Wild Life: Start Really Living Event

Life to the Full—Together

Scripture References

• John 10:10

Overview

Pastor Craig Groeschel opens by challenging men to stop living for “one-day-when” and start living the full life Jesus offers now. A week-long retreat of seven ordinary men puts that conviction to the test through honest conversation about performance pressure, addiction, isolation, and true success. Their stories prove that transparency with brothers and dependence on Christ move a man from half-hearted survival to Spirit-empowered living.

Context

• Video recorded for “Wildlife,” a Life.Church men’s initiative.
• Setting: Pastor Craig’s introduction, followed by a round-table discussion facilitated by Will Coleman with six other men who have spent several days together.
• Goal: Encourage viewers to join a men’s group where real life change happens.

Themes

The Call to Live Now, Not “One Day”

• Jesus promises abundant life; Satan steals, kills, and destroys (John 10:10).
• “One day when I achieve, know, or earn enough” is a lie that delays obedience.
• Full life = poured-out life, not bucket-list self-indulgence.

Why Men Avoid Community

• Default image: appear tough, competent, in control.
• Several admitted fear of couple’s groups, “locker-room only” talk, or getting tested for manliness.
• Isolation feels safer but leaves men spiritually vulnerable.

Early Impact of an Intentional Week Together

• Rapid trust built through shared meals, axe-throwing, confession, prayer.
• Men now feel known, less isolated, and equipped to lead their own groups.
• Friendship requests and texts already flying: “I’ve got someone I can call.”

The Performance Treadmill

• Story: Clay was adopted at birth and grew up believing he had to perform to be chosen. He finally heard the Father say he is already chosen, freeing him to serve from acceptance, not for it.

• “Have-to” mindset—pleasing others, avoiding disappointment—creates exhaustion.
• Moving to “want-to” comes from knowing identity and values in Christ.

Hitting Rock Bottom & Climbing Out

• Illustration (Jason): Recovery is “lots of very small steps—win the one step in front of you.”

• Addictions named: pornography, affairs, alcohol, overspending, workaholism.
• Common denominator: secrecy. Freedom began the moment they told another man.
• Grace is not earned by consecutive perfect days; expect setbacks, keep moving.

Pornography: Five Voices, One Hope

• 5 of 7 confessed past sexual addiction.
• Key lessons: • You are not alone.
  • Use Scripture as a weapon; Jude 24 cited for God’s keeping power.
  • Bring light—confession, accountability, God’s Word—into dark places.

Redefining Success

• Story: Ronnie lost everything in 2008, moved in with his mother-in-law, and stocked Walmart shelves. God whispered while he “zoned” canned goods:

  “That’s how you’ve lived—pulling everything to the front so it looks full.”

• Pride broke; he learned success is measured by faithfulness to God and family, not finances.
• Today he pastors again with a new heart.

The Power of Men’s Groups

• God wired men to be “sharpened” by other men; isolation guarantees weakness.
• Wildlife groups provide space for real talk, confession, prayer, and growth.
• Viewers urged to download the companion Bible plan and find or start a group.

Key Truths

• Jesus offers an abundant life now, not after we finally “arrive.”
• Isolation amplifies temptation; brotherhood disperses it.
• Identity received from the Father ends the exhausting need to perform.
• Freedom from addiction begins with one honest confession and continues through small, daily steps empowered by grace.
• True success is faithfulness to God and family, not outward status or income.

Response

• Reject the “one-day-when” mindset; live fully for Christ today.
• Join or start a Wildlife men’s group and commit to weekly, honest conversation.
• Confess hidden struggles to a trusted brother before the day ends.
• Replace self-reliance with Scripture-powered dependence on Jesus.
• Measure success by obedience and relational health, not possessions or titles.

Closing

Pastor Craig ends with a direct invitation: get real, get vulnerable, get in a group. Lone-ranger Christianity leaves men exposed, but iron sharpening iron leads to the life Jesus died to give.

“Take the step—get involved in a Wildlife men’s group.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig prays for the men to be conformed to Christ, empowered by grace, guided to the right brothers, and used for God’s glory in Jesus’ name.

Resources

• Wildlife Men’s Groups (Life.Church)
• YouVersion Bible Plan accompanying the series