Guys great meeting last night and great turn out – awesome!
It was great to hear the insights everyone had from the CD.
Below are my thought as I listening to them.
Session 1: Robert Lewis
He note today the church has a failure of vision for men. Ie. how to live, how to lead, no form to connect with other men at a deeper level.
The church often offers a passive experience for men. But men are action oriented. So events have a place but are not all that is needed.
He spoke of a “weekly masculine adventure” for men, something that has a masculine spirit to them. Things that are designed for men.
He note senior pastor involvement is crucial, he has to be the champion but doesn’t have to do everything.
As he give himself to men, they will involve themselves.
To give myself to pro-active things (Men’s Mins.) as to other things that are not as fruitful.
He also noted men don’t like to go to things that don’t stop. So go or a season and have clear objectives.
Think creatively.
Find unique ways to reach men.
Session 2: Patrick Morley
The question was asked “why are we losing men in the church?”
Lack of social pressures is one.
Not making disciples anymore. Jesus said “go and make disciples”.
A lack of a all inclusive vision for men.
He spoke of sustainability. How are you going to keep it going.
Long term vision is crucial – 4-5 years.
Relationship base approach - spiritual formation discipleship type groups.
One-on-one relationship building with men.
Capabilities have to match your intentions. Issue is capabilities to go with intention, that’s why training is so important.
To be a disciple is the highest honor one can have/undertake.
Don’t know a pastor that doesn’t want his men disciple. But have to have a plan and stay committed to it.
Families follow husbands… not always the mom… men can be like the piped-piper.
Fathers have a tremendous hold/influence on their families - its God’s design.
Can you get the world right without getting the church right?
Can you get the church right without getting families right?
Can you get families right without getting marriages right?
Can you get a marriage right without getting men right?
Get men right and you get marriages right.
Get marriages right and you get families right.
Get families right and you get churches right.
Get churches right and you have an impact on the world…
It really is about the men…
Session 3: Raleigh Washington
Isn’t a quick fix type problems, you have to think long term.
Isn’t some big spectacular event with nothing to follow, not hype but substance.
Linking men together in their faith.
Over all men are still in a bad way.
Pornography and immorality are still huge issues. Men don’t know how they are to live.
Ignite men to be warriors - ignite men in their walk with the Lord, senior pastor is are key.
Pastor’s go after the men. Establish and mature the man – 90% of the family will come.
A pastor’s key to joy and success is building men… one man at a time…
He will than bring change in the family and church…
List of guys (and their families) and pray for them, and communicate with them you are there for them, be a shepherd.
Haven’t reached most men that come to church on Sunday because we are not addressing the issues they face.
Men want to talk about a wound in their life… a hurt… how to forgive…
How to relating to their kids.
The issues they face.
We have to befriend the men in the church… to help them…
Vision Vision Vision….we need a goal, but i think through prayer, waiting on the Lord, taking step by step (regularly meeting like we are) the vision will come. If we are open vessels wanting to do good for the Lord, want to strengthen our faith, family, and expand His kingdom whats from stopping Him from filling us up and sending us out.