What’s the “3rd F” in F3?
F3 is a men’s community anchored around fitness, fellowship, and faith. The organization’s mission is to plant, grow, and serve small workout groups for men. The workouts are always free, always outdoors, and always led by your peers.
But what about that third “F”? The “3rd F” in F3 stands for Faith. It’s about being vulnerable, asking big questions about life, and finding purpose with the people around you. Importantly, “Faith” in F3 is broadly defined. It’s not tied to any specific religion or belief system.
F3’s founder, Dredd, has called the 3rd F the dynamite that amplifies the impact of the other two. The 3rd F is the key to fostering meaningful connections and making a real difference in the community.
What is the 3rd F? Exploring Faith, Vulnerability, and Deeper Questions
F3 isn’t just about physical fitness and the fun of hanging out with other guys. It’s also about the “3rd F”: Faith. This doesn’t necessarily mean religious faith, but rather a search for meaning and purpose in life. It’s about asking bigger questions and exploring what matters most.
A key part of the 3rd F is vulnerability and open dialogue. F3 creates a safe and supportive space for men to share their struggles, their beliefs, and their perspectives. It’s about being honest with each other and building trust.
In today’s world, many men feel isolated and disconnected. F3 aims to counteract this by fostering genuine connection and community. By sharing their experiences and supporting one another, men can build stronger relationships and combat loneliness.
Ultimately, the 3rd F can be a catalyst for personal growth and positive change. By exploring their values, connecting with others, and seeking meaning, men can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This can lead to a more fulfilling life and a stronger sense of purpose, which, in turn, benefits the entire community.
Deepening Your 3rd F: Structured Avenues for Meaningful Conversations
F3 offers some structured ways to grow your relationships with other men and dive more deeply into discussions about life, leadership, and legacy.
QSource
QSource is a peer-led learning and leadership development program. It’s a structured framework for discussion with a focus on leadership principles and how they can be put into action in various areas of your life.
It’s a great opportunity for mentorship and shared learning. PAX members share their experiences and insights, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual support.
Whetstones
Whetstones are smaller groups that meet regularly for deeper conversations. These groups often form organically within larger F3 groups.
The goal of a Whetstone is to build trust and accountability. These groups offer a safe space for men to be vulnerable and support one another through life’s challenges.
Shield Locks
Shield Locks are even smaller and more intimate than Whetstones. These groups are designed for men who are seeking more intense support and accountability.
Shield Locks offer the potential for significant personal growth and transformation. However, they require a high level of commitment and trust among the members.
Broadening Your 3rd F: Faith-Based Study Groups and Community Service
F3 isn’t just about fitness and fellowship. The third F, Faith, often leads to deeper explorations of personal beliefs and a commitment to serving the community. Here’s how F3 groups can broaden the definition of Faith through faith-based study and community service.
Faith-Based Study Groups: Understanding Different Perspectives
Faith-based study groups within F3 aren’t about converting anyone. Instead, they’re designed to foster understanding and respect across different faiths and belief systems. These groups encourage inclusivity and open-mindedness, creating a space where men can explore their spirituality without judgment. A great example is the Anchorman’s Bible Study, which focuses on the Gospel of Mark.
Community Service Projects: Leadership Development in Action
Community service projects offer exceptional opportunities for leadership development within F3. They give PAX (Participants) a chance to practice Q’ing (leading) service initiatives, honing their skills in planning, organizing, and motivating others. It’s crucial that these projects align with F3’s core principles, avoiding factionalism and always promoting inclusivity.
There are many examples of F3 groups giving back to the community. In the DC area, for example, GTE35 partnered with Miriam’s Kitchen to serve the homeless and hungry. Also, the F3 Nation raised money for the Donovan & Bank Foundation with the Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser.
The Q system (the F3 leadership structure) can be used to screen potential service projects and identify PAX who are ready to step up and lead. Publicizing these projects helps to encourage participation and spread awareness, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
The F3 Foundation: Fueling the Mission
The F3 Foundation (F3F) is the philanthropic side of F3 Nation. It exists to speed up the mission of F3 by raising money and awarding grants.
The Foundation focuses on supporting community projects and leadership development within F3. All the money raised goes toward F3 activities and projects.
If you’re a PAX, there are a few ways you can contribute to the F3 Foundation:
- Donate directly to the Foundation.
- Participate in Foundation fundraising events.
If you have a community project that needs funding, you can either use the PayPal Fundraiser app (ask Horshack for help) or apply for an Invigor8 Grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three F’s in the Bible?
While there isn’t a single, universally recognized “three F’s” concept directly stated in the Bible, the phrase is sometimes used to loosely refer to faith, family, and fruitfulness. These are considered important aspects of a Christian life, emphasizing trust in God, strong familial bonds, and producing good works or spiritual growth.
What is the 3rd F in F3?
In the context of F3, a national network of free, peer-led workouts for men, the three F’s stand for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. “Faith” refers to supporting each other and holding each other accountable to be better husbands, fathers, and leaders in the community. It is not necessarily tied to any specific religious belief, but rather a commitment to personal growth and positive influence.
What is the 3rd F?
The meaning of “the 3rd F” depends heavily on the context. As mentioned above, it can refer to “fruitfulness” in a religious context, or “Faith” within the F3 workout community. Without additional information, it’s impossible to determine the intended meaning of the phrase. It’s best to clarify the context to understand what the 3rd F represents.
Summary
The third F – Faith – is a critical part of F3’s mission. It’s how we move beyond physical fitness and fellowship to build deeper connections, grow as individuals, and make a real difference in our communities. It’s also the most misunderstood and sometimes controversial of the three Fs.
There are many ways to explore the third F within F3. You might join a QSource discussion to share your thoughts on leadership principles. Or you could participate in a Whetstone to learn from other men’s experiences. Some F3 regions have Shield Locks or faith-based study groups. You can also find opportunities to serve the community through F3 projects.
The key is to be open to exploring the third F and the transformative potential it offers. Be willing to be vulnerable, engage in honest conversations, and find a shared purpose that goes beyond yourself. That’s how you unlock the full potential of F3.