Bearded
What exactly do we mean when we say, “Bearded Gospel Men”? What defines a Bearded Gospel Man? Are you a Bearded Gospel Man? The first part and the last part are the easiest to define. The words bearded and man shouldn’t require a lot of explanation. If you have scruffy stuff growing on your face, there is an 89 percent chance you are bearded, and you are a man.
Gospel
Despite the fact that the world generally seems to be falling apart, there is really good news: God sent His son Jesus to show us His love, save us from sin, and establish His kingdom in our hearts.
What does it mean to be a Bearded Gospel Man? The shortest answer is that, along with working towards a manly mane, you can proclaim that most basic of Christian tenets, the Apostles’ Creed. You’re a man who’s letting himself be changed by that gospel. A man who is striving to truly embody that gospel. And if a Bearded Man is striving to be a Bearded Gospel Man, he knows he can’t do that on his own. He needs the grace of God, the company of good friends, the kinship of true community, and the wisdom of that furry cloud of witnesses.
Men
Aaron Alford is originally from Ontario, Canada. He has studied improv at The Second City, hitchhiked across Ireland and Italy, and, as a missionary with Youth With A Mission in Modesto, California, helped run a street café for the homeless with his friends. He is currently studying for the priesthood in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoys beautifying the world with whimsy, compassion, pipe smoke, and an admirable beard.
Jared Brock is co-founder of Hope for the Sold, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating exploitation, and author of A Year of Living Prayerfully and The Road to Dawn. He’s happily married to his best friend, Michelle, and his writing has appeared in Esquire, Catalyst, Relevant, Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and Writer’s Digest. Brock runs a documentary production company, is the director of Over 18 and Red Light Green Light, and has been interviewed on TODAY.com, 100 Huntley Street, and The 700 Club.
Blog
We love pubs. Pub is short for “public house,” and that’s what we want BGM to be: a pub that happens to be owned and operated by Christians, where everyone is welcome to hang out. If people wanted to share a few laughs at the bar, they’d be welcome to do that. If they wanted to sit down at a booth for some chit-chat, they’d be welcome to do that too. Or if they wanted to take some time to talk about deeper things, there would be some comfy chairs by the fireplace for serious conversation. Since then we have endeavored to be a place where everyone is welcome, everyone is treated respectfully, and everyone leaves feeling a little happier for having come for a visit. We won’t ooze Christianese all over the place, but faith is smack-dab in the middle of all this. There are no anti-smoking bylaws in effect at this pub, so grab your pipe and take a little time for reflection while you thoughtfully stroke that beard. It is our hope that as you surround yourself with these godly men, you will be spurred on to thought, prayer, and action. The bar is open. The fireplace is lit. Old friends and new await you. Welcome to the pub.
Book
After five years on blogging and community building, we decided to take BGM offline with a real book about 31 of history’s most epic bearded gospel men. If you’re looking for inspiration on a life worth living, check out our new monthlong devotional, written just for you.
