance is a combination of physical distancing and group size, then the group size restriction must be adhered to for the weekend to take place. For example, if physical distancing is only required for groups of 20 or more, the weekend may still be possible if the group size (Staff and Participants, combined) is 19 or less. Masks shall be required on such weekends.
• If possible – given the retreat venue layout – Staff may elect to facilitate two (or more) concurrent groups through the same weekend with the groups using separate buildings and staggered meals times.
• “Micro Weekends” of 10 - 20 total people (Staff and Participants combined) may be held in private homes, with proper legal protection for the organization. For Micro Weekends, all Staff and Participants must be residents of the local area in which the Micro Weekend is held such that they can travel to the venue by personal car or other non-public transportation and must comply with physical distancing and mask regulations at all times.
• Any weekend must meet other policy and practices requirements, including but not limited to staffing requirements, timelines, and pre-approved budget.

Additional Weekend Hold Harmless Agreement

• All people engaged with a Crucible Weekend will be required to complete an additional legal notification and hold harmless agreement specific to this pandemic.

 

Travel Restrictions

All persons on site for The Crucible Project Weekend must comply with the organization’s Travel Guidance, detailed earlier in this document.

IMPORTANT: Weekend Staff, Participants and People of Service must either defer to another weekend or provide proof of a COVID negative test taken within 72 hours of arrival, if they would need to travel from or through CDC-designated “hot spot” (anywhere with public health travel restrictions) to travel to or from the weekend.

Pre-Weekend Health Assessment

All Staff and Participants will be asked specific health questions prior to attending or staffing the weekend. It is the responsibility of the Retreat Leader to ensure documentation of each assessment. The pre-weekend health assessment will include (but is not limited to) questions such as:

• Have you had any possible exposure to COVID, or other health risk, within the last 2 weeks?
• Have you had a temperature in the last 2 weeks?
• Do you have any current symptoms of physical illness?

IMPORTANT: Staff and Participants must defer to another weekend if they have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19-19 within the last 2 weeks, feel ill, have a fever, or are exhibiting any other COVID symptoms as stated at CDC .

• Are you willing to take responsibility for your own health and safety on the weekend? (This could include a Medical waiver).

Onsite Health Assessment

All Staff and Participants will receive a health assessment as they enter the retreat venue. The health assessment will include a temperature check and questions regarding exposure to – or concerns about – certain health risks. It is the responsibility of the Retreat Leader to ensure documentation of each assessment.

• Staff, or any people of service, are to receive a health assessment (temperature check and questioning) as they arrive to the retreat venue on Thursday or as soon as they arrive to the site.
• Participants are to receive a health assessment (temperature check and questioning) at or before the Road Warrior Station.
• Any Staff or Participant that has been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 within the last two weeks, feels ill, or has (or develops) a fever will be required to defer to another weekend.
• Onsite Health Assessments will be repeated every morning for all Staff and Participants.

Health Assessment Process

After the initial assessments (see above) the following steps should be repeated every morning at breakfast; first for those in charge of food preparation, then for Staff, then for Participants.

1. A brief temperature check will be taken with a forehead thermometer. It is recommended that the Medic include at least 2 thermometers per weekend. Thermometers need to be sanitized between assessments.
2. Questions will be asked about any recent contact with individuals who were COVID-19 positive (or under suspicion) and whether they have symptoms of concern for any contagious illness.
3. An agreement would be made confirming each person assessed will take responsibility for notifying designated Medic if they are beginning to have symptoms of illness. They agree that they will then be immediately isolated. They will remain isolated until they can be checked by Medic and a plan of action can be made.
4. To ensure all Staff and Participants temperatures are collected and health assessments are complete, a colored dot sticker (one color for each day) is to be worn in a visible place on each person. Displaying the ‘color of the day’ improves compliance, makes it easy to scan a room to see who has been assessed, and provides added comfort for attendees that all contacts had the same daily screening. The stickers should be removed and disposed of each day. This process has proven helpful in hospital settings and it is required.

Additional Recommended Safety Guidelines for the Weekend

Bathrooms and Showers

• Create, communicate, and carry out a process for ensuring bathrooms and showers are cleaned after each use. This should include wiping surfaces with disinfectant followed by handwashing.
• It is recommended that showering be staggered to allow for physical distancing during the weekend.

Social Interactions

• Guidelines for the weekend will state the requirement to use good handwashing and face touching disciplines throughout the weekend. Weekend materials should include ample supplies of hand sanitizer, masks, tissues, and disinfectant products to sanitize frequently touched surfaces. If any of these supplies are not available, the weekend must be postponed or cancelled.
• To comply with physical distancing while encouraging social connection, recommend the use of low contact greetings like elbow bumps, foot bumps, etc. All physical contact, including handshakes, hugs, and during processes, is only allowed after mutual, verbal consent.

Medic

• During the “Guidelines for the Weekend” ensure that all onsite for the Crucible Weekend know who the Medic is and where to find them during the weekend, including after bedtime.
• The Medic must designate a place with a bed to isolate anyone who begins to feel ill during the weekend. The ill person should remain separate from everyone else and wear a mask until they can return home or go to a Medical facility, if necessary.

Food Preparation and Services

Ensure that all food preparation and service is in full compliance with CDC and local guidelines and follows the attached food service recommendations. This includes designating only a few people working in the kitchen or handling food, cleaning food preparation areas, or entering food preparation areas. All meals shall be served individually packed (no buffet style). The Food Coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the following guidelines:

• All entering the food preparation area or assigned to food service must be trained in COVID-specific food safety regulations. All those handling food will wear masks and gloves at all times while handling food or in the food preparation or dish cleaning areas.
• Only servers will touch utensils. Those being served are provided plate, napkin, and silverware from food servers. No salad bars, no beverage dispensing from coffee pots or pitchers – EVERYTHING served by a food handling person.
• Rules about not entering the food preparation area unless you are assigned to do so will be posted for everyone to see at all entrances to the food preparation area.
• Communication about the food service preparation area and how food will be distributed shall be an item in the first staff meeting agenda and repeated onsite with staff. Appropriate communication about how food will be served can be in the Guidelines for the Weekend or just prior to the first participant meal.

 

Sample Letter to Weekend Participants.

To [Month] Crucible Weekend Participants,

[Insert name], our desire is for you to come to this weekend and focus on the work God’s calling you to step into. We want that to be your focus – not the Coronavirus or any other health concerns. That’s why we are busy preparing, minimizing risks, and creating an environment where you can concentrate on your work.

Prior to the Weekend

We are asking all Participants and Staff, including you, to refrain from travel by airplane or public transportation. Instead we are asking you to arrive by your own private vehicle. If you cannot get to the weekend any other way, we encourage you to reschedule your Crucible weekend experience to another weekend where such travel is possible or wait until the world-wide pandemic is over.

We are asking all Participants and Staff, including you, to stay home if you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19, or another contagious health condition, within the past 2 weeks. If you are not able to attend because of exposure to a contagion, you can transfer your registration and any payment to a later weekend. We also ask that you not travel from or through a CDC-designated danger or restricted zone to the weekend.

Health Guidance and Retreat Venue Requirements

We are in regular communication with the retreat venue and local public health guidance to ensure we are compliant with all local recommendations and guidelines.

During the Weekend

First, we will provide you with every opportunity to use common disease prevention techniques recommended by the CDC. As part of our weekend, you can expect:

• Frequent reminders about hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching your mouth or face with unwashed hands. Ample supplies of hand sanitizer and tissues will be available.
• To comply with physical distancing while encouraging social connection, we will welcome the use of low contact greetings like elbow bumps, foot bumps, etc. By coming on the weekend, you agree to gain prior approval for all touch, including handshakes and hugs, only after mutual, verbal consent.

Second, we have a Staff person designated as a Medic on the weekend. You will be introduced to them on Friday night. If someone starts feeling ill on the weekend, we will have a room set aside for that person to isolate comfortably and safely from the group. We will work with you to arrange your travel home or to a medical facility.

Third, if you become ill with Covid-19 within 14 days after the retreat, contact our Participant Coordinator so we can communicate with the Retreat venue and all attendees of the weekend. We commit that we will notify you if we learn that you have been exposed.

Fourth, our food service team has modified their food preparation and service with special emphasis on minimizing Covid-19 risk. Additional serving and sanitizing measures will be put in place for this weekend.

Thank you for your courage. We are ready to come alongside you as you do your work.

The Crucible Project Retreat Leader

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Redwood Medical Professionals & COVID-19

August 17th video of our live event with a group of Redwood Medical professionals talked about the challenges and issues around COVID-19.

 

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COVID19 Update July 31, 2020

The COVID-19 Committee met in late June and maintained the current guidance that allows for face-to-face groups, community events and Weekends based upon public health guidance regionally. We are hopeful that Weekends will restart in low-risk areas soon.

Mark your calendar for Monday, August 17th, 6PM central, to meet with a sub group of the committee in a live online event with Redwood Medical Professionals and Executive Director, Roy Wooten, who recently recovered from COVID-19.

COVID19 Update June 10, 2020

This is an update of the Guidelines for COVID19 implications to our programs and services issued May 20, 2020. The pandemic is still with as government is in the process of lifting of restrictions so cities can reopen and economies restarted. Epidemiologists report that the last world-wide flu pandemic lasted eighteen to twenty-four months. The virus has not gone away, though, and some places are seeing a resurgence in infections when restrictions are removed. Updated public health guidance can always be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

The Crucible Project has remained in mission through a variety of online activities. Coaching and groups have successfully transitioned to online services. We currently have more Redwoods in groups and coaching than we had before the onset of physical distancing. Because so many people in the world are looking for answers during the period of physical distancing, the new Exploration Groups have been launching across Crucible communities enabling souls from all over the world to begin their soul work journey anticipating the return of face-to-face weekends. The organization is committed to continuing to incubate new online programs and services for Redwoods and pre-weekend participants.

Returning to Face-To-Face Groups, Trainings and Community Gatherings

The Board of Directors, along with input from COVID19 Committee, Modifications Committee, Retreat Leaders, Regional Leaders and key volunteers, have been developing face-to-face guidance for groups, training and weekends. We continue to hold out hope that we will have face-to-face weekends again beginning in October.

Groups, Training and Community Gatherings

• Beginning Monday, May 18th, Crucible groups, training, and Community Gatherings can meet face-to-face again with compliance with this guidance. The philosophy that guided our actions early in the pandemic also drives this new guidance. It will be based on science, epidemiology, local context, risk and an abundance of caution to protect Redwoods and participants. This means our approach and timelines may differ from that of other companies or organizations. Our guidance will be based on following local public health.
• If you are sick, opt out. Group Leaders, Trainers, Redwoods in Journey Groups and Community Leaders shall frequently remind group members that if they are feeling ill, running a fever or experiencing any symptoms of COVID19 to stay away from face-to-face meetings. An alternative is to have all or some participants attend online.
• Not Every Group Must Meet Face-To-Face. It’s important to note that the “reopening” does not mean that everyone must return to the face-to-face activities immediately, particularly those who are having success in the mission online. Redwoods in Journey Groups as Group and Community Leaders or Trainer have flexibility in when and how they bring people back into face-to-face activities. But all Crucible activities should follow this guidance. There shall be mutual consent to whether or not to meet face-to-face.
• Conform to Local Health Guidance. Leaders and Trainers shall conform to the recommendations of local public health authorities, which will reflect the level of virus transmission in the community, available tools (e.g., testing and contact tracing) and health system capacity.
• Physical distancing: We prefer the term “physical distancing” over “social distancing,” as we champion community and belonging. Leaders and Trainers shall look for ways to control the density in any meeting space so people can comfortably maintain approximately 6 feet between themselves and others. This applies to meeting rooms, bathrooms, dining/break areas, other common areas and carpooling. Square footage requirements shall be considered in the decision to resume face-to-face meetings.
• Individual Hygiene: Hosts and those leading will take steps to make meeting space less hospitable to the virus itself, including easily accessible hand-sanitizer, elimination of food handling materials that are touched by multiple people, voluntary temperature checks and constant reminders to stay away from group or training if ill. The personal hygiene practices that have been promoted by public health authorities should become the norm, including refraining from hugs and handshakes, instead offering elbow bumps and the like. At all times, mutual consent should be obtained prior to any touch.
• Masks: While masks are not a substitute for the physical distancing and infection control measures we are now all familiar with, they have become an expected practice in many places. And this will be an option in the groups or training in addition to physical distancing. Wearing a mask helps protect others who come in contact with you. As others wear masks, they too further protect you. Leaders and trainers shall recommend all in attendance wear masks when meeting.
• Safe To Work: Leaders or Journey Redwoods should make every effort to reduce possible barriers to continue their soul work. It is recommended that before meeting face-to-face, all group or training participants be willing to meet face-to-face. A participant who does not feel safe meeting face-to-face should continue to be provided all of the opportunity to do their soul work as any other member of the group. In general, mutual consent should drive the decision so as not to alienate any group member, creating barriers to continuing their soul work.
• The Virus Is Still With Us: The virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing or sneezing, shaking hands or hugging — and more rarely from touching un-sanitized surfaces. Until there is a cure or a vaccine, the opportunity for spikes in infections driving hospitalizations, incubations and loss of life will remain with the world.

Testing

You may be wondering about the role of testing in our face-to-face strategy. There are two types of tests that are being used or developed: Testing for COVID19 and testing for the body’s immunological response to the virus. Given the technical and implementation considerations, legal considerations, including privacy laws, to be taken into account, it is our belief that it is not in our interest to establish such a policy at this time.

Travel Guidance

Given the continued circulation of the COVID-19 virus, ongoing local public health measures in most places, and the travel restrictions imposed by governments, we are recommending that travel be only by necessity. We are discouraging participants and staff from traveling by public transportation or plane for any activities, including groups, trainings and weekends. Crucible travel by private vehicle is recommended.

Returning to Face-To-Face Weekends

The Board of Directors, along with input from COVID19 Committee, Modifications Committee, Retreat Leaders, Regional Leaders and key volunteers, have been developing face-to-face guidance for weekends. We continue to hold out hope that we will have face-to-face weekends again beginning in October.

The Crucible Project’s vision is to create a world of men and women who live with integrity, grace and courage, fulfilling their God-given purpose. In order to make space for this world-changing growth, Crucible prioritizes physical, emotional, and spiritual safety in order to create environments where soul work flourishes. The following guidelines have been set with partiality for the overall safety for all people versus individual preferences.

Our safety goals are to:

• Make our gatherings as safe as possible by implementing layers of protection to reduce the risk of COVID-19 or other viral transmissions
• Adapt as the situation evolves based on wisdom, common sense, science, local context, risk and an abundance of caution to protect ourselves and other people
• Comply with local legal requirements and public health regulations as the minimum standard, although more conservative guidance may be taken by the organization as situations require.
• Cancel or postpone weekends in areas requiring physical distancing or mask-wearing. Given our weekend protocols, it is not practical to be compliant with these restrictions and create a responsible level of safety for Staff and Participants.

Weekend Guidelines

Each of the following must be taken into consideration when planning a weekend:

Local Guidelines and Restrictions

Any and all local guidelines and restrictions (e.g., openings limited to “essential services,” physical distancing, mask recommendations, etc.) must be adhered to by all those present on a weekend. The Retreat Leader will maintain contact with the retreat venue hosting the weekend to confirm their requirements. The Retreat Leader will ensure all local restrictions and guidelines are followed. The Retreat Leader is responsible for compliance of both all people who are onsite to support The Crucible Project weekend.

Crucible Staff and Participants must follow the CDC and local public health official guidelines in effect at the time of the weekend, including (but not limited to) the following:

Physical Distancing Restrictions and Recommendations to Wear Masks

Retreats scheduled in areas requiring physical distancing or mask-wearing shall be cancelled or postponed. Retreats scheduled in areas recommending physical distancing and mask wearing may happen so long as it is practical to continue in compliance with local public health Guidelines and Restrictions and compliance with these guidelines:

• If the local guidance is a combination of physical distancing and group size, then the group size restriction must be adhered to for the weekend to take place. For example, if physical distancing is only required for groups of 20 or more, the weekend may still be possible if the group size (Staff and Participants, combined) is 19 or less. Masks shall be required on such weekends.
• If possible – given the retreat venue layout – Staff may elect to facilitate two (or more) concurrent groups through the same weekend with the groups using separate buildings and staggered meals times.
• “Micro Weekends” of 10 - 20 total people (Staff and Participants combined) may be held in private homes, with proper legal protection for the organization. For Micro Weekends, all Staff and Participants must be residents of the local area in which the Micro Weekend is held such that they can travel to the venue by personal car or other non-public transportation and must comply with physical distancing and mask regulations at all times.
• Any weekend must meet other policy and practices requirements, including but not limited to staffing requirements, timelines, and pre-approved budget.

Additional Weekend Hold Harmless Agreement

· All people engaged with a Crucible Weekend will be required to complete an additional legal notification and hold harmless agreement specific to this pandemic.

Travel Restrictions

All persons on site for The Crucible Project Weekend must comply with the organization’s Travel Guidance, detailed earlier in this document.

IMPORTANT: Weekend Staff, Participants and People of Service must defer to another weekend if they would need to travel from or through CDC-designated danger zones (anywhere with CDC travel restrictions) to travel to or from the weekend.

Pre-Weekend Health Assessment

All Staff and Participants will be asked specific health questions prior to attending or staffing the weekend. It is the responsibility of the Retreat Leader to ensure documentation of each assessment. The pre-weekend health assessment will include (but is not limited to) questions such as:

• Have you had any possible exposure to COVID, or other health risk, within the last 2 weeks?
• Have you had a temperature in the last 2 weeks?
• Do you have any current symptoms of physical illness?

IMPORTANT: Staff and Participants must defer to another weekend if they have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19-19 within the last 2 weeks, feel ill, have a fever, or are exhibiting any other COVID symptoms as stated at CDC .

• Are you willing to take responsibility for your own health and safety on the weekend? (This could include a Medical waiver).

Onsite Health Assessment

All Staff and Participants will receive a health assessment as they enter the retreat venue. The health assessment will include a temperature check and questions regarding exposure to – or concerns about – certain health risks. It is the responsibility of the Retreat Leader to ensure documentation of each assessment.

• Staff, or any people of service, are to receive a health assessment (temperature check and questioning) as they arrive to the retreat venue on Thursday or as soon as they arrive to the site.
• Participants are to receive a health assessment (temperature check and questioning) at or before the Road Warrior Station.
• Any Staff or Participant that has been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 within the last two weeks, feels ill, or has (or develops) a fever will be required to defer to another weekend.
• Onsite Health Assessments will be repeated every morning for all Staff and Participants.

Health Assessment Process

After the initial assessments (see above) the following steps should be repeated every morning at breakfast; first for those in charge of food preparation, then for Staff, then for Participants.

1. A brief temperature check will be taken with a forehead thermometer. It is recommended that the Medic include at least 2 thermometers per weekend. Thermometers need to be sanitized between assessments.
2. Questions will be asked about any recent contact with individuals who were COVID-19 positive (or under suspicion) and whether they have symptoms of concern for any contagious illness.
3. An agreement would be made confirming each person assessed will take responsibility for notifying designated Medic if they are beginning to have symptoms of illness. They agree that they will then be immediately isolated. They will remain isolated until they can be checked by Medic and a plan of action can be made.
4. To ensure all Staff and Participants temperatures are collected and health assessments are complete, a colored dot sticker (one color for each day) is to be worn in a visible place on each person. Displaying the ‘color of the day’ improves compliance, makes it easy to scan a room to see who has been assessed, and provides added comfort for attendees that all contacts had the same daily screening. The stickers should be removed and disposed of each day. This process has proven helpful in hospital settings and it is highly recommended.

Additional Recommended Safety Guidelines for the Weekend

Bathrooms and Showers

• Create, communicate, and carry out a process for ensuring bathrooms and showers are cleaned after each use. This should include wiping surfaces with disinfectant followed by handwashing.
• It is recommended at showering be staggered to allow for physical distancing during the weekend.

Social Interactions

• Guidelines for the weekend will state the requirement to use good hand-washing and face touching disciplines throughout the weekend. Weekend materials should include ample supplies of hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfectant products to sanitize frequently touched surfaces. If any of these supplies are not available, the weekend must be postponed or cancelled.
• To comply with physical distancing while encouraging social connection, recommend the use of low contact greetings like elbow bumps, foot bumps, etc. All physical contact, including handshakes, hugs, and during processes, is only allowed after mutual, verbal consent.

Medic

• During the “Guidelines for the Weekend” ensure that all onsite for the Crucible Weekend know who the Medic is and where to find them during the weekend, including after bedtime.
• The Medic must designate a place with a bed to isolate anyone who begins to feel ill during the weekend. The ill person should remain separate from everyone else and wear a mask until they can return home or go to a Medical facility, if necessary.

Food Preparation and Services

Ensure that all food preparation and service is in full compliance with CDC and local guidelines and follows the attached food service recommendations. This includes designating only a few people working in the kitchen or handling food, cleaning food preparation areas, or entering food preparation areas. All meals shall be served individually packed (no buffet style). The Food Coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the following guidelines:

• All entering the food preparation area or assigned to food service must be trained in COVID-specific food safety regulations. All those handling food will wear masks and gloves at all times while handling food or in the food preparation or dish cleaning areas.
• Only servers will touch utensils. Those being served are provided plate, napkin, and silverware from food servers. No salad bars, no beverage dispensing from coffee pots or pitchers – EVERYTHING served by a food handling person.
• Rules about not entering the food preparation area unless you are assigned to do so will be posted for everyone to see at all entrances to the food preparation area.
• Communication about the food service preparation area and how food will be distributed shall be an item in the first staff meeting agenda and repeated onsite with staff. Appropriate communication about how food will be served can be in the Guidelines for the Weekend or just prior to the first participant meal.

Sample Letter to Weekend Participants.

To [Month] Crucible Weekend Participants,

[Insert name], our desire is for you to come to this weekend and focus on the work God’s calling you to step into. We want that to be your focus – not the Coronavirus or any other health concerns. That’s why we are busy preparing, minimizing risks, and creating an environment where you can concentrate on your work.

Prior to the Weekend

We are asking all Participants and Staff, including you, to refrain from travel by airplane or public transportation. Instead we are asking you to arrive by your own private vehicle. If you cannot get to the weekend any other way, we encourage you to reschedule your Crucible weekend experience to another weekend where such travel is possible or wait until the world-wide pandemic is over.

We are asking all Participants and Staff, including you, to stay home if you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19, or another contagious health condition, within the past 2 weeks. If you are not able to attend because of exposure to a contagion, you can transfer your registration and any payment to a later weekend. We also ask that you not travel from or through a CDC-designated danger or restricted zone to the weekend.

Health Guidance and Retreat Venue Requirements

We are in regular communication with the retreat venue and local public health guidance to ensure we are compliant with all local recommendations and guidelines.

During the Weekend

First, we will provide you with every opportunity to use common disease prevention techniques recommended by the CDC. As part of our weekend, you can expect:

• Frequent reminders about hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching your mouth or face with unwashed hands. Ample supplies of hand sanitizer and tissues will be available.
• To comply with physical distancing while encouraging social connection, we will welcome the use of low contact greetings like elbow bumps, foot bumps, etc. By coming on the weekend, you agree to gain prior approval for all touch, including handshakes and hugs, only after mutual, verbal consent.

Second, we have a Staff person designated as a Medic on the weekend. You will be introduced to them on Friday night. If someone starts feeling ill on the weekend, we will have a room set aside for that person to isolate comfortably and safely from the group. We will work with you to arrange your travel home or to a medical facility.

Third, if you become ill with Covid-19 within 14 days after the retreat, contact our Participant Coordinator so we can communicate with the Retreat venue and all attendees of the weekend. We commit that we will notify you if we learn that you have been exposed.

Fourth, our food service team has modified their food preparation and service with special emphasis on minimizing Covid-19 risk. Additional serving and sanitizing measures will be put in place for this weekend.

Thank you for your courage. We are ready to come alongside you as you do your work.

The Crucible Project Retreat Leader

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COVID19 update May 20, 2020

Please view. the video.  Download the attachments below

COVID19 Update May 2020

COVID GUIDANCE May 20

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Redwoods In Mission Serving Men With Soul Care

In March when Weekends began to cancel, volunteer staff on weekends expressed  sadness and fear that registered friends and family members would not be able to access Crucible Soul Work. How the ones they love get the help they did not know was needed?

Bob Locascio and Byron Myers gathered resources the ministry has used for years in pre-weekend groups for men. Bob assembled a committee of Soul Work professionals with the charge of developing group curriculum that would not give away the weekend surprises but would serve uninitiated people.

The result? The Exploration Group curriculum! A safe curriculum any Redwood who is either in Crucible coaching or a group can use to serve men who have yet to attend an Initial Weekend. Providing a "peek-into" experience of soul work skills, it allows any Redwood to jump into the mission of igniting Christ-like change through experiences of radical honesty and grace.

If you are interested in leading an Exploration Group, here is what you need to do:

1. Make sure you are in a group or coaching relationship. We believe safe leaders do their own work. Continue your soul work journey by joining an online group or accessing Crucible coaching. Need help finding a group? - Contact your Regional Leader or Terrance Foster.
2. Request access to the curriculum from Brittany Duke. There is no charge for group members, nor any cost for the curriculum. However, she will request you sign a document of agreement regarding the use of the curriculum.
3. Review the material. There are clear instructions to help you lead successfully and keep you out of liability for group members. You will also find resources to assist you with running an online free zoom group.
4. Gather men you know and challenge them to a radical new Christian group. Finalize the rhythm of your meeting schedule and use the materials available to help promote and gather the men.
5. Pray for the men and the group. Pray that God will use you to bring light into darkness and connection with each other and God out of isolation and hiding.

We are excited as Redwoods across the globe begin to serve men from their home church, their workplace and their neighborhood.

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COVID19 & Crucible Programs and Services

(Watch the video below)

Over the last ten days, the rapidly changing guidance from public health authorities has impacted our programs and services in unprecedented ways. We care about the health and safety of participants and staff of all ministry programs and services. Therefore, we are following public health official’s guidance through the pandemic and encouraging all Redwoods to do the same throughout the globe.

The Executive Director has assembled representatives from Regional Leaders, Retreat Leaders, Group Leaders, Board Members, corporate staff and Redwood medical professionals in the Crucible COVID19 Committee. This committee meets regularly to provide guidance with how best to safely meet our mission through this historically unprecedented season.

Crucible Leadership has made the following difficult decisions, to date, which are impacting programs and services:

• Due to the intimate and experiential nature of our Weekends, all Weekends are postponed or cancelled March 13, 2020 through May 13, 2020.
• All paid group leaders have been required to move groups to online video methods. All peer-led groups are encouraged to do the same. Online groups will continue until notified of a change.
• All scheduled trainings are postponed or moved to online video indefinitely, until notified of a change.
• Crucible community leaders are encouraged to suspend face-to-face gatherings indefinitely, until notified of a change.
• All ministry-related travel is suspended indefinitely until notified of a change.

We greatly desire to provide weekends as soon as possible. Like you, we are unable to predict the pandemic’s course. Any other future cancellations made by the Executive Director, with input from COVID19 Committee and with full support of the Crucible Board of Directors, will be timely communicated to those affected.

The staff team and key volunteers are working hard to support you. Retreat Leaders working with Bob Locascio and Christy Burns are working on alternative online programs and services.

Regional Leaders are working with Larry Korbus and Program Leaders to reschedule cancelled weekends. Byron Myers and Rachel Shubin, are working collaboratively with others to immediately implement training support and services.

Terrance Foster and Lisa Modrzejewski are working to support community leaders throughout the globe as they support Redwoods leaning on each other and serving their community.

Larry Korbus and Brittany Duke are coordinating the support to Participant and Staff Coordinators affected by these decisions.

We assure you that the ministry is sound financially. Thanks to the generosity of Redwoods and great stewardship of Chris Cleghorn and the Board of Directors over the last few years, we will be able to withstand the impact of this worldwide pandemic. The impact to our budget is estimated at -$66,000. Your financial support during this time is needed as we face this unprecedented challenge in this 501c3 ministry’s history. Our Board has challenged each Redwood through a time-limited, COVID19 specific Matching Gift giving opportunity.

Times of adversity are also opportunities to fully live out what gold God has put in us. We believe that Christian Soul Work skills are needed in this moment more than ever. We serve a faithful and consistent God in an ever changing environment. The soul work we do has prepared us to move through the uncertainty with radical honesty and grace. We are experiencing an opportunity to move toward each other and God, love those around us in connecting ways, and courageously step into the opportunity to bring peace, blessing, light and joy through whatever dark days might be ahead.

If you or a loved one is personally affected by COVID19, please send the information to prayer@thecrucibleproject.org.

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Here are your next Best Steps:

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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

· Investigate the “dark side” of sexuality – looking at the wounded-ness 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

COST: $595

DATES:

Sep 11-13 in St Charles, IL

Sep 18-20 in Como, CO

SIGN UP

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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

· 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.

COST: $595

DATES:

Feb 21-23 in Brownwood, TX

Sep 25-27 in North Zulch, TX

Nov 6-8 Western Australia

SIGN UP

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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

· 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.

COST: $595

DATES

Feb 28- Mar 1 in Deckers, CO

SIGN UP

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Tribute to Service - Jeff Madsen

When a need is brought to the attention of any group, there’s usually a pregnant pause. You see people mulling in their heads if they could/should/ought/might/cannot step into a commitment.  In this day and age with so many pulls on our time, the pregnant pauses can seem like eternities.

But what if you were ready to serve before being asked?  What if service was in your DNA. What if we lived out Romans 12:1 “In view of God’s mercies, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”?

A need was brought to the attention of The Crucible Project.  As they were launching a new website, they had a need to reach out to people looking for transformation.  They also had to fight a battle with an unfair negative reviewer.

While viewing God’s mercies in light of being in the Crucible Project, Jeff Madsen stepped into a solution:  producing weekly blog posts in cooperation with a variety of Crucible leaders.  

The result?  More people were drawn to the website by engaging with the posts, initiated Crucible men and women were able to draw insight on many of the issues and growth points of doing this work, and the unfair negative posts were driven down in search engines.  

As we turn the page on blogging and focus on other forms of communication (read here), we thought you’d like to hear affirmations about Jeff from the writers of the blogs over the years.

• Roy Wooten: Words fail to describe the depth of gratitude in my heart for you, Jeff, and all you have done in your role over the years.  The gold I see in you is an incredible gifted writing mentor, editor and curator living in mission with incredible passion. You are a blessing and gift to The Crucible Brotherhood. 
• Tony Bradburn: Thank you, Jeff. I honor your consistent gift of organizing this band of brothers and ensuring the TCP community of regular content. I’m sure it hasn’t always been easy!
• Byron Meyers: Jeff has a gift of administration.  He also has a sacrificial heart. His love for TCP showed by his taking on the blog project when our brand needed help overcoming negative press.  Job well done Jeff.
• Chris Cleghorn: Jeff had the early vision to provide soul development content for men and build the online presence of the Crucible  Project. He beautifully implemented that vision with thorough planning and consistent, effective leadership. Jeff is a strong, skilled, humble, wise servant-leader.
• Phil Jackson: I want to thank Jeff for his appreciation of the many passionate voices that he gave space for! Jeff is a great brotha who  is willing to live courageously in his gold as he served and serves men! 
• Marc Mantasoot: Jeff is a fully integrated man, highly skilled as a master writer, editor, life plan facilitator, and Convene leader of leaders, but instead of arrogance, he is a humble and powerful servant.
• Jason Bachman: Jeff was truly a servant to TCP and me when I was a blog author. He patiently coached and edited my content, providing valuable insights into how I could focus or extend my message. His encouraging disposition and command of the subject matter is impressive.
• Josh Hook: Thank you for your hard work and effort over the years in making the Crucible Project blog a success. I appreciate your steadfastness, commitment, and encouragement of us as writers. 

What’s your next step into service?  Make it happen - take the step to serve!

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Developing Crucible Leadership for 2020 and Beyond

Greg Huston’s vision for The Crucible Project went beyond his own personal coaching business within which the original Christian Soul Work was developed and launched. His desire to grow leaders and replicate his leadership was driven by a desire to take this work to the Christian world.

In the early days of the ministry, leadership development was ever evolving. Some on the leader track felt as if the goal post kept moving. The length of time in leadership development was long, costly and uncertain. The need for  staff dedicated to Leadership Development was apparent.  Retreat Leader and West Texas Community Leader Byron Myers stepped into the part time role.

Clear Leader Tracks

Under Byron’s leadership: retreat, carpet and group certification tracks became defined and clear. The goal to help Redwoods move from newly initiated to a leader leading soul work with high quality and safety is being realized.

The Crucible Project’s Carpet Leader Training paused in the Spring of 2018 as negotiations began with Shadow Work. In our last communication about Carpet Training, you were informed that we are working toward the development and implementation of carpet experiences that are different than what we had used since Greg Huston launched what eventually evolved into The Crucible Project.

2020 Training Schedule

We are happy to report  negotiations have reached a place that allow us to re-implement the same co-ed Carpet Leading Certification system that has served this organization since its inception. A significant difference has to do with the frequency with which training will be available in order to expedite the certification process. You can see the training schedule at thecrucibleproject.org/training-schedule/

New training requirements for becoming a Certified Carpet Leader consist of Introduction to Carpet Leading: a prerequisite for Advanced Process. All the Advanced Carpet Process Trainings (Tombstone, God-split, and Predator) and a course that showcase those who lead carpet processes well: Leading a Carpet Room. Completion of these required trainings is one part of the certification process. Demonstrated ability to lead high quality and safe carpet experiences is also required.

We are adding a new training requirement for retreat leader track called Retreat Leader Training. It is our attempt to take many of the key learnings that have historically been taught through “on-the-job” training into an experiential classroom setting. This training will help reduce the total number of weekends someone on the retreat leader track has to work. Demonstrated experience leading Crucible weekends will continue to be the qualifying factor in Retreat Leader Certification.

We are excited to share the 2020 calendar of upcoming training offerings so that you can plan when and where you can access them. All of the trainings listed above will be offered multiple times throughout the year.  This provides the first opportunity in our history to complete all training requirements in one year.

We remain committed to creating Christ-like change through experiences of radical honesty and grace. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Development Program or want to know more about your place on the leader track or any questions about Leadership Development, contact Byron Myers at LeadershipDevelopment@TheCrucibleProject.org.

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The Dad Hug

God seems to do His best work in un-peeling layers that many times others or we have placed on ourselves for protection.

In addition to women staffing the Oklahoma women's weekend in October, there were "men of service" - Crucible men who provide support in the kitchen and other out-of-sight needs.  That's one layer.

It was Deb Gustafson's 56th birthday.  Another layer.

Staffing this weekend on her birthday, Deb had a flashback to her teen years, where at a Christian camp, an adult man - the Camp Director did sexually inappropriate things to her on her birthday.  A heavy and terrifying layer.

Deb states that "the 56-year old Me was overwhelmed with sadness and anger for my Little Girl. I had been abused. On my birthday. I'd always known it had happened, but compared to all the other abuse I'd survived -- and more that was still to come -- I'd decided it was 'not that bad.'  

It was. 

The Adult Me knew what that Girl still needed was a strong, safe Dad hug. I was terrified to be so vulnerable, but it was time. This was my chance to change how the story ended. 

I asked my Crucible sister Danna Townsdin if she would make a request to the men in the kitchen, including her husband Doug. My request was for them to ritually 'stand in' for the men who had failed me...  through abuse, neglect, or (almost worse) deadly passivity in the face of evil. My Youth Pastor. The Christian Camp Director. My Dad. My Uncles. My Brothers. So many men. 

When I walked into the camp kitchen, four Crucible brothers were standing shoulder to shoulder.  Ready. Willing. I collapsed into sobs. One by one, they hugged me. Said "Happy Birthday." Told me I was worthy. Some of them cried too.  None of them let go until I did. I was safe. Seen. Held. Worthy of safe touch. We were standing on holy ground.”

Danna Townsdin: “WOW! This was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed! The humbleness of the request, the genuine, loving response of the men, and the overwhelming response of Deb. It was amazing. ❤️”

Doug Townsdin: “When Danna asked for our attention and explained the request from Deb, I got quiet. When Deb expressed her need and request - WOW!  I was proud of her courage to ask and honored to give her a hug and tell her she was loved and that I was so proud of her! That was powerful to participate in and witness!”

Joshua Austin: “Being a Brother of 4 sisters and 6 step sisters, it was very emotional for me. I was honored to be part of the Dad Hug. It reminded me of my Mother. She lost her father at a young age. I've been her Protector for a long time. It was a powerful moment I'll never forget.”

Vanessa Thomas: “My husband was one of the men serving in the kitchen and was there to be a safe space for Deb on her birthday. It was a special moment to know that he, as a Crucible brother, could support one of my Crucible sisters in such an important way. It’s something none of us will ever forget.”

Ashley Austin: “Getting to staff the Oklahoma weekend that “The Dad Hug” transpired on was nothing short of God making his presence known. I have never felt Him more than I did through the women on this weekend. I have been actively involved with another women’s organization for well over a year. I felt more genuine authentic community in three and a half days then I have in the ENTIRE time I have been involved in the other organization. The connection to this group of women and the bonus brothers is like no other. I got more out of this weekend then I did my own carpet work (through the other organization). I truly believe this weekend was my carpet work. It was when Deb told her story that I realized that.”

God continues His amazing work of un-peeling our layers - getting to the heart of healing.

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Forgiveness in the midst of owning Shadow

Kate Campbell, Deb Gustafson and John Jackson shared a rare and special experience.

Katie did her initial weekend with another soul work organization in 2011 continuing serving in various capacities, including their board. Her husband, Matt attend his initial Crucible weekend in 2011 as well.

Deb began her journey in another organization’s weekend and continued staffing. Christen Burns invited her to staff the initial Women’s Crucible Weekend, which she was thrilled to do! Her husband, Curt is also a Crucible Brother.

John Jackson did his initial Crucible weekend in 2010, finished the two year program, been in and led groups and recently served on the Crucible staff.

March of this year, women leaders were gathered for a Women’s Crucible Weekend staff training in preparation for the first pilot weekend. David Elmore, John Jackson, Chris Modrzejewski and Chris Cooper volunteered their support to the women as they began to build and prepare for running their first weekend.

Special Blessing Process

Katie: “The men had us stand in a circle facing out, and they knelt down in the middle of our circle and asked us to turn around. They offered us the most beautiful apology for the ways they as individuals and as an organization have hurt us and other women.”

Deb: “Our Crucible brothers apologized. On a 'global' level to all women from all men. On a ministry level on behalf of Crucible men who had 'weaponized' the The Crucible Project principles against women. They asked for forgiveness on bended knee. Then, they gave us gold lame' fabric to represent the gold they see in us.”

John: “Before we jumped into consulting, we wanted first to do something symbolically that recognized that while we were men supporting them, we may also be representative of men that had hurt them and made it difficult to receive any support from us. We deliberately took a humble posture.”

How did this impact you?

Katie: “This was a beautiful moment for me. I felt so honored and respected. I remember thinking that it showed how willing Crucible men were to include us women in the Soul Work organization and support us on our adventure. This is huge for women, as many of us have experienced a sense of being seen as less-than in men’s eyes. I felt held-up and valuable in that moment by those men. What a gift! I will treasure that gift of their apology for the rest of my life.

John: “It was moving, humbling, tender, empowering. God really did show up and took over the process. I was blown away as I knelt and looked into the eyes of the women (mostly in tears) as I asked forgiveness on behalf of myself and the men that had hurt them in the past and spoke the gold that was truly theirs. As we lamented, we entered into deeper pathways of forgiveness and healing.”

Deb: “I was shocked. I did not see that coming. It moved me to tears. I had never experienced a man acknowledging their position of privilege. I certainly never expected the very vulnerable acknowledgement that eve Crucible principles - which are good - had been tainted by some men who weaponized them to control or suppress women. My heart was so tender. I made a choice a long time ago not to cry. It was a very good choice at the time. In that moment of seeing men be so vulnerable, I was overcome with emotion.”

Deb expressed the hope-filled direction The Crucible Project is headed, with appropriate trepidation: “I have hope for the Church. If men can look at women as co-heirs in Christ - and hold themselves accountable when that is not true in word or deed - there is hope for the Body of Christ. Given that my abuser was my pastor, this is huge for me.

While I am beyond grateful for this beautiful moment, I am aware that some men still don't think women belong in The Crucible Project. Still others think it's okay if we come in their clubhouse, so long as we act like men. Neither attitude feels very good on the female side of the street.”

While the Crucible Brotherhood remains intact, The Crucible Project gladly welcomes the Crucible Sisterhood to the organization. May we hold to our Crucible principles and live them out, owning our shadow and gold, offering forgiveness and reconciling with one another.

“The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them.” - 2 Cor 5:17-20 (The Message)

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Creating Waves from Ripples

Imagine sitting on the edge of a perfectly still lake.  You pick up a rock and throw it in the water, which creates ripples.  Those ripples change the surface, especially at the point of impact.

Slowly they begin to fade all the way back to stillness.  You pick up another rock and throw it. This time you notice a second rock impacts the water next to yours, and now the ripples are larger, spreading out further.  Over your shoulder stands a brother throwing rocks; making impacts in the same lake.  You both pick up more rocks, throw them in, and you notice another brother standing on the other side.  As you throw more and more rocks in,  more and more brothers show up.  These small ripples all work together to create waves covering the entire lake.

Many of us enjoy the benefits of a thriving children's church ministry.  We drop our kids off, go to "big church", enjoy some time to be fed and enjoy the time without dealing with our kids. My guess is that many of you admire it from afar, like I have done. "Keep me as far away from kids as possible" or "The ladies do Bible class!"

Years ago Before Crucible (BC) I got involved with our Children's Ministry.  I plugged in, serving as often as I could, both Sundays and special events like VBS, as well as Pre-Teen camp.  It continuously bothered me was that there were 20-25 ladies serving consistently, but men were in and out like a revolving door, with only 2-3 regulars.  When it came time for special events like VBS or camp, it was a crap shoot.  Begging random male church members to go, many of which weren't even a typical part of the Sunday teams.  Although I had great support from our Children's Pastor, I felt alone and unsupported by other men around me. I was throwing rocks in.  Their impacts were small and dissipated.

After Crucible (AC) I noticed a huge change in my own interactions with kids in my group.  I became intentional, vulnerable, and encouraged the kids to do the same.  Two years ago, Crucible really started taking off in Northeast Texas. Little by little Crucible Brothers appeared around me working in the Children's ministry.  Now six out of the eight men that serve regularly are Crucible brothers.  This past summer FIVE Crucible men took 30 preteen boys to camp.  If that wasn't awesome enough, the camp pastor was a Crucible Brother, Jake Connor!  We started to get some large ripples going!

Taking preteen boys to camp is not all rainbows and sunshine.  There is a lot of time we cut loose and have fun with the boys, and a lot of time we connect with them.  As Crucible Men, our small group times would include emotional check ins with our boys, discuss and model awareness of our emotions, how they impact our lives, how to live authentic lives, and how to support one another.  Sound familiar?

With all this vulnerability and openness, conflicts between the boys would arise.  We would mediate between the boys again and again.  The approach we took was basically a "mini" clearing.  We would ask things like; "What are the messages you heard or sent?" "What did you want to send, how does that make you feel?" "What do you want for yourself and from the other person?" and "What agreements are we going to make moving forward?"  It worked wonders. Many times the boys walked away with joy and peace after the conflict, instead of anger and resentment. The boys soaked it up like sponges and felt our waves.

Conflicts and problems were not just isolated to the kids.  There were times when the sponsors (Crucible Men) would have the same issues.  One evening in particular I looked around the cabin, seeing men stressed, defeated, angry, and doing our best to keep it all in (so we didn't explode on the boys).  What did we do?

Called a meeting.  The next morning before the boys woke up all five sponsors sat around a picnic table, checked in, and grounded out all of that negative energy we were each holding.  We supported one another like Redwoods should.  The change in how each of us walked, talked, and loved on our "little boys" was instantaneous.  Our waves were changing the entire lake.
It was a great summer, I am excited to see where our children's ministry is going!

Did I mention our Children's Pastor is a Crucible Sister, Ashley Connor!

One final thought, where ever you are, whatever you are involved in, gather your fellow redwoods, work together, throw some rocks, make waves, and change your world!

Worthy Playful Tiger
John Wilhite

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Life in Group

We interviewed two Crucible men who have experienced life in groups; in particular - life in Crucible Project Groups.  Brian Eterno and Lon Oury have been involved with The Crucible Project very early on.  We hope you enjoy their long term perspectives.

1. What motivated you to initially get into the Crucible group?

Brian: When I committed to my first Crucible group (in 2004, led by the founder, Greg Huston) I wanted to continue my journey of what I had learned about myself on my initial weekend. I had such a radical change internally, that I didn’t want “the fire” to die out. I wanted more…more out of my life and honest connection with other wise men who also wanted to be men of integrity. I had so much more to learn and this was just the beginning. I knew I couldn’t walk in a new way alone, and experience taught me that pride and isolation were the quickest ways back to destructive, self-defeating living. “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” –Proverbs 18:2

Lon: Based on my past history I knew if I didn’t join a group I was screwed. As a teenager I “accepted Christ” a dozen times, only to slip back into old behaviors. As an adult I made half-hearted commitments to change that resulted in little or no progress. On my Initial Weekend at the celebration lunch Greg Huston asked me if I was interested in the Two-Year Program – my immediate answer was YES! There was no question in my heart that whatever had just happened…I wanted more of it, and the discipline of challenging myself to stick with it for two years was exciting. I wanted to keep digging into who I was and how I could change. I wanted and needed deeper connections with men. I’m afraid of men – that I will be “found out”, not measure up to them, be criticized (all of these are wounds from my childhood and family of origin) – I sensed that Crucible would be different and worth the risk.

2. How many groups and types of groups have you done over the years?

Lon: I did the Two-Year Group from January 2010 to December 2011 and then upon graduating, a large group of us established our own TCP Group. We chose the name “Double Dare to Soar (DDS)”, I’m not sure if because we felt we were that good, or that fucked up. Perhaps a combination of the two. We continue to meet Friday nights about every other week, eight years later.

At the same time I joined DDS, I also joined the Saturday Morning Grad Group that had existed for years and had a number of TCP veterans. Initially we thought the DDS Group was only going to meet once a month, and I knew that wasn’t going to be enough, so the Grad Group made sense. I continue to meet with them twice a month as well, and am not sorry I joined both. The two groups have a different feel, but both are very dear to my heart.

Finally – I have staffed over 50 Initial Weekends and over 12 Second Level Weekends since my own Weekend in November 2009, and I consider these to be a valuable group as well. Each one is a unique container of men I’ve come to know, respect, trust and enjoy.

Brian: I estimate around 40, over the course of 33 years.

When I was a sophomore in high school (1986) I wanted connection with others. Through a classmate’s invitation, I joined a weekly teen’s group led by local Christian college students. That was the beginning of many subsequent groups I would participate in or lead: college ministries, church groups for singles and youth ministries, men’s Bible studies, men’s accountability breakfasts, couples groups, Dare To Soar and The Crucible Project. A few years after my initial weekend, I also participated in groups in Mankind Project and M.A.L.E.s, which led me to 12 step recovery groups.

Involvement in community has become like breathing and has been a core part of me. It is one of my spiritual pathways to God, and part my mission is to know and to be known.

3. Why is it still important to be in and do your work in a group?

Brian: It is crucial to be in a group for me because, without Connection, I’m dead in the water. Without it, I am incomplete and adrift. I become vulnerable to my own narrow thinking, my excuses and fleshly rationalizations. "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” –Proverbs 16:2 and 21:2

I need men who can help me see my blind spots, irrational thinking and who question my choices. I also need men to help me accept my own gold. Men who love me, encourage me, provide wise counsel. Sometimes (literally) they carry or hold me when I am weak. Most of all, if I do not open my heart and life to safe, trustworthy and good men, I am cheating myself from the abundant life Jesus offers. And conversely, if I shrink back, stay small, and do not serve or lead within these groups, I miss out on the fantastic adventure of growing my leadership potential. If I do not participate in circles like these, I will remain childish and will not mature into the Whole-man Jesus modeled on earth.

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." –1 Corinthians 13:11

Lon: Ummmm, why is it important to breathe, eat, exercise, move? Same answer for this…it is critical for living. It brings me together WITH other men, challenges me to get out of my usual isolation, reminds me that there are men, old friends, who love me even in times it’s hard to love myself. It’s all about connection, challenge, caring. And it allows me to live my mission on days that I’m up to it! My Mission – “I create an encouraging world with tender father love, challenging precious humans to real life”.

4. What does a Crucible group offer that you’ve not gotten or experienced elsewhere?

Lon: See all the above! Seriously, there are several things about TCP that are unique. There is the discipline of a program, ritual, and covenants that give a deep spiritual structure to TCP. There is the confidentiality of TCP that is critical, and unique. TCP is a consistent, ongoing organism that brings more than I can bring on my own. And there is the opportunity to help and serve other men. There is always work to do!

Brian: The Crucible groups have given me many incredible gifts: safety, self-honesty, courage, mutual healing, covenantal soul-brothers that are in the fight with me, and a portal to encounter God. Most groups I experienced prior were low on self-awareness or they did not intentionally pursue accurate, rigorous self-honesty. Before Crucible groups I really didn’t know myself, or I had unconsciously misused my power to hurt others. In Crucible groups I am growing in my ability to listen to another man for the purpose and joy of understanding him. I can receive valuable feedback on when my shadow sabotages the best of my intentions, whereas in other settings the truth would not be shared as cleanly and directly with me. I empowered to courageously look at the cost of my sins, my mistakes, and my character defects without being rejected, and I can take responsibility for the damage I caused. Instead of repeating my past, I can change and experience new levels of freedom. Very few settings and people have given me such genuine comfort, forgiveness, strength and hope.

Finally, Crucible groups provide the healing from God my wounded soul needs most. They are the Body of Christ to me, filled with His Spirit, and have brought His Love and Life to my whole-self…my heart, body, mind and soul. Whole-man healing has helped me to experience and worship God more authentically, while learning to give and to receive love with others (Jesus answered, “The most important [commandment] is…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” –Mark 12:29-31)

5. Any other takeaways or words of wisdom you want to add?

Brian: I want to challenge all men reading this to fully commit to a group, if you are not in one. You can always have your misery back if you give it your all and the experience still doesn’t change you.

I want to thank Greg Huston, and the many Crucible leaders and brothers who have sharpened me. You are all very dear to me. You have loved and served me with radical Grace and have spoken purifying Truth that both cut and healed me. I am forever grateful. I am (and am still becoming) a new man because of your great love and wisdom. Thank you for being present in my life and enduring with me. “You can trust a friend who wounds you with his honesty, but your enemy’s pretended flattery comes from insincerity.” –Proverbs 27:6

Lon: Even though I’m 72 years old, I wonder whether I have much advice or wisdom to offer. Mostly I see my failures and shortcomings. The things I failed to do for my wife and family. The devastating things I did do that left deep damage to my family. And yet…TCP has changed my life in the last 10 years. I’m not who I used to be, thankfully. And I have made some progress. Linda and most of my kids have seen the changes. They are grateful for it and thankful for how our love and relationships have grown. Yet even recently I’m reminded of how the cliché is utterly true…The Journey Continues. Sad stuff, bad stuff, old regressions are back again. And it’s not time to quit, it’s time to dig in again, and always.

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Rest  - By Jake Connor

If you have ever staffed a weekend you have heard the weekend leader on Thursday remind everyone that it’s important to “take care of ourselves”.

This is vital because if we are hurting either physically or emotionally then we are unable to serve the men on the weekend to our fullest potential. What is the challenge here?

Rest! Find time to rest and take care of yourself.

When I think of rest in the scriptures I often times think of the sabbath. Taking an entire day off to rest and re charge. God rested on the seventh day and then commanded the Israelites to do the same.

While we could get into a discussion of which day the sabbath is or is not, let’s not overlook the primary purpose God had in mind in the first place: taking sufficient time to rest and relax.

Finding relief from the stress. Pushing away from our computers. Leaving the responsibilities of work. Giving our bodies time to refuel. Allowing our minds to be renewed. Letting our emotions be refreshed and restored. And let’s also realize that while an entire day would be great, there are times in each of our days where we can choose to detach from these things and take care of ourselves.

There have been occasions on weekends that I have staffed where I have had to swallow my pride and check out just to “take care of myself” or to rest. Do I feel like I am letting the rest of the staff down? Initially, I am. Is there a part of me that feels selfish? Initially there is. Does it wind up being the best decision not only for me but also for the rest of the staff and the men we are serving? Absolutely!

It is in these times I reminded of the importance of the Principle behind God’s command to “keep the sabbath.” The letter of the law in the old testament was to set aside an entire day to rest. While we are not under the old covenant anymore, the principle of this command still holds tremendous value for us.

Rest is vital for us! Taking care of ourselves in the sense of taking time to rest and recharge is vital to us as men. When we refuse to take this time of rest, we risk not only burning ourselves out but also burning down the environments around us. We suffer physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. Our jobs, our ministries and our families suffer as well.

It’s one the unintended consequences of our choice not to rest. Just like on a weekend, we want to be the best we can be to serve the men coming, we also want to be at our best in every area of our lives, especially when it comes to our families.

God’s command to rest, while debatable on which day or how long, should not be debated or ignored in principle. Our world needs strong men that will bless, encourage, teach, love and serve those around us.

The more I walk this journey the more convinced I become that I cannot be that man without rest. Taking care of myself has become a daily practice for me and the results have been a better me.

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I did a weekend, now what?

Spiritual Development Tips for the Journey

By Chris Modrzejewski, Father Lion

After my initial weekend, I began to incorporate emotional health into my spiritual life. Prior to my weekend, I was disconnected from my emotions and would often tell myself what I should think or feel. I remember several pivotal spiritual moments where my head and heart were not in alignment. I felt alone and abandoned by God, but intellectually I knew that wasn’t true. I remember crying out to God saying, “this is how I feel! I know it’s not true, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling.” I pleaded with him to change my heart. I know now that what I was experiencing was my woundedness around abandonment. Crucible has opened my eyes to the fact that God can and does use our emotions to shape us and make us more like Jesus…if we are open to it.

Here are a few tips for incorporating emotional health into your spiritual life:

• If you’re not already attending somewhere, find a church community and get plugged in. Being in community with other believers is essential for ongoing spiritual transformation.
• Utilize SASHET in your prayer life – Check-in with God (don’t have to limit it to 60 seconds).
• Read Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero.
• Share your story with men/women in your church community – stories have a way of shaping our identity. Speaking about your transformation helps you to own it and helps others see what’s possible for themselves.
• Get in touch with your body – I often utilize different postures in my prayer life. This can be as simple as palms up symbolizing openness and ready to receive from God or as involved as taking on the posture of my sadness as I pour out my heart to God.
• Utilize your senses – I have a sage scented candle that I sometimes burn while reading my Bible or journaling. Perhaps there’s a color, texture, or scent that is particularly meaningful to you.

Blessings as you take steps to live in greater levels of integrity. The journey continues!

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Soul Work - The Hippest Trip Inward

As I was coming of age, Soul Train, was growing in popularity as the TV music-dance show showcased “soul music.” The show was known as “the hippest trip in America.” If you asked me at that time, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you exactly what “soul music” was but I knew that when I listened to Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin or James Brown, I felt it through my whole body. It was filled with passion. It was deep. It moved me.

Fast forward several decades and I’ve been introduced to a whole new kind of soul…“soul work.” And like the music, it touches deep parts of me that I often find hard to articulate. It went far beyond theological beliefs or religious habits. It was living a life of integrity, courage, and grace.

Reading through the Old Testament a constant refrain is summed up in Deuteronomy 6:5, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” If I’m honest I knew that I was far from that command. It was more like “most of my heart, some of my soul, and a bit of strength.” I was clearly failing in the task of living a life that was transformed. I had come to see the broken places in my life and was starting to make sense of how those wounds were keeping me from living the life God intended for me. But HOW was I to move on to the level of the soul deep within me?

I knew that I was incapable of doing this on my own. Gerald May said that, “God has to work in the soul in secret and in darkness, because if we fully knew what was happening, and what Mystery/transformation/God/grace will eventually ask of us, we would either try to take charge or stop the whole process.” (1) So God gently started to put his finger on different areas of my life as I was willing to be seen by others.

I did that by engaging in groups where I was with other men who were also on a journey of radical honesty with themselves and others. Allowing others to carry my burden as I carried theirs (Gal 6:2), to sharpen one another (Prov. 27:17), and to encourage one another (I Thess. 5:11).

Starting to engage in spiritual disciplines, like reading scripture, meditating, and talking with God (aka prayer) have all helped me to get more in tune with the person God created me to be. It’s not out of obligation or because I “should.” It is because I know that the journey to wholeness takes time and patience and lots of listening. While it’s helpful to listen to my brothers, I don’t want to miss out on hearing my Father’s voice.

And what a journey it’s been… the hippest trip inward…ever! The discovery, the freedom that comes with new revelations, the confidence that appears with learning, the road of humility instead of defensiveness, the growth in areas thought impossible – all as a result of working on the soul! Hard? Yes! Worthwhile? Absolutely!

(1) Gerald May, The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth, HarperOne: 2005).

John Jackson

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Your Next Growth Step

You have done your work.  You have experienced growth.  You now find yourself wondering, "What is next?"

Many organizations experience rapid growth, and then level off.  It happens to people as well.

Imagine you sitting down with some of your closest friends, expressing the desire for the next step in growth.

What questions would they/should they ask you?

Byron Myers, The Crucible Project's Leadership Development Manager has those questions!

Answer these questions - better yet - ask your friends!

If you desire to connect with Byron, email him at: leadershipdevelopment@thecrucibleproject.org

 

 

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Weekend Coordinators

The Staff, Participant and Food Coordinators are the highly logistical positions in The Crucible Project weekends.  

Staff Coordinators must manage all staffing issues after men are chosen to staff.  Everything from the two staff meetings, to health forms, payments and even dealing with staff withdrawals go through their scope.

Participant Coordinators have to deal with 30+ men who have no real clue as to what this weekend is truly about - and the malaise that comes with that.  Forms, fees, commitments and more. As a macro version of the carpool coordinator, it’s like herding cats.

And let’s not forget the Food Coordinator!  How about the logistical challenge of cooking large amounts of food for 60+ men - all the while creating something more than palatable for the entire group?  The pressure to provide a tasty experience for staff has to be daunting!

Their efforts are worth much more than the waived staffing fee benefit they get!

We spoke with a number of men who have staffed these positions a number of times, and one thing that comes across for all of them:  They love serving in these roles!

“It’s a blessing for me to give back just a portion of the rich blessings I’ve experienced from being connected to Crucible work.  The challenge of lovingly and firmly helping staff men get everything in order is a real privilege for me.”

“I know the Participant Coordinator position isn’t for everyone.  I remember the first time I agreed to take it on, I was sure some man wouldn’t get what he came for because of me!  However, nobody broke because of me (they were all broken already)! A number of men over the years have told me at the end of the weekend how much they appreciated my handling of an issue - whether financial or dealing with their fear on the phone.”

“The challenge of being a [Participant] Coordinator is how do I being that ‘grace and truth’ that we talk about to 39 different men?  While I want to be supportive, I have to be firm and provide boundaries so that men know we are expecting something from them. That’s been instructive to my life as well - how I keep that balance with my relationships every day.”

“I love serving men and I love the creative challenge of serving good food!  Working with staff men in the kitchen and creating a community within the staff community is such a blessing.  Because many first time staff are in the kitchen, we are responsible for helping them enter into the spirit of serving on the weekend.   The kitchen and staffing it is a launch point for serving!”

Each weekend is different, each brings its own challenges, because each group of staff and attenders is unique.  The key is to keep track of the logistical challenges while keeping one’s heart in the efforts. Amazingly, you can do both well!

The Crucible Project has also introduced SalesForce as the CRM tool to assist coordinators in organizing and communicating before, during and after a weekend.   With the envisioned growth of weekends in a variety of places, the need has never been more relevant.

What about you?  If one of these positions seems both scary and exciting  - you should not only consider it, you should probably do it!  Feel free to talk to one of your regional leaders about stepping up and into a coordinator spot!  

 

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The Three-Legged Stool, a Pathway to Transformation

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what it means to truly “transform.” I don’t want to just have external changes or behavior modification. I want to become a different man. I want to think and act in new ways that reflect what is going on deep within me.

I’ve been actively engaged in The Crucible Project for over eight years now and I have seen some huge differences in my life…and I’ve seen where I am in the “same old place.” I wonder, “How do become more like Jesus?” Will The Crucible Project “transform” me?

Michel Hendricks, a fellow Redwood, wrestled with this question a few years ago and wrote a paper on “The Crucible Project and the Church.” That paper has helped me to better understand the place The Crucible Project plays in the transformation of my soul. Here is the condensed version of that article.

Jesus charges his followers and his church throughout history to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Another word for disciple is apprentice. When we make disciples, we are helping people start an apprenticeship relationship with Jesus. We train as his apprentices with the goal of becoming more like him in our daily lives. In small steps over time, he trains us to live a new life, a life very different than the life we lived before knowing Jesus (Romans 6:4). This is the over-arching purpose of the church on earth: to train people so that they “take on the character and inner being of Jesus himself.”

You might wonder what being an apprentice of Jesus looks like in practice. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will use an analogy. Being a disciple of Jesus involves training in three essential areas of life. If you miss any one of these three areas, your apprenticeship training will be ineffective. For this reason, I compare it to a three-legged stool.

The first leg: Spiritual Disciplines

If you have the discipline to exercise regularly your muscles will get stronger, your bone mass will increase, and your heart and lung capacity will improve. If you don’t do these things, you won’t improve. Period. If you do them, you get the benefits.

Spiritual disciplines are the same. If we do them over time, we will become more like Jesus. Notice that it is “over time.” They are a lifelong practice. They aren’t home runs or quick fixes. They work slowly over years, even decades.

You can see these spiritual disciplines in the life of Jesus, Paul, and throughout church history. Jesus directly teaches about some like Fasting, Prayer, God’s Word, while others we just see Jesus practicing with no explanation like Silence and Solitude.

If you fast, pray, and get away to be alone and silent in God’s creation, it will change you. Period. If you read, study, memorize and meditate on God’s word, it will change you from the inside out.

The second leg: Obstacles

Every one of us has deeply rooted obstacles in our lives that hinder us or trip us up (Hebrews 12:1). The Obstacles leg addresses our inclination toward wrong thinking and behavior. These are the areas of our lives that cause us to say, “Why did I just do that? Why did I say that? Where did that come from?” These are the parts of ourselves that we don’t understand and don’t like.

These perplexing thoughts and behaviors are usually rooted in wounding that we received, often as young men, often by fathers. Abuse. Neglect. A demand for perfection. Disappointment. Even those of us who came from relatively healthy childhoods don’t escape injury free. These wounds are like the seed of a poisonous tree that is planted early in childhood. Over time it grows and its roots go deep into our souls. For anyone who has ever tried to remove a tree stump, roots and all, it is a full contact sport. The stump is hard and the roots go everywhere. You need crowbars, axes, and chainsaws to get the job done. The core obstacles of our life are the same. They aren’t easily extracted. It takes hard work, and we can’t do it alone.

The third leg: Mission

Life is not just about us and our spiritual growth. Jesus never lost sight of the bigger goal of his life. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and establish kingdom living on earth (Matthew 28:20, 2 Timothy 2:2). Jesus, in his ministry, was out in the crowds in the thick of things, involved in people’s lives, healing, talking, challenging, partying and blessing. If we call ourselves apprentices of Jesus, we live the same way because we serve a bigger cause.

Like Jesus, we need to be out in the culture, loving, blessing, healing, bringing light and salt to the earth (Matthew 5:14-16). When I talk about mission, it includes anything we do, big or small, to be salt and light in the world, with the goal of letting people catch a glimpse of God when they look at our lives (Matthew 5:16). Our ultimate desire is for people to bump into Jesus and start their own apprenticeship journey with him (Matthew 4:19).

If we ignore this leg, the Christian life becomes an inward focused therapeutic cycle. We practice the disciplines and work on our wounds, but we never go out in the world and DO anything. However, in a balanced Christian life, we work on the first two legs SO THAT, when we go out and get involved in people’s lives, we are different.

I’ve come to see that unless I am willing to invest time and energy into spiritual disciplines and my mission, I will fall flat on my face. Understanding my wounds and my brokenness alone will not do it. I believe that I have seen the greatest growth in my life and I’ve lived the life I really want when I am engaging all three of these areas.

 

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Celebrate New Leaders!

Congrats to these trained leaders in 2018!

These men have advanced on the leadership track in The Crucible Project!

Retreat Leader

John Owen

Co-Leader

Kenny Cox

David Elmore

John Jackson

Chris Rice

Shannon Rose

Kamahl Godfrey

“We celebrate these men and the time and energy each has put in to reach these levels! Please know that as we continue to grow, we are committed to growing more leaders.

The Crucible Project leadership model was the piece missing in my personal leadership and it propelled me to where I am now - not only as Leadership Development Manager/Retreat Leader/Carpet Leader for our organization, but also the leader my world needed me to become.”  - Byron Meyers, Leadership Development Manager

You're encouraged to take advantage of the tools we offer to further your leadership.  Contact Byron Here

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Your Growth Edge

A "growth edge" is any challenge that can energize and excite you to move ahead while also feeling scare and hesitancy to move into. On your initial Crucible weekend, leaders discussed next steps. Perhaps that made you aware that there was more work to do. Or maybe it was in the parking lot when you left the weekend.

If your initial weekend was years ago, maybe your life feels stagnant with a lot of inertia. Possibly you have become aware now as you're reading this article.

Will Rogers said, "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul admonishes us to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Recently, a man who attended his initial weekend six years ago, did his first staffing. In the weekend's final staff check-in, he shared some regret about not getting involved earlier, and excitement about how energized he was jumping into the Crucible river. He immediately went back and got nine men together in Iowa to form a community group.

What is your growth edge? Start with what you've done already in Crucible work. Maybe you've staffed a weekend but have never volunteered to have a speaking role. Does that sound scary and is something you would hesitate to do? Then you might consider it a possibility to step into, but only with God's power and grace - and the support of your brothers.

Here's some more possibilities:

• Staffing a Weekend - and all the scary roles you hesitate to do.
• Doing the Two Year Transformation Program. Leadership Training. Carpet Certification.
• Joining one of the many types of groups offered (journey, formation, growth, development, transformation)
• Leading one of the many types of groups offered.
• Attending Second Level weekends.
• Staffing Second Level weekends.

God wants us to continue the work that was started in us. He promises that his power will be activated as we step into fulfilling His good purpose (Phil 2:13). Need some insight? Contact Bob Locascio, John Jackson or Byron Meyers for assistance.

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How to build your own community: The Crucible Unleashed

You’ve done your initial weekend.  You’ve posted on Facebook. Maybe you’re even in a group and going to a Second Level weekend.  How else can you engage to get that sweet Crucible fellowship? We asked the Crucible Community Leaders for ideas - some tried and true - some new - on building up the community where you live - here’s a bullet list of ideas:

• Organize a informal gathering and invite men.
  • BBQ
  • Bonfire
  • Movie
  • Dads & kids trips to zoo, game, fishing
• Create or post regularly on the community Facebook page.

• Commit to sharing your journey with one man a month over coffee, a meal.
• Give ideas about local events or service projects. Help with connections to partner with other ministries (ie - habitat for humanity, food banks, etc).
• Attend a group.
• Attend carpet work days and half-day trainings.
• Attend graduations.
• Help spread the word about community events.
• Donate materials (not just money).
• Provide transportation to and from airport(s) and/or provide host homes for leaders and other TCP men in from out of town.
• For men with specific skills and/or tools or vehicles... materials coordination, helping the local materials coordinator with inventory (which may require day trips to the retreat site, often hauling stuff), volunteer work days/weekends at the retreat site.
• Practical things like offer to get materials for the community trailer or store it in a secure place you have access to that.
• Plan community events that gather men and encourage the work to go forward
• Hold information gatherings for upcoming retreats at a local restaurant; invite a few men and wives to share their Crucible story.
• Invite, invite, invite! Don’t wait to be on the staff of a particular weekend to do that.
• Partially sponsor a participant or a staff man who needs financial support.
• Scout out locations for retreats.
• Reach out to local pastors and counsellors to network with them about what Crucible is doing and how it serves men they serve.
• Come to serve in the kitchen for a day or a few meals on a local retreat if you can’t staff the whole weekend—be a man of service (MOS)
• Serve on the area Regional Community team.

If you have additional input - email us at communications@thecrucibleproject.org with your ideas, willingness, name, phone, and where you live - we’ll connect you to your regional leader!

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Growth & Formation Groups: Another Option

If you're not in the Two Year Program, have you heard of Growth or Formation Groups?  Featuring check-ins, support, accountability, clearings and exercises, they are in-person on location or via SKYPE.  They are led by initiated men who have received training by a certified leader. Bob Locascio, our Programs & Services Manager, oversees these groups and states: "For me, there are two key reasons for a man to get into a group after his weekend.  First, continue his work.  The weekend is the start of a lifelong  journey of healing and growth work , not the end.  Group is a place (maybe the best place) to continue that work.  Second, for support.  Growth happens in a support community of other initiated brothers.  Sharing burdens and finding support for challenges is done in a community of brothers. Interested?  Fill out this form.

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Come Up Here: Then Look Back: Second Level Weekends

Why do Second Level Weekends?  We talk about them all the time.  Here's some real reasons:

1. Much friendlier than your initial weekend.  The granite/stone faced look from staff is gone.  You're in the know and connected immediately.
2. Four amazing and vital topics to enter into including Mission/Purpose, Sexuality, Leadership's Dark Side and the Joy of Leadership.
3. " Discovering my mission and purpose helped me invite other men to Crucible weekends and pass the transformation on to them!" - Brian M.
4. "Doing the leadership weekend was like getting insider information on a stock that I could immediately share with my friends." - Terrance
5. "The [Leadership] experience taught me that a leader causes those who follow to succeed through guidance, love, and compassion; rather than coercion." - Matt
6. “If this program can free you up to lead in the way I see God has designed you, I’ll pay whatever they want.” - Don's wife for the Leadership Joy weekend
7. "The weekend is designed to dig down.  I came out of the weekend with a specific purpose and mission - and now it's even more refined than when I first attended!" - Kyle
8.  "I learned how much of sexuality was a gift from God - and I learned the importance of play as it pertains to my relationship with my wife!  We have fun!  What a gift." - Brian A,

Get more information and sign up for the next Second Level Weekend!

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Volunteer Challenge: Help Men Staff

When you staff, you're expected to recruit men for their first initial retreat. What about men who have never staffed before? The best way to challenge men to staff is face to face. Do a simple check-in, catch up on how life is going, and lay down the challenge. Talk about the benefits of staffing - your experience - and your challenges.  Be real.  Bring the Grace and the Truth. Bottom Line:  More men who staff, recruit more men who attend an initial retreat, brining more men experiencing Christ-like transformation. Have any insights?  Email communications@thecrucibleproject.org and we will share next month!

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Regional Volunteers Needed!

The Crucible Project is a volunteer driven organization. We tend to think of staffing on a weekend as the extent of our volunteering opportunities, but the reality is that we need volunteers in many different areas. Last month we highlighted the need of technical volunteers. This month we are making you aware of needs within each Community. While there is core group of leaders in each community, those men cannot do it all. To grow the local Community we need men who want to volunteer their time and talent to: plan, market, promote, advance, cook, serve, design, and give! If you have a desire to see how you could be used to advance YOUR Community, reach out to the contact man identified below and let them know you want to volunteer.

Australia	Kamahl Godfrey	khgodfrey@optusnet.com.au
Chicagoland	Bill Snyder	bsnyder2004@sbcglobal.net
Colorado	Chris Mosher	chris_mosher@flatironschurch.com
Connecticut	Brian Smith	brian888540@gmail.com
Houston	John Owen	jowen@johnnyodesign.com
Kenya	Zeph Ananda	zephananda@gmail.com
KC Area	Brett Power	brettpow@hotmail.com
Mexico	James Henderson	jekhenderson@hotmail.com
Midland	Brandon Brunson	bbrunson5@att.net
North East Texas	David Elmore	davidelmore75@gmail.com
North Indiana	Dan Kuiper	dan@findingfatherslove.com
St. Louis	John Redstone	majesticstandingbear@gmail.com
Tulsa	Josh Sorenson	jsorenson14@gmail.com

 

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Volunteers Needed!

With the growth of Crucible worldwide comes the need for more help.  We will provide the guidance! If you're interested, please email below.

1.  Men who can take pictures/video of initial weekend graduation ceremonies.  We are especially interested in men's stories and how the weekend impacted them. Contact communications@thecrucibleproject.org  
2. Designers, Graphic artists, WordPress experts!  There are some new ideas and directions we want to pursue - but need talented men who can make it happen! Contact communications@thecrucibleproject.org  
3. Anyone who has a working knowledge of Salesforce. This is the new database system that we are using for Weekend management, contact management, and leadership development. Contact JJackson@thecrucibleproject.org

Again, email us above and let us know when and how you can help!  Thanks for serving!

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The Mission of a Gospel Patron

Kenny Cox spoke at the Redwoods Campaign Launch in October and referred to the concept of "Gospel Patron."  Let's unpack that concept with Kenny's own words from the banquet.

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Crucible to Indiana with Dan Kuiper

The first several times I checked out after staffing a Chicago-area weekend, I checked out sad. Sad that I didn’t really know the men I had served with. Sad that because I lived three hours away I had to do my staff trainings over the phone. Sad that I couldn’t attend graduation ceremonies. Sad that while other men went to church together, were is small groups together, hung out together, I was going back to Indiana alone. Then it dawned on me that I could do something about that. I began inviting men from the South Bend area to attend an initial weekend. They, then, began inviting other men. There are now a dozen initiated men in North-Central Indiana! Every other Thursday night, as many of us as are able, meet together at my house for an hour and a half. It is an informal group with no agenda. All we do is a SASHET check in with each other with context and feedback. Some of us now have staffed and have gone to second-level weekends together. More importantly, we have prayed together, celebrated together, and dreamed together. One of our dreams is to offer a Crucible weekend in the North-Central Indiana area. There are already have several Crucible brothers in Muncie (3 hours south), NW Indiana (1 hour west), and Grand Rapids (2 hours north). And the good news for guys who live near or fly into Chicago is it takes about the same amount of time to travel to South Bend as Williams Bay, WI! Most of the initiated men from this area are involved in other men’s ministries which we would like to see attend a Crucible weekend as a group. I, personally, have been working with Teen Challenge in Elkhart and Lifeworks College Church in South Bend to help organize fund-raisers so as many men as possible can attend a retreat in 2018. The two biggest obstacles always seem to be: 1.) the cost, and 2.) the distance. We’re working to try to take those excuses away! Several weeks ago, I scouted out various possible host sites and found a perfect facility in Cassopolis, MI, just over the state line, about 30 minutes north of South Bend! The camp has two lodges that each have a huge great room (for carpets) and accommodations for 45-60 people (one for staff and one for participants). There is a giant kitchen and dining area, a fire pit, spacious meeting rooms for additional carpets, sprawling wooded areas for the outdoor adventure—even amphitheater seating for the group picture! We continue to pray, seek God’s direction, and tell as many men as we can about TCP. We are hopeful that a Crucible Northern Indiana becomes a reality soon!

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Come with Me

Everyone loves to be invited! And we want to challenge YOU to be the inviter! So here’s the challenge, in order to grow the Chicagoland Region think of the men in your life and invite them to attend either the Urban Weekend, October 6-8 in IL or the Initial Weekend, November 9-11 in WI. And by all means… invite your Pastor to a Weekend anytime! See the story about why Pastors are a strategic part of our vision.

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Sexuality 2nd Level Weekend

Sex is good and God-given.  Yet, our sexual experiences, society’s messaging, feelings of inadequacy, and shame around our own sexual activities warp the sexual part of so many of us.  That is why The Crucible Project has a whole weekend devoted solely to sexuality.  Learn more here. “I learned there’s so much more to me as a man. God created me for connection, along with playfulness and joy. A lot of that playfulness and joy were suffocated out in my life. The weekend gave me freedom to tap into that joy and bring it home to my wife.” - Brian

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Four Second Level Weekends are Offered after your First Weekend

• Mission:  Discover your mission & purpose
• Leadership 1:  Tame the dark side
• Leadership 2:  Lead from joy
• Sexuality:  Experience healing & freedom

READ MORE

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Next Step:  The Two Year Program

You finished your initial weekend, but know there’s more to the journey.  We’ve designed the Two Year Program to help you keep the momentum going.  Watch this video to hear other men’s experience in the program. The benefits include coaching, monthly meetings with other men, all four Second Level weekends and more.  We even have groups that meet on SKYPE! After watching, you can learn more details, as well as inquire HERE.

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A Leader’s Philosophy of the Two Year Group

September is a good time to start the Two Year program.  In the Chicago area, there will be group openings on Monday or Thursday nights. If Chicago is far from you, Crucible also has SKYPE groups which are surprisingly amazing. Click here to see what Scott Selby has to say. Go here for more info.

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Benefits of the Two-Year Program

Two-Year grad Bill shares why you should join the Two-Year Transformational Program. Watch Now. For more info, Go Here. Contact Bob Locascio with questions.

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Attending Mission/Purpose Weekend

Hear insights from Kyle about the benefits of attending this second level weekend. VIEW HERE

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Experience More of The Crucible Community

Click on the Social Media buttons below to join our Facebook, LinkedIn and Blog pages

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Should the 2 Year Transformational Program be your priority this year? Get the accountability and care that it takes to continue your journey

• Get coaching by a trained facilitator monthly
• Meet three times a month with a group of men committed to life change
• Attend Second Level Weekends bundled with the cost
• Get priority staff placement for Initial Crucible weekends

Available via SKYPE Email for more info