Boys are searching for direction. Will you help shape it?
Across the UK, many boys are growing up without consistent role models, meaningful guidance or safe spaces to explore who they are becoming. Questions around identity, success, relationships, resilience and purpose are often answered by social media, peer pressure and online influences rather than trusted adults.
The Forge exists to change that.
The Forge is a mentoring framework designed to help churches create life-changing relationships between Christian men and boys aged 14 and over. Through engaging group sessions, meaningful conversations, and biblical exploration, boys are given the opportunity to grow in character, build resilience and discover who they are in Christ.
Whether you're a youth worker, church leader, parent, teacher, businessman, retiree, or simply someone who wants to invest in the next generation, The Forge gives you everything you need to get started.
Be among the first churches to discover The Forge and hear about launch updates, pilot stories, training opportunities and early access.
What is The Forge?
The Forge is a 12-month mentoring journey built around ten engaging sessions.
The Forge is more than a programme it’s a framework for building relationships that can shape identity, strengthen resilience and open up faith in a way that feels real and relevant.
Each session combines activities, discussion, mentoring and biblical reflection to help boys explore important life topics alongside trusted Christian men.
Every session includes:
- Interactive activities and games
- Video content designed to spark conversation
- Guided discussion questions
- Personal reflection
- Small-group mentoring conversations
- Biblical exploration connected to the life and teaching of Jesus
Sessions typically run for 1.5–2 hours and are designed to be delivered monthly over the course of a year.
No specialist youth work experience is required.
Why The Forge?
We are living in a moment when many boys are struggling to find positive examples of manhood and purpose.
At the same time, churches are uniquely positioned to offer something powerful:
- Consistent adult role models
- Genuine belonging and community
- Honest conversations about life's challenges
- A faith that speaks into real-life questions
The Forge helps churches respond to this need with confidence.
Rather than creating another programme to run, The Forge creates opportunities for relationships that can shape lives for years to come.
What makes The Forge different?
- Mentoring happens within the session - no extra scheduling needed
- Creates safe, consistent spaces for honest conversation
- Combines fun, depth and faith in every session
- Offers structure without complexity
- Equips ordinary adults to mentor with confidence
With practical training and support included, The Forge equips ordinary Christian men to mentor with confidence. Month by month, relationship by relationship, these conversations can help boys discover identity, build resilience and explore faith in a way that shapes their future.
Session Topics
Throughout the year, boys explore ten key areas that shape character and identity:
Each topic combines practical life skills with biblical wisdom, helping boys connect everyday challenges with God's bigger story.
Who is The Forge for?
For Boys
The Forge is designed primarily for boys in their early-to-mid teenage years who are navigating questions about identity, relationships, purpose and the future.
Whether they are already connected to church or simply exploring faith, The Forge creates space for honest conversations and meaningful support.
For Mentors
You do not need to be a youth worker. The most important qualification is a willingness to show up consistently and journey alongside a young person.
Mentors come from all walks of life – fathers, businessmen, teachers, tradesmen, retirees, church volunteers and other Christian men with a heart for the next generation.
If you're following Jesus and willing to listen, encourage and invest in a young person's life, you can make a lasting difference.
For Churches
The Forge is designed to be hosted by local churches.
A session host leads the activities and session content, while mentors focus on building relationships and facilitating conversations.
This means churches can involve a wide range of men who may never have considered serving in youth ministry before.