Brothers, The Crucible is not the finish line. It was the beginning. For 40 days, you stepped out of drift and into intention. You built rhythms. You chose discipline. You showed up before God and alongside your brothers. Now the question is simple: How will you continue? If you don’t decide, you will drift. So here’s what comes next: 1 — Invite another man Who do you want to lead through the next Crucible? Reach out. Bring him in early. Help him find a Fire Team. Keep it 3-4 men. “Dropped their nets and followed.” 2 — Stay in brotherhood Do not go back to isolation. Stay engaged with your Fire Team—or start a new one. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 3 — Build your Rule of Life This is your off-season training plan. How will you pray? Fast? Stay disciplined? Stay connected? Write it. Keep it simple. Post it here in the community. “Train yourself for godliness.” 4 — Share what happened Complete the survey. What God did in you may be exactly what another man needs. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” 5 — You don’t need to guess what to do next. Start in the classroom: The Prodigal God — Tim Keller Fighting Shadows — Jon Tyson Or build your own path and share it with Forge Tribe. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Stay in the Word. Stay in rhythm. Stay intentional. Looking Ahead This fall, we begin the next 40-day season—built for men who have completed this one. A deeper step. A new challenge. More to follow. You are not the same man who started. Don’t go back. Stay sharp. Stay grounded. Stay with your brothers. —Forge Tribe

My heart feels very tender before God right now. The messages, reflections, and conversations coming out of the Crucible have meant a lot to read. It’s clear God is moving in the lives of many of you, and I’m grateful to be walking through this together. Right now there are about 130 men across 5 continents going through the Crucible. Next week we’re recording a Forge Tribe Podcast episode with Pete Stone (who wrote the devotionals) and John Thompson (who’s been writing the newsletters). Instead of us just talking, we want to bring your questions into the conversation. If you’re going through the Crucible, send us what’s on your mind: • Reflections from the readings • Things that challenged you • Parts that confused you • Where you're wrestling to apply it in real life • Anything you'd like Pete and John to unpack further You can post your question here on the wall or DM me directly if you'd rather keep it private. We’ll work to get as many of the questions answered as we can in the podcast. And yes… this was John’s last cinnamon roll before the Crucible. A small but meaningful sacrifice for the cause. — Joe

We are nearing the end of the first week of the CRUCIBLE! These devotions have hit me hard, and the disciplines have exposed many of my weaknesses. In honor of the Sabbath, we intentionally relax one discipline on Sunday. Of course, our goal is not to go wild, but to intentionally enjoy something that you've abstained from throughout the week. The Sabbath was designed as sacred rest, reordering our hearts to receive God’s gifts with gratitude instead of gripping them with control. Everything we have is a gift from our Almighty God. We should reflect on that as we engage in our choice (see the GIF below for a sneak peak at @Matt Coapman praising the Lord as he gets into his hot shower). I haven't decided what I plan to relax yet. What are you going to enjoy?

Child of God here, hi guys. Here to redefine for me what it means to lean on God at the peak and in the valleys, when I'm weak and when I'm strong. To learn how to confront myself when needed, and love myself always. Or maybe letting God do that. Probably both.