Is an EARNEST EXPEDITION™ group the right fit for you?
Group 1
The Dark Horses
Group 2
TBD
Interested In Joining a Group?
FAQ’s
What is the primary purpose of EARNEST EXPEDITION groups?
Our groups are support groups for Christian men. Our groups are NOT therapy groups and do not target any particular category of topics/issues/struggles other than helping encourage men. Group leader(s) are not trained/licensed therapists. Groups are not Bible studies per se, but Biblical scripture is often referenced and sometimes analyzed. A primary goal is to help men live lives of deeper purpose, sharper and more organized coherence, and stronger commitment to our Creator.
What are group meetings like?
No two meetings are structured exactly the same. An important component of group meetings is to provide members a place to confidentially share various pressures and struggles in life and have a group of men to come alongside them for support, regardless of what life throws at them. Often, group members are provided an opportunity to “check in” and let other members know how things are going. So-called “cross talk” is permitted to a certain degree, but a primary goal is to listen first before any such communications are permitted. Discussions are generally directed by the group leader/moderator to minimize unproductive cross talk or distraction.
Who can join an EARNEST EXPEDITION men’s group?
EARNEST EXPEDITION groups are open to adult men (at least 18 years old) who request membership (via e-mail at info@earnestexpedition.com) and are initially vetted to determine whether an EARNEST EXPEDITION group is a good option/fit for the potential member, other applicable members, and Earnest Expedition, LLC generally.
How many men are in a group?
Groups are capped at no more than eight (8) members. The groups are “closed” in the sense that one cannot simply show up off the street and participate. Any group members will know in advance before a new member joins.
Where/When do groups meet?
Groups meet in-person once per week in west Knoxville. Different groups meet on different days/times. Groups do not meet on holidays and in situations in which it is not practical to meet (e.g., inclement weather, very low anticipated attendance, etc.).
Is sensitive personal information shared in group meeting discussions required to be maintained as confidential?
Yes. Before attending a meeting, any new member must sign a legally binding agreement that includes a confidentiality / non-disclosure provision.
Is payment required for being a member of a group?
Yes. After a new member is signed on, payment is collected automatically once per month by charging your credit or debit card, and each monthly payment covers the next month’s weekly meetings. Some months will have more meetings than other months due to various factors (including when the meeting days fall on the monthly calendar), but the monthly payment to be made by members will remain the same per month. Payment also remains the same even if a member is unable to attend one or more meetings for any reason. Since the groups are “closed,” payment for being a member is to hold the member’s spot regardless of whether the member is present on any given week. As such, there is no refund for any member missing one or more meetings, even if the absence(s) is/are outside the control of the member.
If anyone needs financial assistance, in some situations, scholarships or other assistance might be available. However, group members are generally expected to pay each monthly payment in full each month per the regular automated payment schedule.
How easy is it to leave a group?
No one is required to keep attending group meetings if they choose to leave their group. In order to officially resign from a group and stop any recurring automated payments, one must simply provide thirty (30) day written notice. Sending an e-mail to info@earnestexpedition.com clearly stating intent to resign from a group is an acceptable means of written notice.