The main theme of this blog is that guys need friends with other men who help them become better men. In my last post, I defined the kind of friendship that I believe every man needs; what I call “GodBuddies,” the deeper, more authentic friendships that help us become more godly men. Th8s post describes the important characteristics of a God Buddy.
Why Men Need More than “Good” Friends
Over the last 6+ years and 350+ posts on this blog, I have stated that all guys need better male friendships. I’ve presented the case that we need more than acquaintances who get together occasionally. More than casual friends who engage in recreation or watch sports together. More than good friends who share a hobby, or via social media, or that hang-out online. We need friends who help us become better men.
But I also believe the very best version of a man is one who is becoming a godly man. Friends who live according to God’s standards. Men who strive to become more like Jesus, the ultimate role model for manhood. A man with GodBuddies.
So what differentiates a good friend from a GodBuddy?
Of course, I would love for you to purchase my book, Get Out of Your Man Cave: The Crisis of Male Friendship, but here are some of the characteristics of the very best type of male friendship any man can have.
Finding Commonality and Building Trust
Friendships usually begin by finding commonality over shared interests and experiences but become stronger by spending time together and developing chemistry.
As trust between two guys increases, these friends are more willing to be transparent about and start to share their struggles, fears, and failures. They become vulnerable and authentic, two qualities that create the relational depth but are missing from many modern friendships.
This deeper, more authentic kind of friendship does not develop overnight. It grows through consistency, honesty, and a willingness to show up for one another over time.
The Power of Accountability
Eventually, true friendship requires even more than common interests, chemistry, and trust. It requires accountability to live by higher standards.
Good friends who are willing to confront blind spots and confess their shortcomings blearn to hold each other accountable. While accountability can be uncomfortable, it often becomes the catalyst for personal growth and maturity.
When a real friend tells you what you need to hear, he won’t just tell you what you want to hear. He tells you what you heed to hear. He helps you stay aligned with your values, goals, and commitments.
Accountability is not about judgment; it is about helping one another become better.
Overcoming the Barriers
Unfortunately, many barriers exist that prevent men from forming these kinds of relationships.
We fear vulnerability. We compete rather than connect. We avoid asking for help. We become distracted by careers, technology, entertainment, and endless responsibilities.
Sometimes, we simply have our priorities wrong.
Yet overcoming these obstacles is essential if you want the friendships that help you become a more godly man. Meaningful friendships require intentionality. They require time and effort. They also require a willingness to move beyond surface-level conversations to deeper discussions that help us become the best version of a man. One who lives like Jesus.
However, the benefits are eternal.
Finding Your First GodBuddy
The good news is that finding a GodBuddy does not require a complicated process.
Most friendships begin when one guy takes the risk to reach out to other guys they admire or have something in common. They share experiences and gradually build trust. Often, this starts with a simple conversation, a shared interest, or the courage to reach out to someone you admire.
But deep friendships rarely happen by accident.
They grow through intentional investment, shared experiences that promote growth, and consistency over time.
The Importance of Better Male Friendship
As I have written throughout this blog and in my book, i believe better male friendships can help train up the next generation of mature and responsible men.
Today, too many males experience loneliness, isolation, and a lack of meaningful connections. It’s clear that they need better male friendships. The kind of friends who help develop better men.
But we also need better men with deeper, authentic friendships who want to become more godly men.
The Bottom Line
The case for GodBuddies ultimately comes down to this: men become better men when they journey together. We need friends who sharpen us, encourage us, challenge us, and walk beside us through life’s victories and struggles.
In a culture marked by loneliness and isolation, a GodBuddy may be one of the greatest gifts a man can have.
The question is not whether you need deeper friendships.
The question is whether you are willing to take the first step toward building them.
Coming Next: A New Content Channel
My next post will reveal some exciting news about a new content channel designed to reach a broader audience of men.
Let’s face it: the issue of male isolation and loneliness is everywhere. Not just inside the church but outside.
Men need better friendships that help build the mature and responsible men our world needs today.
Watch for more next week.
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