To the best of my recollection, my first men’s event was in 1979. I was asked to speak to a group of guys at the typical Burnt Bacon and Bisquits meeting on a Saturday morning. Since I grew up in church there were probably others before that gathering, but this is the one I remember as the first. I just know that I was ruined at that meeting. I saw passion. I saw hurt. I saw excitement. I saw encouragement. It was discipleship and it would capture me from then til now. Men are the funniest creatures on the planet. They are also the most passionate. Since 1979, I have worshipped…studied…traveled with…retreated and advanced with guys of many cultures and ages.
istock_000001871871mediumI have watched them cry out in what could only be described as primal….the cry from the gut God created for exultant praise to Him. I have been in small groups (of three or four). I have also bowed with hundreds of thousands on the National Mall . We are men. We know we have our problems and foibles, our weaknesses and fears. We also have our hopes and dreams. I have shared the Word of God and encouraging words He has given me for men hundreds of times and it never gets old. I love to see the lights come on….that moment when the Holy Spirit connects with a man who has pressed in to His presence. I have watched during the 90’s when because of the Men’s Movement the emphasis was on “integrity”. I’ve watched as guys did their best to become men who kept their promises.
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I have watched them try to fix their lives and get them fixed. Now I am observing something new. It may just be a change that comes along from time to time in any movement. But I think it’s more than that. Just as integrity was the watchword of the 90’s there is a new word for this next season. I believe it’s “credibility”. Men are beginning to move into the spheres of influence where God has chosen to place them and bring Him glory. I can’t imagine what could be more exciting. I’m expectant to see what happens. I’ll be an observer and reporter as we witness God’s unfolding of this new season of the Men’s Movement. Take the journey with me! Together we may learn a lot about our brothers…..and ourselves!