The Men We Need

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Sherri Lynn

“Brant Hansen manages to be both hilariously funny and deadly serious. The Men We Need is a blast to read, but Brant is decidedly earnest for men to be exactly what God has created us to be and what the world is waiting to see.”

Kyle Idleman

“This is not only the book every man needs, it’s also one every woman should read. In a time when everyone is asking, ‘What does it really mean to be a man?’ Brant Hansen gives a compelling, insightful, and deeply helpful response. I read this book in one sitting, and it made me nod, laugh out loud, and want to share it with every man and woman I know.”

Holley Gerth

“Brant Hansen has done it again—this time with a funny, punchy book on manhood. Full of hard-won wisdom and simple, biblical truths applied across the spectrum of the masculine experience, The Men We Need is the book we need for our confused cultural moment.”

Jared C. Wilson

“Brant Hansen is a marvel in this modern world. Rarely do I meet someone with a voice that is equally insightful, comedic, and piercing. I invite you to dive in and experience Brant’s kingdom-centered, upside-down perspective.”

Mike Donehey

“Read this book and start being awesome. We women are rooting for you.”

Lisa Anderson

“Brant gives words to feelings we have and purpose that we never considered. I was a young man during an era when Christian masculinity was defined by growing a beard and being one with the wild. Trouble was, I had little wild and only heart. And I still can’t grow a beard. This book is written for me and my boys. It’s probably written for you and your boys as well. It’s for those of us who love Jesus and are discovering that protecting the vulnerable, selflessly loving our family, and showing up for the hurting are evidence of being a man of God. Our world will be a more redemptive place as you rise to the challenge. We all hope you will!”

Justin Narducci

“In a time of chaos, confusion, and even despair, when women and children around the world are as at risk as ever, Brant Hansen’s brilliant, insightful, funny, and convicting book is not only a breath of sane biblical reason but a balm to the internet-addled soul. The vision of masculinity he sets forth is within the grasp of any man at any stage of life, and his practical and gracious wisdom is enlivening. I’m planning to read the book out loud to both my sons, just as soon as I throw their Xbox into the river.”

Anne Kennedy

“Our societies send very confusing messages on what it means to be a man. Brant turns that all on its head. In his usual winsome style, he gives us a book that is relatable, convicting, and timeless. I’m fortunate enough to know Brant and to have been personally challenged by him to be the man I was designed to be. Those who benefit? My wife, my children, my community, and my colleagues. I’m excited others are now getting this challenge too. Whether you are in your teens or in those outer years, this book offers course corrections to help us be the manliest of men.”

Derek Johnson

“Employing his singular wit, Brant graciously challenges men to become what our families and our world need us to be—protectors and defenders. I especially recommend this book as a call to action for young men.”

Benjamin C. Warf

“The Men We Need is perfectly titled. Because the world is desperate for the men Brant describes. This book gives men a vision for what masculinity really can be: the kind that protects and brings life to everyone around. And somehow Brant manages to be both deeply serious and deeply funny. Once again he hit it out of the park.”

Bill Yeargin

“As a marriage and women’s counselor, I’m deeply aware of the confusion, brokenness, purposelessness, and ongoing sense of failure many men live with. Yet I’m equally aware of the distortions, the settling, and the ‘I guess this is the best I can hope for’ mindset of many of my female clients who are in very difficult, often ungodly marriages or relationships. Brant nails it: We have an epidemic of men who have been shaped and infected by distorted ideas about manhood spun from inside and outside the church. This deadly combination has produced disastrous results, impacting marriages, leadership, parenting, and humanity in general. Brant gives us hope. In his inimitable style of successfully combining profundity and humor, he calls men to understand their role as ‘keeper of the garden’—provider, protector, and unselfishly present. And that is exactly what most women are looking for. This book steps into a massive gap. It’s long overdue!”

Dr. Virginia Friesen