A forge is compelling. As a noun, the word means a fiery furnace used to heat metals, or a workshop used by a blacksmith. Forging videos are an expansive genre on YouTube, and I’ve enjoyed watching talented metalworkers create all manner of things both on video and in person over the years.

As a verb, to forge can also mean actively creating or shaping a sense of purpose and significance in life through deliberate effort, reflection, and action. For us as men, especially, there are lessons to be learned from the processes of heating, shaping, and strengthening metal.

The Forge is also the title of a Kendrick Brothers and Affirm Films motion picture released in 2024 that’s well worth a watch.

Writing for Adelaide, South Australia-based Life FM, Lauren Francis gives a great overview of the film:

The Forge tells the story of 19-year-old Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy), who has been out of high school for a year and has little to show for it. He spends most of his time playing video games or at the courts playing basketball with his friends.

His mother’s (Priscilla Shirer) frustration with his lack of motivation comes to a climax when Isaiah fails yet again to do what he had promised he was going to do, forcing his mother to issue an ultimatum: get a job or get out. Isaiah finally finds a job at Moore Fitness, where the owner, Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett), shows a special interest in taking Isaiah under his wing to build his character.

Isaiah is then forced to deal with his past, sacrifice his selfishness, and discover how God might have a greater purpose for his life through the prayers of his mother and unexpected guidance from his new mentor.

It’s a powerful story that illustrates the transformational impact of discipleship, the lifelong process of intentional learning, and what it can mean for directionless young men. Mr Moore becomes a father figure to Isaiah, and the film depicts the positive changes that take place not just for Isaiah, but all those around him.

The Forge film inspired Dads4Kids’ friend Pastor Brendan Edwards so much that he launched his own, real-life forge event for young men in Southeast Queensland. Based near Gympie in the beautiful Mary Valley, every month in a large shed on a Friday night, Ps Brendan and his team host The Forge. Watch the rollicking video below to find out more.

As the video title says, it’s all about shaping boys into men of God. What a wonderful, worthwhile aim! I absolutely love what Ps Brendan and his team are doing. Speaking over the phone earlier this week, he explained the three key elements:

1. Food

A meal brings people together, and in addition to the basic human need for sustenance (especially hungry young men on a Friday night), tasty food is a great way to draw in a crowd. As the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

2. Fun

Having fun is underrated. It’s so important that each year Dads4Kids hosts a Fun Camp on the South Coast of New South Wales – Kids (and Dads) love it! Ps Brendan and his team nail fun at The Forge. In the video above, they all make trebuchets (catapults), and they get up to all sorts of fun together (and maybe even a little bit of mischief).

3. Faith

Once food and fun have been enjoyed by all, Ps Brendan and the team divide into smaller groups for faith-based conversations with the young men. If you take the time to create a non-judgmental, safe environment for men, they will talk, often about deep and meaningful things.

I’m encouraged and inspired by Ps Brendan! He’s an absolute champion bloke, and in addition to leading a thriving church, he’s working on bringing a busload of men to Dads4Kids’ upcoming Men’s Summit too. I hope you can join us at Stanwell Tops, New South Wales, 28^th – 30^th August 2026. If you’re passing through the Mary Valley in Southeast Queensland, or have recently moved there, you can connect with Ps Brendan and his team here.

Lovework

Learn from the forge. It can be a challenge at times, but commit yourself to continual improvement as a man. Discipleship, fully embraced, will transform your life. Register for the Men’s Summit today! It’s a forge-like weekend with plenty of great food, fun, and faith.

As Dads4Kids’ friend and one of this year’s Summit keynote speakers, Andrew Gray, explains in the video below, the world is flooded with information, but what men need is transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be encouraged and inspired as a man.

Yours for the forge,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and can support our vision to build men, grow fathers, and change generations, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis.

P.P.S. If you’re in or near Canberra, I’m excited to be speaking at Vision Church Men’s Summit this Tuesday Evening (28th July). Dinner ($10) is from 6.30pm, and the meeting starts at 7.30pm. Vision Church’s address is 1 Lithgow Street, Fyshwick, ACT. Please call 02 6228 1181 or email: hello@visionchurch.org.au for more information – I’d love to see you there!