building integrity, intensity and intention in men's lives

The 8th Day Community is dedicated to living compassion in the city.This means we are purposeful in attending to the brokenness of society and reaching people with a witness of community found in Jesus that is unique and valued. A core ministry of 8th Day is Prodigal Men's Ministries which has been in existence for over sixteen years. Drawing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 our goal is to build men of Integrity, Intensity, and Intention, taking men out of isolation and into a community that does not shy away from addictions, dependencies, and despair, but offers healing and hope in the long road of Christian spiritual formation. We point men to the prodigal (extravagant) love of God and the abundance of His grace and freedom.

"Prodigal is the safest group I know of where men can be honest about their lives. In the confidentiality of the group, guys learn how to follow the example that Jesus has given us for developing healthy habits and relationships. It truly is a ‘fellowship of the returned'."   Paul Petersen, Lead Pastor - Bellingham Covenant Church, Bellingham,WA.

"I never hesitate to refer men to Prodigal. I know they will be welcomed and included, that the time spent with other Prodigal men will be valuable as they navigate the ups and downs of life together. Experience has shown me that a community of men such as Prodigal is the means Christ often uses to transform men."    Brad Howell, Associate Pastor - Hillcrest Chapel, Bellingham, WA.

Prodigal is a year round ministry that meets weekly, and has plenty of "flex" time for men's busy lives and the demands of family, work, and school. The bulk of the work in Prodigal takes place in small groups that form friendships, absolute confidentiality, accountability, and prayer. We start the evening with dinner (shared meal supplied by the participants), enter into time of musical worship and sharing, have a teaching time with one of the leaders from one the workbook's lessons, then end the evening in small groups. Anyone is welcome to come and visit for dinner and large group time. We ask that guests wishing to participate attend at least three times, deposit some money for the workbooks, and begin the work on the lessons, so by the third visit they will be ready to be included in a small group. We welcome men into small groups throughout the year. A suggested donation of $120.00 is asked of all participants.

"I love that there is a place where guys are challenged weekly to be faithful, authentic, disciples of Jesus.  The "real" factor of this group can be a bit scarier to those who have never tasted healthy community- but the fruit and transformation is just as real.  I pray that more men choose to enter into the abundant life of Jesus that Prodigal lives out."  Doug Bunnell, Pastor -  1st Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA.

"For me, Prodigal has been a safe and accountable community where I'm able to build relationships with men who are pursuing Jesus with fervor. I'd love to see more pastors lead by example and participate in this ministry of spiritual formation."  Baron  Miller, Founding Pastor of  Roosevelt Community Church - Bellingham, Washington and currently United States Navy Chaplain

Vision

Our vision is that all men, through the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, would choose to live in freedom, obedience and humility in their families, accountable spiritual friendships, and community involvement.

Purpose

Our purpose is to encourage every man to experience a continual journey of repentance, restoration and freedom found in the forgiving and loving heart of God the Father. The Father is creating in us new lives of purity and hope, helping us, through the disciplines of Integrity, Intensity and Intention, to engage in greater love and service within our families, churches, workplaces and communities. 

Values

We are convinced that all men desire authentic relationships and genuine purpose and calling from Christ within a community of risk and adventure. We nurture and encourage this conviction through three core values:

1.      Integrity:  In humility, every man can be an authentic witness, true to Christ - centered values and beliefs and a resource and mentor for others.

2.      Intensity:  With a growing passion to see Jesus formed in himself and all people, every man can trust the Holy Spirit to gift him and assist him in discovering the Lord's calling in his life.

3.      Intention:  With a resolute purpose, every man can experience a transformative journey of compassion in every area of life, vocation, and community.

We meet Thursdays from 6:30pm-9pm at the Landings at Colony Wharf, 1001 C St, Bldg L, Bellingham, WA. 98225

For more information on Prodigal contact Dr. Dale Pollard at dale@8thdaycommunity.org, or by cell at 360-201-3957.  

   trailer of Prodigal's mission trip to Louisiana helping with Hurricane Katrina re-building efforts.

"Lives on Hold", courtesy of Matthew Bergsma and radscientist.com.

   Prodigal Men's Ministries and the 8th Day Community in the news

Don Thompson and Dale Pollard at a Prodigal service project in Ferndale, Wa. Helping lay sod for Self-Help Homes on a very wet day. April, 2011.  

partnering with:

  Patrick Geracie and Trinity Counseling 

  Erik Johnson and Family Challenge