Men don't drift into character. They build it.
The Forge started as five men, one table and a sack of sausage biscuits. It is now a movement of crews across the city.
Five men and a skillet
In 2012, a contractor named Mike Dolan began meeting four friends at 6 AM on Fridays. They read a chapter, ate breakfast and said what was true. After a year, nine more came. After three, there were sixty.
The Forge stayed simple: show up, tell the truth, serve someone. When crews grew too large, they split. When projects came up, the crews built them.
Today our men range from 19 to 84 and work every trade imaginable. What we have in common is a refusal to go it alone.
The code
Show up
You can't build what you won't attend.
Tell the truth
Say it plainly. Say it kindly.
Work with your hands
Serve someone with your sweat.
Lead at home
Everything we do is for the family waiting at the door.
How we got here
A few moments that shaped who we are today.
Five men, one table
Mike Dolan hosts the first Friday breakfast.
First crews
Groups of six to eight form across the city.
Work Days begin
The first monthly service project.
120 men weekly
Fourteen crews and 36 completed projects.
The leaders
FounderMike Dolan
General contractor and keeper of the coffee.
ChaplainPastor Gil Ramos
Shepherds the crews and teaches on Fridays.
Work Day DirectorTom Haines
Plans each project and sources the lumber.
Retreat LeadDr. Aaron Vance
An ER physician who runs the spring lodge weekend.
What we stand on
- Jesus Christ is Lord over every part of a man's life.
- Scripture is our standard.
- Brotherhood is how men stay faithful.
- Service is the proof of faith.
- A man's first calling is to those under his roof.
Equip men to lead at home
Show up at 6. Bring your coffee mug and an appetite.