Having recently had the opportunity to lead a John 17 Weekend, I was once again amazed and inspired to see the transformation that takes place over the course of a few days together. I’ve experienced this on other weekends, but it never gets old.
Reservations
At the beginning of a weekend, I often see a group of men who seem to have very little in common. Many arrive exhausted from a week of work, perhaps a little disoriented or unsure of why they’re there. Some know a guy or two, but many are meeting everyone else for the first time. The first day can be pretty quiet, with guys feeling a bit reserved.
But somewhere along the way, something changes. Men begin to hear God’s invitation to trust Him and to offer their true selves to one another. As they do, real connections start to form. By the end of the weekend, there’s a sense that we didn’t all just happen to end up in the same place. Each man can look back and recognize that God had a purpose in bringing him there. Watching that unfold is one of the most meaningful parts of these weekends for me.
Reaching Out
Another thing I so appreciate about the John 17 Community is the cross-section of brothers represented on these weekends. Tucson is a big place, with more than a million people, and it’s easy to settle into the familiar rhythms of my own life. I go to my church, in my part of town, surrounded largely by people who look like me and worship like me.
John 17 helps me see a fuller picture of the family of God. I’ve developed strong relationships with men I likely would never have known otherwise. We come from different backgrounds, churches, and walks of life, yet we discover a shared faith and a common desire to follow Jesus. Those relationships are a gift, and I’m deeply grateful for them.
An Invitation to Step Away and Reconnect
Our lives are busy. Our calendars fill up, our phones constantly demand our attention, and we carry expectations to have it all together, never disappoint others, and faithfully provide for our families. We can find ourselves pulled in a hundred directions at once, with little time to pause and consider how we’re really doing.
A John 17 Weekend offers an opportunity to step away from those demands. It invites us to set things down for a while, rest in God’s presence, and connect with other men who are navigating many of the same challenges. We’re reminded of what matters most and given space to consider how to orient our lives around God’s wisdom and power.
Colby Henley, Men's John 17 Weekend Lay Leader
Colby Henley has lived in Tucson for 32 years. One of his passions is welcoming the stranger and has volunteered in various capacities with Tucson Refugee Ministry. He currently serves as an advisor and Board Member for Infuse Ideas, a local faith-based entrepreneurial development program. He and his wife Karen attend Vineyard Christian Community and delight in sharing time with their daughter, son-in-law, and 5 grandkids.
