(Actually, no one has really asked these, but we thought you'd like to know.)

What’s the purpose of The Drawing Room?

In a nutshell, it’s about becoming better men by exchanging ideas, sharpening our thinking, expanding our horizons, and making new friendships. It’s a way to spread information, inspiration, and influence from one man to another and from one generation to another.

Coming at it from another direction, The Drawing Room is Larry’s vision for getting back to an age and a culture where men weren’t afraid of being men. They explored new lands and ideas. They were enlightened by good books and thoughtful discourse. They were inventive, industrious, and inquiring. Some were renaissance men and some were simple men. They had a respect for each other but couldn’t care less about being politically correct. They loved their country, they loved their family, and they loved their God. They were extraordinary men who didn’t mind speaking their mind in The Drawing Room, and other men listened—and learned. That’s what The Drawing Room is about.

What’s the format of the evening?

We start promptly at 6:30 p.m. with food—a nice, sit-down dinner with tasty, manly food. Then about 7:15 we start the group conversation. The evening is structured by a rundown of topics that we move through one by one. If you’ve ever watched ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption or similar show with a rundown list, you have the idea. The topics include a variety of subjects from the arenas of politics, literature, films, sports, investments, career, relationships, hobbies, ethics, travel, and more. Some are light subjects. Some are heavy. On some we spend five minutes. Others 15 or 20. When time is up on particular topic, we move on to the next. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the conversation. If you’re the quiet type, you’re welcome to listen and chime in when you want to. If you’re prone to monopolize conversations, I may offer you a beverage to occupy your mouth while someone else has a chance to speak. The discussions are civil, but sometimes spirited. Disagreements are bound to happen, but we’re all big boys, and we behave like gentlemen. We wrap up at 9:00.

Larry serves as the moderator of the conversation. He invites several men each evening to give a report or lead a discussion on a topic of special interest—perhaps a significant book they read, hobby they have, project they completed, or trip they made. Also, every guest is invited to suggest topics. And each evening includes time for anyone to share a brief thought, excerpt from something they read, or exhortation to consider.

It says, “Jackets suggested.” Can I ignore that?

No. “Jackets suggested” is a polite way of saying “Jackets required,” and all guests must wear a jacket. Neckties are optional. I’ve found that putting on a jacket elevates your thinking and helps bring out the best in a man. The whole evening is a bit of a throwback to a more genteel age when men were men and one’s attire was appropriate to one’s setting. The Drawing Room is a bit high brow. You’ll discover soon enough, The Drawing Room is a bit different from other events of the day. That’s by design.

Is this a Christian gathering?

The Drawing Room isn’t a Christian gathering of men. It’s a gathering of Christian men. It’s not a church, a Bible study, or a prayer meeting. Nonbelievers are welcomed—truly encouraged—to come witness what a group of men living and thinking like biblical Christians is really like. God, the Bible, and Christianity aren’t topics because they are the hub of all spokes of knowledge. A biblical worldview is the grid through which all remarks are filtered and measured. By design, the group is not overtly “Christian.” We don’t open or close with a “word of prayer.” We want the group to feel normal to a non-believer who might be invited, not like he just got tricked into attending a Bible study. The guests are from a variety of churches and church backgrounds. We are a group of normal men who are unmistakably, irrepressibly Christian, talking about all things male. Not a group of super-Christians trying to spiritualize being a man.

Can I invite a friend?

No and yes. The Drawing Room guests have been hand-picked by Larry with a goal of getting the right mix of men based on a number of criteria, so there’s not an open invitation for everyone. The room simply won’t accommodate everyone who could be invited, plus too large of a group might inhibit the group conversation dynamic. So, no, you can’t invite a friend. If you have an unbelieving friend that you’re trying to reach for Christ, however, please contact Larry. The answer will probably be yes.

On a related note, I’d prefer it if you don’t mention The Drawing Room openly to your friends. Of course, you can talk about what we talked about, but just don’t refer to the event or the group. There will be mutual friends who are not invited, and it’s not my aim to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Will the discussions be confidential?

What’s said in The Drawing Room stays in The Drawing Room. Gentlemen don’t run and tell others what so-and-so said. If you feel the need to share something with your wife, then that’s your business. You’re one flesh, and I’m not encouraging secrets be kept from your spouse. But leave out the names and details that might identify your brother. The Drawing Room is a league of men, bonded by our honor—not a band of tattlers.

Am I’m going to get sold something?

If anyone tries to use The Drawing Room for business purposes, they will politely be shown the door. There is no cost, no dues, and no collections. That would be no way to treat a guest.

When and where will The Drawing Room be held?

The Drawing Room is held three times a year. The Drawing Room is hosted at the home of Dr. Jeff Parr, 3078 Clair Road, Lexington, KY 40502. A few weeks before the next meeting, all members receive an emailed invitation with the date.

How do I become a member of The Drawing Room?

If you’re reading this, you probably received a personal invitation from Larry. (If you just happened to stumble across this, we apologize, but The Drawing Room is by invitation only.) Once invited by Larry, all that’s needed for you to join is to contact Larry and request to be added to the email list. Timely invitations will be emailed.