Shoulder to Shoulder
A ministry for Husbands
Standing firm together
Standing with our wives, our families, especially during schooling and training, can be a challenge. With more women going into healthcare careers than ever, some men are facing challenges of their own. Managing home and work life, finding God's calling, discerning identity, feeling lonely, struggling in your walk with the Lord? We have heard from a lot of men who just feel disconnected, frustrated, and on the outside looking in.
Shoulder to Shoulder is a new ministry we are starting in the fall of 2026 to help support men through fellowship, Bible study, and whatever else they need. God created us to be in community, but sometimes guys struggle taking that first step or two, particularly moving to a new area. We want to create opportunities for men to talk with other guys who get it, who understand the challenges of being married to someone in healthcare.
We are looking for men to help lead and for men who just want to get together on a regular basis. If you are interested, click below and let us know so we can make plans for the fall.
Titus 2
2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance...
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just for Husbands of Trainees?
If you are a Husband, this is for you!
If you a husband (or engaged), this is for you. It's a wonderful thing when men of all ages get together to share life stories and be encouraged through the ups and downs of life. Sometimes we shy away from admitting we need that extra strength that comes from true Christian fellowship. That's exactly when we should seek it out.
We would love for you to be a part of this initiative, whether your wife is just starting out or if you've been married in medicine for 40 years.
We hope to launch in the fall of 2026, so if you are interested, click the link so we can get you involved.
Where do you have groups?
Lillington and Durham / Chapel Hill... so far
Right now we are starting groups near Campbell and UNC/ Duke, but that's just the start.
We envision Shoulder to Shoulder being a Triangle-wide ministry with a variety of opportunities for men. This is a brand new pilot ministry, so we need you! We would love to see different types of groups in the community and are even hoping a few churches will adopt this as a part of their ministry to the community. If you'd like to be involved, including leadership, please contact us!
I can't make a group but need to talk
Just ask
You don't need to be in a group or a part of CMDA, we are about people, not programs. If you need some encouragement, advice or friendship, we will help you find that. Our staff are here to talk or pray with you any time, and we can get you connected with local churches, pastors, and others who understand your situation.
Is there a group for wives of men in healthcare?
YES! Side By Side
That's where this all started. Side by Side is a long standing ministry to the wives of guys in medicine. Our local ministry struggled through COVID, so we are reinvesting with some new and old leaders jumping in. Women, we are here for you!
Let's go, Guys!
Let us Walk with You
There are a lot of guys out there with the same issues you have walking through this journey. We'd like to help you develop essential relationships with others on that road. If you just need to talk, or want to get involved, just click below.