Friend,

This week our newsletter will continue to delve into the challenges that men face in 2026 with what we are calling "Brotherhood Deficit".  Here's a review of our week by week line-up up through the middle of February. 

1. Fragmented Identity (Who am I really?) - January 8

2. Pornography, Sexual Drift, and Intimacy Collapse - January 15

3. Loneliness and Brotherhood Deficit - January 22

4. Distraction, Dopamine, and Spiritual Apathy - January 29

5. Fear of Leadership and Responsibility - February 5

6. Faith Reduced to Opinion, Not Obedience - February 12

Here's what to expect this week: 

EDUCATE:  Learn about Challenge #3 - Loneliness and Brotherhood Deficit

EQUIP:  Download the "7 Steps" ebook and start leading a men's ministry at your church.  

ENGAGE:  Join or start a men's group, get connected on our app, and get into the game! 

God created us to experience deep meaningful relationships. If you are struggling to feel connected maybe it's time to join the brotherhood! 

Here's to Living ALL IN! 

Marty Miller

Blueprint for Men

Founder | President

CHALLENGE #3:  Loneliness and Brotherhood Deficit

By Marty Miller

The Reality

Men are surrounded by people—but deeply alone. Many have no one who truly knows them, no one who will tell them the truth, and no one who will walk with them when they fail.

Loneliness doesn’t always look like sadness.  It often looks like numbness, busyness, distraction, anger, and hidden sin.

God’s first “not good” wasn’t sin—it was isolation.

“It is not good that the man should be alone.” — Genesis 2:18

The Loneliness Crisis 

• Men with no close friends rose from 3% (1990) to 15% (2021)

• Men with 6+ close friends fell from 55% (1990) to 27% (2021)

• The U.S. Surgeon General warns we are in an epidemic of loneliness and isolation

This isn’t a personality issue. It’s a formation crisis.

Brotherhood Shift 

From independence → interdependence

Independence says: “I’ll handle it.”  Interdependence says: “I’ll bring it into the light.”

Brotherhood by The Book

You are not designed to fight alone.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow… and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
— James 5:16

“Exhort one another every day… that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
— Hebrews 3:13

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

Brotherhood Weekly Rythm

Daily:

• 1 text check-in with a brother

• 5 minutes of prayer for your group

Weekly (60 minutes in person if possible):

• Truth (confession + accountability)

• Word (Scripture + application)

• Prayer (specific + bold)

• Action (1 clear next step)

Monthly:

• 1 hard conversation you’ve been avoiding

• 1 shared challenge (service, fasting, training, outreach)

Summary: Men don’t drift into brotherhood.  They drift into isolation.  Brotherhood is chosen, built, and protected.

WANT TO READ MORE?

If the Holy Spirit is calling you to address the loneliness your isolation or to step up and start building a brotherhood take action today and download the documents below!  

Mighty Networks:  Where Mighty Men Connect

Blueprint for Men is building a nationwide brotherhood where men don’t just consume content—they find community, grow in daily discipleship, and stay connected long after an event ends.

Mighty Networks gives us the all-in-one platform to make that possible, combining community, courses, live events, prayer support, and leadership development in one “home base” designed for real spiritual transformation.

If you haven't already joined our Blueprint for Men Brotherhood on Mighty Networks take action today. Click the link below to get started. If you want to get a full orientation reach out to Tom Pyke our small groups coordinator at 423-313-1807.

Jesus was THE Leader of Men…

…and Men’s ministry is simply a discipleship program that follows His lead.  It is designed to transform ordinary men into extraordinary men of God.  These transformed men then go on to build stronger families, stronger churches, and stronger communities.  It’s Jesus model so it works!

But men’s ministry doesn’t succeed without visionary and determined leaders.  Leaders like you!  If you feel that God is calling you to step up and lead a men’s ministry program at your church please know that he will provide for your needs. Take the courageous move and start leading… one step at a time today!

If you're ready to get started, download this E-book, study it, and then take the 7 steps to begin building the foundation of a strong men’s ministry.

Here’s to Leading Like Jesus!

More Ways to Get Involved

There are an incredible number of ways you can engage through this ministry. Join our growing online community, attend an event, or donate to our man-building cause. Together we can make an eternal difference!  

Nature Nugget

Musk Ox: Strength in Community

By Marty Miller

When danger approaches on the Arctic tundra, musk ox don’t panic and scatter. They do something powerful: they gather.

Musk ox form a tight defensive circle—adults facing outward with horns ready, and the young protected in the center. Predators like wolves look for weakness, isolation, and fear. But when the herd stands together, it becomes a living wall of strength.

One musk ox alone is vulnerable. A united herd is formidable.

Download the complete nature nugget and share it with your group or your family. Be like a musk ox today! 

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