RICH GORECKI
AUTHOR / SPEAKER / ADVOCATE FOR MEN
Rich’s struggle with workaholism that teetered toward depression sent him to a men’s group, where he experienced the value of better male friendships. As a result, he began studying men: the epidemic of male loneliness, why guys drift into isolation, how to become a better husband, father, and friend, and how the right friendships help us navigate life. His books are honest, practical, and rooted in faith, yet applicable to anyone regardless of their religious background. His blog God-Buddies.com provides practical guidance of faith on how to become the man you were designed to be. His self-published book, Get Out of Your Man Cave: The Crisis of Male Friendship tells that story in full.
Through the men’s group at his church, Rich has grown through his struggles with work-life balance and reconciling the beliefs of his youth. While he admits he’s always in learning-mode about his faith and knowledge of the Bible, Rich has fleshed out this concept of “God Buddies” from his own experience with friendship, participating in Bible studies and retreats, and consuming numerous books, articles, and podcasts about raising boys and the cultural issues facing men.
Rich lives in the western suburbs of Chicago and is married to his high school sweetheart, Cyndi. Together, they have raised 3 adult boys into young men. He is the leader of his church’s men’s group, a trained Stephen Minister, and Elder at his church. He is a former Assistant Scoutmaster, coached his kids’ sports teams, a previous mentor with Wayside Cross Ministries, and helped in the local elementary school’s D.O.G.S. program (Dads of Great Students). Rich is a graduate of Lewis University and retired from the printing and publishing industry.
THREE THINGS RICH BELIEVES
Grounded in faith, yet applicable to everyone
Men Were Made for Brotherhood
Man was not meant to be alone because isolation is not a strength but a weakness. Your man cave has a door, and it opens from the inside. Get outside and begin to live fully again as you were designed.
Authenticity Creates Depth
Real friendship requires honest conversation, vulnerability, and accountability. That is the hardest part. But it is the most important.
Every Man Needs Deeper, More Authentic Friendships
Regardless of religious upbringing or belief, deeper, more authentic friendship with other men helps guys become better men.