Transformative Journeys: Robert Barriger on Leadership, Community, and Redefining Masculinity Through Faith

May 1, 2025

Join Robert Barriger, founding pastor of Camino de Vida in Peru, as he shares his inspiring journey from a Southern California surfer to a community leader. He discusses how incorporating Christlikeness can transform masculinity and tackle societal issues. Conversations touch on the importance of inclusivity and the role of churches in reaching marginalized individuals. Robert highlights the significance of healthy fatherhood and community, as well as challenging traditional perceptions of manhood to foster a more nurturing and supportive environment.

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ANECDOTE

Church Founded with Punk Rockers

Robert Barriger started a church in Lima, Peru with a punk rock group called Vomit.
The music and message helped reach youth alienated by violence and terrorism.

INSIGHT

World Culture as Mission Field

The world culture is not an enemy but a mission field to reach with Jesus.
Cultural practices in churches should adapt to welcome outsiders authentically.

ADVICE

Redefine and Model Masculinity

Redefine masculinity as Christlikeness: strength to protect, compassion to support.
Model mature manhood so men desire to emulate it in family and church.

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Could redefining masculinity through the lens of Christlikeness transform not just individuals, but entire communities? Join us as we sit down with Robert Barriger, an ex-surfer from Southern California whose life took a radical turn during the Jesus Revolution. His journey took him all the way to Peru, where he and his wife Karen have established Camino de Vida, a church that has become a beacon of hope and change throughout Latin America. Robert shares his compelling story, painting a vivid picture of how faith and leadership intersect to create powerful transformations in people’s lives.

As we reminisce about the cultural upheaval of the 1960s and 70s, parallels emerge with today's societal divisions, sparking a conversation on inclusivity and the role of churches in embracing those often marginalized. Robert reflects on historical and modern movements, like Calvary Chapel's open arms to youth in rebellion, and how his own church, Comunidad Vida in Lima, has grown amidst daunting challenges. His involvement in the Christian Men's Network underscores the power of focusing on positive developments even in regions often plagued by negative headlines, offering hope that good news can spring from the most unlikely places.

This episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of fatherhood and community, particularly as we face alarming trends among younger generations. We explore ideas of healthy masculinity and leadership, challenging traditional notions of success and competition. With insights from Robert's mentoring experiences across borders, we journey through the potential of faith-based communities to redefine strength, nurture future leaders, and ultimately offer solace and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

For more information and resources visit https://cmn.men

(00:05) Leading Men With Robert Barringer
(11:54) Cultural Shifts in Christianity
(18:10) Building a Culture of Mature Manhood
(30:50) Redefining Masculinity Through Christlikeness
(36:16) The Importance of Fatherhood and Community
(47:58) Global Movement for Christian Men