C&MA Men Living the Adventure

Exalted Leadership – The Israelites were moving on under new leadership. The Lord knew that the people needed confirmation that He had selected Joshua to lead them into the Promised Land just as he had selected Moses to lead them across the Red Sea. This was not for Joshua’s benefit, but for the glory of God.

Have you experienced God's anointing in leadership? Does that anointing drive you to your knees in complete submission? What evidence do you see in leaders around you that they have been anointed by God? Is God glorified?

A man on temporary assignment began attending one of our churches. He had just come to know the Lord. In the process of discipling the man, our pastor went through the “Four Spiritual Laws” with him. That evening, the man called two relatives and led them to the Lord using the booklet. Since that evening he has led seven other members of his family to the Lord by telephone.

NEWS (from Men’s Discipleship Update, August 2008)

Church members gave $2.8 million less to their churches in 2004 than in 2003.
There was an increase in giving to religious organizations of 5.9 percent in 2005. This is attributed to the efforts of churches to raise money after the Asian tsunami, the Gulf Coast hurricanes, and the Pakistani earthquake.
Seventy-three percent of all Protestants donated money to churches. Evangelicals led the way with 88 percent making contributions.
Giving by North American churchgoers was higher during the Great Depression (3.3 % of per capita income) than it was after a half-century of unprecedented prosperity (2.5% in 2004).
Nine percent of American “born-again” adults tithed in 2004. This means that the vast majority of God’s people are not financially supporting His work.
Ninety cents of every dollar donated among Evangelicals goes to their churches. The proportion drops, however, as people’s spiritual intensity and commitment to Christ decline.
Thirty-three percent of U.S. born-again Christians say it is impossible for them to get ahead in life because of the financial debt they have incurred.

MINISTRY OF THE MONTH: Atlanta Road Alliance Church, Seaford, DE. (www.atlantaroadcma.org)

Men's ministry here for many years was burnt pancakes once a month on Saturday mornings with a short devotion by a guest or member of the church. No real challenge...no real excitement...A team of 4 men knew there had to be more to a ministry to men! They gathered weekly for 2 years to pray for direction, got to know each other and each other's heart for men and became a Band of Brothers. They now serve together as a team of men who care about the men in their church fellowship and larger community. The team follows the Man in the Mirror model: momentum gathering and building and small groups. The team has hosted Success and Rewired seminars, initiated men's outings, facilitated Friday morning Man in the Mirror Bible study using Morley's DVDs, and made Wednesday night small group Bible and topical studies the foundation of our ministry to men. Regretfully, men only go as far as they want to go in their faith. Many of the men, who attend the larger events, also disciple men one-on-one over breakfast or lunch. Our goal is to bump (encourage) a man along in his faith. A life in Christ for a man is joy filled, exciting and challenging. We want our events to challenge men to grow as believers, husbands, fathers and men in the market place with the ultimate goal of bringing Glory to the One Who makes it ALL possible!

One last point, we agree with Morley – men’s ministry is trench work. It takes 10 years to build a thriving and surviving ministry to men...not 10 months or 2 years or 5 years. We are in year 5 and just now seeing some depth, growing relationships and firm direction. Prayer and patience are the watch words. Be ready for a long haul..with God driving the plan! For more information contact Lyle Humpton at lyle@masteracoustical.com.

Atlanta Road Alliance Church website: http://www.atlantaroadcma.org.

What is God doing in your men’s ministry?
Let us know at editor@cmamen.org.

PERSONAL TOOLKIT

On Being Strong and Courageous: Reality Bites by Mike Erre, (New Man Magazine, August 12, 2008). I never saw the movie that went by that title, but I agree with the concept. I have learned quite painfully that God, the universe, other people, traffic, disease, death, love, risk, pain and depression all refuse to bend to my will. Regardless of how much I try to negotiate, bargain, manipulate, plead or rage against them, they won’t budge. Read More here. (Article of the Month)

LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT

Tool: Relevance. In 1996, Promise Keepers asked the men attending PK conferences to describe their local church experience. Two words came up more than any others. Two words from men who not only attend church, but accepted an invitation to attend a national men's conference! What words would you use to describe your own experience in your own local church? Read more here.

At nation’s churches, guys are few in the pews (from USA Today, July 23, 2008). Churches nationwide are freting and sweating to reel men into their sanctuaries. Read more here.

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