Real men…real discipleship
Michael Benes (SOBs – Sons of the Bible)
Over 13 years ago, my men’s small group, the SOBs (Sons of the Bible), began meeting regularly. We are the second oldest group within FIND, which has since grown to include 40 men’s small groups.
From the beginning, our commitment has been to create a safe, confidential space where we can openly share our faith, victories, struggles, and challenges, all while grounding ourselves in God’s Word—whether through scripture or studies like Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship. At the heart of our group is a desire to meet each brother where he is and support him. The lesson is important, but the person always comes first. We try to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in every gathering.
Today, all seven of us in the SOBs are over 50. We've experienced a significant portion of life together—meeting weekly, going on retreats, enjoying hunting and fishing trips, and celebrating through social events. We've watched each other’s children grow up, and our wives have formed friendships. We love Jesus Christ, and we genuinely enjoy our time together.
Following Christ isn’t always easy—Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Our group has faced trials like divorce, grief, and job loss. Yet through it all, the SOBs have been there for one another. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for how these relationships have strengthened my personal faith journey.
It’s my hope that many more men can experience what we’ve shared through FIND—genuine brotherhood, spiritual growth, and the joy of walking with Christ together.
Michael recently moved from Wilchester to Richmond, TX. He will have been married to Laura for almost 31 years. They have two grown children, Charlotte (UT grad) and Michael (Baylor student). Michael and Laura worship at MDPC where Laura works as a Relationships Director. Michael is the owner of ERA Benes Realty where he has focused on appraisals and real estate transactions since 2022. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a BA in Economics in 1992. Michael has been a member of the FIND group SOBs for the over 13 years and has served in several leadership capacities for FIND, MDPC and other Kingdom ministries.
FIND seeks to transform men through Jesus Christ in authentic, weekly Fellowship in Discipleship. Real Men…Real Discipleship
This testimonial and many others from FIND men can be found at: https://finddiscipleship.org/testimonials/
Upcoming FIND Events: https://finddiscipleship.org/calendar
Want to get plugged in? FIND out more by visiting our website at https://finddiscipleship.org/interest-form/ or cruise our website at www.FINDdiscipleship.org
FIND seeks to transform men through Jesus Christ in authentic, weekly Fellowship in Discipleship. Real Men…Real Discipleship
This testimonial and many others from FIND men can be found at: https://finddiscipleship.org/testimonials/
Upcoming FIND Events: https://finddiscipleship.org/calendar
Want to get plugged in? FIND out more by visiting our website at https://finddiscipleship.org/interest-form/ or cruise our website at www.FINDdiscipleship.org