Promises from Church for Men
September 30, 2009
We met last Sunday for our first "Church for Men" session. Wow, I was overwhelmed. I expected 20 guys, maybe, to show up. We had over 70. If we continue to grow, we'll have to move out of the "C" Building to the gym. That's a good problem to have. As for this coming week, we're going to still be in the "C" Building.
Even though we had some technical difficulties regarding PowerPoint (which I fixed on Monday) the spirit in the room was great. I listened to different groups as they met at the close of church as men told what they wanted to get out of CFM. The most repeated response was "friends." Hmmm. We talk about this all the time. We talk about the need for men to connect with other guys going the same direction spiritually and how all too often men just keep things at surface-level (you know talking about sports, politics, weather, etc. . . things that don't really matter when it comes to the heart.)
I'm leading these brothers through material from Men's Fraternity and part of this first session was to give an overview and challenge the men. From this point on, it's going to be tougher and tougher to make it to CFM. Pressures from home, work, schedules and even just that little voice inside convincing the men that it is just not worth going. That being said, I challenged them that courage and toughness will be required on this journey. I pray the men are up to it.
Some promises were made as well. If guys stick with CFM, I promise these things will happen:
- The men will have a clear definition of authentic manhood.
- The men will develop a new manhood language which will move them beyond surface conversations.
- The men will make new friends who are pursuing a common goal.
- The men will have their own personalized manhood plan for achieving authentic manhood.
These promises are secure. Stick with us and you'll get these. When men begin to live authentically, everything changes: relationship with spouse, relationships with children, understanding of role in the church and family of God, etc.
It requires toughness, willingness and courage. See you guys next Sunday at 7pm.