The following post was pulled from Harris’ previous blog. While the post may not be current, it was re-posted here based on the high amount of feedback and comments received.

There were about 30 men in the circle. I was already getting nervous…yet somehow excited at the same time. One by one, each guy began to state why he was there in 1-2 sentences. It was almost my turn. The man next to me said, “I’m here because I’m f***** up, and I feel like there are other men here who are f***** up with me.” He talked for maybe 15 more seconds. I wanted him to talk longer. Because I was next.

“I’m Harris,” I said. “Hi Harris,” the group responded. My knees were shaking. “Um…I’m here because I’m a professional Christian…and…uh…a professional liar. I’m having a hard time learning how to be real. I’m a friend of Nate’s, and I’m here because I heard this might be a place that I could learn to be who I really am, in an effort to become who I want to be.” The entire group responded again. “Thanks, Harris.”

I know what it sounds like – sitting in a circle, stating your name, acknowledging each other – but I promise, I’m not a drunk. In fact, other than the sip of wine my wife talked me into tasting while in Napa Valley, no form of alcohol has ever touched my tongue. This is not because I’m legalistic or judgmental. It’s for two reasons:

1. That first sip of wine set my throat on fire. (Feel free to join my wife in making fun…I can handle it, I promise.)
2. I tend to be a creature of habit. If I find out that I like something, I tend to develop obsessions.

But now I’m on a rabbit trail. Back to the point…

I’m here because I’m a professional Christian…and…uh…a professional liar. I’m having a hard time learning how to be real. I’m here because I heard this might be a place that I could learn to be who I really am, in an effort to become who I want to be.

This was not an AA meeting, though frankly, I’m at a point in my life where if I were at an AA meeting, I’d have no problem admitting it. I told you I was feeling freedom, and I meant it.

The meeting was the weekly gathering of a group called, “The Samson Society.” It’s existed for a few years now, and was started by my friend, Nate Larkin. He wrote a book a few years back titled, Samson and the Pirate Monks. I won’t spoil the book for you, but he has an incredible story and you need to read it.

As I sat in the meeting, I listened to Christian men be transparent about their lives and struggles. One guy is addicted to porn. One guy is addicted to debt. One guy is married with kids, but struggles with homosexuality. One guy hates people, and is learning how to relate to them.

One by one they authentically shared their lives with each other. And one by one they experienced freedom. And as it happened, no one shared advice. No shared scripture. And most importantly, no one judged. There is most definitely a time and place for advice and God’s word, but this wasn’t the time.

You see, this isn’t normal. People, especially men, don’t share their junk. I mean, why would they? Most of the time, it only leads to condemnation. But in this safe place, they could be real. Transparent. Authentic. And free.

After the meeting, we went to the local pub. (Ironically owned by a couple of Christians.) While there, I experienced community in a way I’d never experienced it before. I was surrounded by more language and alcohol than I’d ever been surrounded by in my entire life. (Then again, I’ve led a pretty sheltered life for the past 24 years.) Yet I was unable to escape a simple fact: I felt like these men were closer to the heart of God than any other men I’ve spent time with.

They are living in true community with each other, with eyes focused on Jesus, and the brotherhood they’ve created is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. True community might just be impossible without authenticity, and a whole lot of radical grace.

Is “transparency” a buzz word? Has “authenticity” become a fad in the church? Probably. More than one of you have responded with that opinion, and to be honest, I’d have to agree. But do your best to not write off the entire church with one huge stroke. Because in some places in the world, it’s happening, and it’s changing lives.

Including mine.