Our Mission
We are a center for experiential education, rooted in the Gospels, encouraging the transformation of human consciousness through contemplation, and equipping people to be instruments of peaceful change in the world.
Men In Profile | September 2011
Rob Jones
MALEs Weaver and founder, Men Transforming Men Australia
DB: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you first come to be involved in Men As Learners and Elders (MALEs)?
RJ: Words cannot adequately describe the change in my being that began back in 2005 when I attended the Men's Rites of Passage (MROP). After serving for ten years as a pastor, I was tired, burnt out---numb. I had served the Lord with all my heart. What started out with passion and excitement, gradually over the years turned to running on empty and eventually one day I could not get out of bed. I remember in that state of exhaustion, reading a book called Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr. Something about this man’s writings told me he knew the way forward. His words gave meaning to what my heart was trying to show me. Soon I was attending the MROP.
DB: Can you recall an especially powerful moment in your experience with MALEs that was important to your journey?
RJ: The last thing I wanted was another seminar or talkfest—and what I received was a joy to behold. Powerful ritual, together with safe, meaningful sharing, opened up a space within me to begin processing a lifetime of pain and grief. Much of my driven-ness, passion and need for certitudes was really a mask covering deep insecurities and fatherhood wounds. Somehow I had become disconnected from myself and life itself.
At the MROP I was guided into stillness, solitude and being attentive to what is. This shift was initially very difficult, but in time the Great "I Am" has enabled me to find an inner security that has enabled me to serve again, this time with greater freedom, clarity and love. I see MROP as sort of “depth charge.” It goes in, drops down and then goes off. Initially things may even seem worse. Running away is counterproductive. I have learned to stay with the pain until it has taught me what it needs to teach me.
DB: What literature or other sources of wisdom have been especially helpful to your journey?
RJ: Resources from the CAC's Mustard Seed and material from Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault (contemplative prayer).
DB: What do you think makes the Men As Learners and Elders program unique in what it offers?
RJ: Another talk, another homily is great but experience has shown me that this will not necessarily lead to a man’s transformation. The Men As Learners and Elders (MALEs) program incorporates other modalities which allow men to drop out of their heads and into their hearts. Most of this work is done in the unconscious. Ritual, art, music, nature and especially silence help break through the ego defense systems of a man.
DB: What aspects of spiritual community-building for men would you consider distinctive or particularly noteworthy in Australia?
RJ: The question needing answering is, “ What are you initiating the men into?” There is a great responsibility to assist men pre- and post-MROP.
Pre-MROP: As we connect with men in our sphere of influence and through love and encouragement, help them to connect with other men and share deeply and form a band of brothers. This may include equipping, discipleship and spiritual direction.
Post-MROP: Continue to offer safe places where men can be encouraged to descend deeper. Many new “tools” to learn and the new way of seeing is not only encouraged but deepened. Lastly, to “equip the saints”---empowering men to do the ministry according to their gifts. This means to intentionally pour your life into the ministry teams of men so that MROP becomes the norm in generations to come.
DB: What in your estimation are some of the keys to sustaining and growing a culture of initiation for men?
MB: To sustain and grow a culture of initiation for men, each initiated man should not hide the gift that he has been given, but offer it to other men. It is only by each of us taking seriously our spiritual journeys and continually seeking this road of transformation for ourselves and others that a culture of initiation will ever become a reality.
Australia has developed a three-year journey for men. Anyone interested in this material contact me at rob.jones@mtmaustralia.org.au.
