“How are we doing?”  I’m continually asked this question in varying forms.  For those who’ve asked, you know my immediate response – “You tell me. How are we doing?”  I’m not trying to be evasive or play games.  The most important perspective on how we’re doing is yours, the Pax.  We’re a bottom-up, peer-led organization.

You’re asking an important question…initiating a conversation, really.  And the more Pax involved in the conversation the better.  So, let’s talk about how we’re doing.  Here’s what I see in August 2022 based on your input and my experiences in our region and through my posts in 6+ other regions across 5 states in recent months.

The Fort is Accelerating from a Solid Foundation

• Choices – Most of us have 2-3 options of various formats every day within a 10-minute drive of home (extremely rare across the Nation).
• Consistency – our execution in the Gloom is strong, led by a committed Site Q planting a Shovel Flag along with a Q who’s well-prepared to deliver the DRP.
• All 3 Fs – Consistent execution and participation also applies to our 2^nd F and 3^rd F activities.
• A strong brotherhood – The bonds of love are tight as seen by Shield Lock engagement and the active care, support and TAPs flowing freely among the Pax.
• Still growing – FNGs continue to emerge each week, and those who stick are making an impact as Qs, Site Qs and more.
• Dynamic comz platform – Other regions envy the ways we’ve embraced and leveraged Slack.
• Vibrant I2– The Pax are constantly introducing new initiatives across all 3 Fs.
• Community impact – Our local community has never benefited more from our activities.

I’ll share a few of the many stories comprising this Acceleration.

• Flounder is our reigning War Daddy. At 76, he posts 3 days a week in the Gloom and joins McGospel consistently on Fridays.  He first posted amid Covid, when Planet Fitness was closed, and he needed a safe outlet to stay active.  He posted regularly, meeting his fitness objective from a safe social distance.  When vaccines arrived, he started recognizing his brothers in the neighborhood and the marketplace.  Just as importantly, they (you) recognized him.  The Fellowship kicked in…the Glue.  Now Flounder and the rest of us are seeing the fruits of his deeper (and closer) engagement.
• This summer brought the consistent presence of several college bound 2.0s. Importantly, their I2 influenced their fathers, in some cases bringing Kotters back into the Gloom, and in all cases, ensuring consistency from the dads.  I know I never had an opportunity like The Fort at 18, and if I did, I’m not sure I would’ve recognized it.  The dads, the 2.0s and the rest of us are growing through these weeks together.
• This week we welcomed our brother Uncle Sam back to the Gloom. He was a regular with us before returning to his native Colombia (back in 2017 maybe?).  He was in town for a few days this week on his way to Virginia where he will spend a year while his wife completes a graduate degree.  He shared that his F3-like group for youths in Colombia has strongly embraced “Leave No Man Behind / Leave No Man Where You Found Him.”  And the most inspirational news was how he used “Freed to Lead” principles to revitalize his house church ministry in Colombia with powerful results.  Yes, The Fort’s impact is international.

So, the bottom line as I see it – we’re blessed.  I’ve heard Pax say we’re “spoiled” or “we don’t realize how good we have it.”  I have two immediate reactions when I hear those comments.  First, my heart fills with gratitude for each of you and all Pax across our history who’ve brought us to this point.  This adventure is truly a gift.  Second, my curiosity gene kicks into overdrive, searching for the next challenges and ways to adapt in the 43 Feet of road ahead, because what got us here won’t take us to the future.

I’ll save the 43 Feet topic for another post.  In the meantime…

What are you seeing in The Fort today?  How are we doing?

Chime in on Slack, discuss your thoughts in COT and 2^nd F venues and share your ideas with our Site Qs and SLT.  After all, this is your adventure, one you choose several times a week.  So, speak up!