The Men We Need

God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up

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Have we gotten manhood all wrong?

The world needs real men. But here's the problem: While we know what men are not supposed to be, it's not clear to us what masculinity looks like when men are at their absolute best.

Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are designed to be: keepers of the garden. Combining depth and humor, he calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including avid indoorsmen like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as protectors and defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have at their disposal.

The Men We Need is witty, challenging, bracingly honest, and perfect for any man who wants to know "Why am I here?"--and is ready to show up.


"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, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary; author of Love Me Anyway

"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."--Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts

Endorsements

"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, bestselling author of Not a Fan and One at a Time

"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, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts

"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, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary; author of Love Me Anyway

"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, recording artist; author of Finding God's Life for My Will

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

Lisa Anderson, director of Boundless.org; author of The Dating Manifesto

"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, president/CEO of CURE International Children's Hospitals

"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, author of Nailed It: 365 Readings for Angry or Worn-Out People

"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, head of US Operations & Strategy, International Justice Mission

"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, MD, professor of neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School

"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, CEO, Correct Craft, Inc.

"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, codirector of Home Improvement Ministry; coauthor of The Marriage App; author of Raising a Trailblazer

The Author

  1. Brant Hansen

    Brant Hansen

    Brant Hansen is a bestselling author, radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International Children's Hospitals. His award-winning radio show, The Brant Hansen Show, is syndicated on top stations...

    Continue reading about Brant Hansen

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