Is your ministry focus floundering?
Has ‘doing church stuff’ taken the ‘stuffing’ out of your life?
Do you feel like your life is in one BIG RUT?
Does it seem like no one cares?

WE CARE!!
Join us in our new focus for personal and ministry development called Coaching Connection!
Eight times a year you will connect with your fellow ministers and pastors, gain spiritual insight, engage in peer discussion regarding pastoral challenges and opportunities and receive personal care and encouragement in your life journey.  All this for a fraction of the cost of a ‘Life Coach!’  Coaching Connection is designed to help you grow in all areas of life and ministry!

Join us Saturday, June 1st, at 9am at Sunnlyslope Christian Center in Hollister, OR Thursday, June 27th at 9am at the District Resource Center.  CLICK HERE to register!

In addition to conducting the Coaching Connection, the Division of Leadership Development and Pastoral Care is available to assist in the following areas:

HOME:  Care for the Pastor and Family
Help in Resolving Life-Hindering Issues:
Time Management
Debt/Financial Issues
Control/Unhealthy Boundaries
Marriage Building
Stress Management
Sexual Issues
*Confidential referrals & assistance for counseling with licensed Christian Care-Givers in our District

MINISTRY:  Leadership and Staff Development
Help in Developing Leadership Skills and a Team-Oriented Staff
Assessments for personal Growth & Spiritual Fulfillment
Board Trainings
Staff Trainings
Staff Transitions
Conflict Resolution  
**Onsite training at your Church is available by request

COMMUNITY: Public Relationships
Help for your Church To Make a Positive Impact in your Community
Strategies for Outreach
Creating New Church Methodologies to Reach the Culture
Equipping Your Church to Assimilate New Visitors and Members
Connect Your Church and Community through Information Technology
* Resource materials are available

The following DVDs are available for purchase:

Monday Evening/Samuel Rodriguez
Tuesday Evening/Allen Griffin
Ordination Service/Superintendent James Braddy

DVDs are $10 each. There is a $5 shipping/handling fee. To order: District Council DVDs

Northwest University is seeking a qualified person to serve as Sacramento Campus Advancement Director.
Position Summary: Manage the advancement functions of the Sacramento Campus in a Christ-centered, and professional manner. Under the leadership of the Kirkland Advancement Team, and in close partnership with the Sacramento staff, work to implement effective enrollment marketing efforts to achieve annual goals. Serve as the Chief Development Officer for the Sacramento campus shaping donor engagement activities and managing donor and alumni treatment. This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position.

For more information:
Northwest University Job Opening: Sacramento Campus Advancement Director

This year’s ministers retreat is scheduled for September 11-13 in Seaside, California on the beautiful Monterey Bay.

Our guest speaker is Pastor Wilfredo De Jesus, commonly referred to as Pastor Choco. Pastor Choco is the Senior Pastor of New Life Covenant Ministries (NLC). His compassion for the loss is seen in multi-facet programs in the church such as: food and clothing outreach, transitional shelters, residential recovery and job training programs, human trafficking advocacy, world missions and humanitarian relief, prison outreach, immigration advocacy, and more. Pastor Choco is sought after as a inspirational communicator at various church and community events, conferences and school assemblies. He possesses a passion to reach the lost and is committed in providing necessary services to the community. He currently resides in Chicago with his wife Elizabeth and their three children, Alexandria, Yesenia and Wilfredo Jr.

Come be refreshed, revived and restored!

Register here

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 11
10:00am – Golf Tournament (minister’s only) Space is limited
4:00pm – Registration
6:00pm Banquet
7:00pm – Session 1

Thursday, September 12
6:30-9:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Session 2
10:30am- Lunch and Dinner on Your Own
7:30pm – Session 3

Friday, September 13
6:30-9:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Session 4
10:45am – Dismissal

We are now taking reservations for our 2014 “Days of Refreshing” Alaskan cruise. We will be leaving from Seattle on June 7th and returning on June 14th. We will be enjoying seven nights aboard the Norwegian Jewel.  Rev. Charles and Ramona Crabtree, the former Asst. General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, will be sharing ministry with us on the cruise. Our own Superintendent, Jim and Judy Braddy, will be hosting the cruise.

Reservations can now be made online at Cruise.

May 13-17
Brian Smith; camp speaker
Plan to join us for a relaxing week at Casa de Fruita. We have a number of activities.

Please contact Jerry Gundlach, Wagonmaster-2409 Kona Lane, Ceres, Ca 95307- Phone 209-537-7885

August 20-24, 2013
Speakers: Del Tarr & Jason Harper
We are looking forward to a powerful week of challenge and encouragement as we gather at the beautiful Lassen camp ground this year.  It will prove to be one of the best weeks of your entire year, and we hope that you are making plans to join us, and bring a friend!!!!! 

To register on-line, please go to https://agncn.webconnex.com/seniorslassencamp
or call 916-379-9600 ext 1141 or 916-531-6351, ask for Larry Krake

June 7-8, 2013 at Capital Christian Center, Sacramento, CA

Friday, Jun 7 2013, 6:00 PM
Saturday, Jun 8 2013, 8:00 AM

Teams within 30 miles are subject to 1 game Friday night

Cost: $250 per team. A $50 deposit per team is due by May 15th.
This tournament can host up to 16 teams. 8 Upper Division/8 Lower Division
If we do not have enough teams signed up by May 25th the tournament will be cancelled and your deposit will be refunded.

ASA bat regulations apply.

Winning teams will receive an official AG NCN Men’s Championship t-shirt.

For more information or to request a hard copy registration form please call 916-503-2855 or email the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Register your team online today.Register Online

Download Registration Form.pdf

The Superintendent is asking every church in the District to rally together and assist Crossroads Assembly of God, in Fernley, Nevada. Time is of the essence to complete this project soon.

Kids camp (for children in grades 3-6) is an amazing time for children to draw close to God. There are so many sounds screaming for their attention, it is difficult for children to hear the voice of God speaking in their hearts. At camp, the children:hear the Word of God, worship, make friends, play games, learn in workshops, play in water, work on projects, enjoy team activities, and get closer to God.

Summer Camps will be the following dates:

June 24-27, 2013 Sugar Pine Christian Camp South San Joaquin Section

July 15-18, 2013 Old Oak Ranch Gold Country Section

July 22-26, 2013 Mt. Lassen A/G Campground Valley Ridge Section

More info

To make your 2013 CMF Commitment click here,

The Church Ministries Fund is the common fund that supports the Church Ministries Division of the District Council. Our Church Ministries Division consists of the following ministries:

• Children’s Ministries
• Girls Ministries
• Royal Rangers
• Student Ministries
• Women’s Ministries
• Men’s Ministries

These district ministries are devoted to resourcing the local church. These ministries are frequently involved in training, consulting, coaching, and encouraging local churches. These ministries also organize camps and conferences on regional and district-wide basis.

Our district has adopted a “resource strategy” with our ministries. We do not want them simply to do “large events,” but we want them to be available to resource local churches, regardless of size or distance. This, however, requires that our Ministry Directors be on call and available. (A full time minister in San Jose would find it hard to be a resource to a church in Las Vegas.) In this sense, it’s kind of like the local Fire Department. A full-time Fire Department always gives better service than a volunteer Fire Department. But the added service comes with a cost.

Why doesn’t the district pay for these ministries out of the regular tithe, like a local church does? The answer is that the district could, if it collected a full tithe from our members (like a local church does), but we don’t. Our District has put a ceiling on how much tithe it expects from each member. The highest amount is $220 per month. Although many earn more than $2,200 a month the district does not collect tithe on this. The reduced tithe requires reduced services, or raising funds from other sources. And since these ministries serve “the churches” more than “the ministers” it seems appropriate to ask the churches to pay for them.

Dr. Jay Herndon
Secretary-Treasurer
NCN Assemblies of God

Speed the Light is a powerful tool designed to equip students to raise money for missionaries to supply them with vehicles, equipment and much more.  Below are some resources that are available to you to help you better empower your students to learn the importance of giving, sacrifice, and being a part of something bigger than themselves.

SPEED THE LIGHT RESOURCE TEAM:
Pat McConville / Calvary Christian Center, Yuba City, CA / 530.673.6035 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Jordan Abina / Destiny Christian church, Rocklin, CA / 916.780.2273 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tony Mazon / Chico First Assembly of God, Chico, CA / 530.345.1377 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Aaron Yanagi / Bethel Church, Modesto, CA / 209.521.5440 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lane Olsen / Monterey Bay Christian Center, Seaside, CA / 707.795.4889 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Looking to start a STL ministry?  Give us a call and let us help you! 
You can also visit stl.ag.org for more resources.

2012 Project List:  2012_Project_List.pdf

Rick DuBose has a warm-hearted passion for pastors and their families. As a church planter himself, he identifies with the stresses of balancing church life and family. Click on the sessions below and listen to his powerful story of what God did in his life and how He helped him through the seasons of ministry and life. A great communicator and family man, Pastor Rick will touch your heart and challenge you through the seasons of life.

To purchase the CDs, call the office at (916) 379-9600 x1127.

Session 1

or Download (right-click and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As...")

Session 2 Intro

or Download (right-click and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As...")

Session 2

or Download (right-click and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As...")

Session 3

or Download (right-click and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As...")

Session 4

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Questions & Answers

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Every year children gather to use their gifts.  They make presentations in a variety of ways and are judged.  Awards are given but the overall experience of preparing something to share the Gospel is valuable.


More information.

Kids camp (for children in grades 3-6) is an amazing time for children to draw close to God. There are so many sounds screaming for their attention, it is difficult for children to hear the voice of God speaking in their hearts. At camp, the children:hear the Word of God, worship, make friends, play games, learn in workshops, play in water, work on projects, enjoy team activities, and get closer to God.

Summer Camps will be the following dates:

June 24-27, 2013
Sugar Pine Christian Camp
South San Joaquin Section

July 15-18, 2013
Old Oak Ranch
Gold Country Section

July 22-26, 2013
Mt. Lassen A/G Campground
Valley Ridge Section

More Information.

In this video, District Student Ministries Director Abe Daniel introduces the Student Ministries team for the Northern California & Nevada Assemblies of God District Resource Center.

During the District Tour meetings this year the Executive Officers presented a Board/Pastor Workshop entitled, “Portraits.” Each officer presented a separate Portrait: Portrait of a Board Member, Portrait of a Pastor, Portrait of a Functioning Board. Many individuals have asked us to post the slideshow/notes of this workshop. Click on the link below to view or download the slideshow (Adobe Reader required).

Slideshow/Notes

The effectiveness of the local church is greatly dependent on Pastors and Board Members working together to lead the church to fulfill its Mission. This collaboration presumes that both Pastors and Lay Leaders understand their respective roles and responsibilities.

The District Officers are available to conduct workshops or retreats for individual churches or groups of churches upon request. Please contact the DRC if you are interested in scheduling such an event.

Have a senior in high school, or a high school graduate looking for adventure this summer?  Have them check out the NCN Summer Internship!

NCN Summer Internship gives you the opportunity use your gifts and abilities while serving for six weeks at 4 camps,  1 missions trip, plus receiving leadership training from the top leaders in our district, all while making new friends and having the time of your life!

For more information, visit http://www.ncnsm.com, send an email to Scott at NCN Student Ministries (please include your address, phone number, church you attend, and your youth pastor’s name) or call us at 916.379.9600 and ask for Scott.

Pathway Apprenticeship Application

Scholarship applications are now available for high school seniors.

High school seniors planning to attend one of the 19 Assemblies of God endorsed colleges or universities, (to see list go to: http://www.colleges.ag.org) you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Riggs Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are made available by the Assemblies of God Trust through The Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education.

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or higher, be involved in an Assemblies of God church and plan to attend an endorsed AG university directly following high school. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on their qualifications in these areas: academics, extracurricular involvement, Christian service, Christian life, financial need, personal essay and references.

Two scholarships (The General Superintendent’s Scholarships) of up to $30,000 each will be awarded (over a 4-year period) to one male and one female high school senior. Eight one-time scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to high school seniors (and distributed over the student’s first two semesters).

The Riggs Scholarship Fund is one of three scholarship programs sponsored by the AG Trust in its efforts to train young leaders and empower future generations. The AG Trust is under the leadership of Chairman Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.

At this time 20 high school graduates (2009 and 2010 winners) have already received a total of $200,000 awarded by the Riggs Scholarship Fund. The 2011 scholarship winners will be named in April 2011.

To download the application form, go to http://www.agtrust.org. The application submission deadline is February 15, 2011.

This is the annual Stars Camp offered by the Girls Ministries Department of the Northern California/Nevada District.  Plan to attend today so your girls will benefit from all the fun and excitement of being away at camp for an week.  The week is loaded with activity, contest, fun, a triathlon and an opportunity to worship together as well as hear the Word of the LORD.  More information.

This planning packet for churches who will be attending and participating in Light For The Lost Steak Outs includes a Participating Church Action List and a Ticket Information Sheet.

The packet (which requires Adobe Reader) will enable a participating church to effectively organize their Steak Out experience.

Click here to download or view the packet.

This planning packet for churches who will be hosting Light For The Lost Steak Outs includes a Host Church Action List, a District Light For The Lost Steak Out Team Action List, and a Ticket Information Sheet.

The packet (which requires Adobe Reader) will enable a host church to effectively organize their Steak Out experience.

Click here to download or view the packet.

There are many good resources available to men today.  The following are just a few excellent resources for men to use individually or in a group setting. 

Wild at Heart - Discovering The Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge.   “In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God.  And he invites women to discover the secret of a man’s soul and to delight in the strength and wildness men were created to offer.”

The Way of the Wild Heart - A Map for the Masculine Journey by John Eldredge.  “In The Way of the Wild Heart, Eldredge reveals how God comes to a man and takes him on the masculine journey, how nearly all the events of a man’s life can come together to provide the initiation he never received.  And how parents can offer that initiation to their sons.  Whatever your age may be, your Father is ready to take up your journey.”

Every Man’s Battle - Every Man’s Guide to Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey.  “Every Man’s Battle shares the stories of dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan for any man who desires sexual purity - perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future.”

The Five Love Languages - How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Dr. Gary Chapman.  “In the international best seller, Dr. Gary Chapman reveals how different people express love in different ways.”

You can see and order these and other great resources at Gospel Publishing http://gospelpublishing.com/store/index.cfm.

The following article is written by Patrick M. Morley and is available in its entirety on The Man in the Mirror Ministries website under Articles for Leaders - A Look in the Mirror archives.

A few years ago I started a list of “the most important things to know” about men’s discipleship ministry. I realized the task was way bigger than I first thought, but here’s how far I got with my list. Though it’s far from comprehensive, I do think it reflects many of the felt and real needs of men today. And at the end there are a few ideas to help men do something about it.

How Men Are Doing and Why

1. Most men have it in their hearts to do the right thing. That part of a Christian man that would love, trust, obey, and worship a holy God is far bigger than the flesh in him that would do wrong.

2. No man fails on purpose. No man wakes up in the morning and thinks, “Well, I guess I’ll see what I can do today to irritate my wife, neglect my kids, and work too much.” But they do.

3. Despite this, most men are living by their own ideas. Their lives are not turning out like they planned.

4. Many men are getting exactly what they want, only to find out it doesn’t make them happy.

5. A lot of men are in what we might call a “structural hurry.” They have structured hurry into their routines. The price of this pace is peace.

6. Men are tired. We have created a culture which requires more energy than men have to give.

7. A lot of men are worried, confused, disillusioned, disoriented, and sad.

8. Many men are burdened down by debts. It never occurred to them that it takes more energy to service a debt and earn a living than just to earn a living.

9. Many men are angry because they didn’t get what they wanted and wonder, “Now what?” Or, they did get what they wanted but now can’t remember why they thought it was so important.

10. Most men play a role during the first part of their adult lives—a role that they believe will make other people happy and get them where they want to go. At a midpoint they come to a place when they realize they haven’t lived with authenticity, and that is the thing they now want to get back to.

11. The problem is not that men are failing to achieve their goals. They are. The problem is: they’re the wrong goals.

12. Failure means to succeed in a way that doesn’t really matter.

13. No amount of success at work can adequately compensate for failure at home.

14. Some men have been inoculated against Jesus. An inoculation is a small dose of the real thing. They’ve heard just enough about Christ to think they’ve heard enough, found it irrelevant, and rejected it. In actuality, they’ve haven’t “heard” it at all. Sadly, they have rejected the wrong thing.

15. Some who do know Christ have become polluted by the world—they are cultural Christians. Their children are spiritual orphans and their wives are practical widows (James 1:27).

16. Most men only know enough about God to be disappointed with Him. Why?

17. Because it takes a long time to make a disciple. Why?

18. Because most of the really big ideas about Christianity take 10 to 20 years to sink it. Why?

19. Because a man has to replace a system he has built over 10, 20, 30 years or more. He doesn’t become a follower of Christ one day and abandon those deeply held beliefs the next.

20. Your belief system has been perfectly designed to produce the result you are getting.

21. The wisdom of the years is confusing. Kierkegaard said, “The wisdom of the years is confusing. Only the wisdom of eternity is edifying.”

What Men Need To Know About God

22. The solution will be to help men seek the God who is. There is a God we want, and there is a God who is. They are not the same God. The turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.

23. We must call men to look heavenward. Karl Barth said, “You cannot call God by shouting man in a loud voice.” And we are drawn to that upon which we are focused.

24. God loves you with an everlasting love.

25. Apart from God life has no meaning.

26. If you get exactly what you want you will still not be happy without God.

27. God will not force you to revere Him, but he will make it impossible for you to be happy unless you do.

28. The great question of the faith-life is, “Do I really believe that God will always take care of me?” Does He know? Does He care? Can He do anything about it?

29. He knows you—when you sit and lie, every word before spoken, He knit you together in your mother’s womb, every hair is numbered, all your days have been ordained before one of them came to pass.

30. He cares about you. You are a much loved son. Chosen. Adopted. An heir.

31. He can do something about your concerns. He will do something about it. You don’t have to work 80 hours a week to make it. He wants you to rest. God will provide.

32. God is sovereignly orchestrating all of the seemingly random circumstances of our lives.

33. At our moments of desperation, God will intervene to keep us from moving in the wrong direction.

34. Because God is good your life will not turn out like you planned.

How Men Should Integrate Faith Into Their Daily Lives

35. Once you are married, make your mate your top priority after God, but before all others.

36. Once you have children, spend time with your kids; tell them you love them and that you’re proud of them.

37. God calls us to build the kingdom and tend the culture. There is no biblical separation between sacred and secular. Every moral vocation is holy to the Lord. To wait tables, fix computers, or practice dentistry is no less spiritual than being a teacher at a Christian school.

Leadership Issues

38. The neediest men in our churches are often the least visible ones.

39. Suppose you know a man will leave your church five years from now. What things are so important for that man’s “system” that you will feel like you’ve failed if he doesn’t get them by the time he leaves? This, then, is your discipleship curriculum.

40. Looking back ten years, we’ve all said, “I wish I knew then what I know now.” What are those things so we can build them into our disciples? Examples:

• An understanding that God knows, cares, and can do something about it.
• An understanding that faith begins with understanding, proceeds to belief, but must be consummated in trust (fiducia).
• We can, and must, test our faith by asking the questions, Is it true? Do I believe it? and Has it changed my life?
• A sense that He is worthy of our praise, worship, and service.
• An encounter with the holy—which will change our view of the world, ourselves, and ourselves in the world.
• Patience in view of God’s promises and faithfulness. (versus Anxiety-Worry about the present and future).
• A deeper love for the God Who is.
• An understanding that neighbor love, or lack of it, reveals the true heart.
• A Spirit of Gratitude.
• The Nature of the Kingdom. An understanding that the kingdom of God, presently all around us, consists in righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.
• The Armor of God
• Holy Spirit: The Fruit of the Spirit
• Spiritual Gifts
• Calling
• The Sermon on the Mount, with a special emphasis on the Golden Rule.
• Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer. It’s hard work, but the only work that releases the power of the kingdom of God into our human actions.
• Strongholds: If we have a correct knowledge, belief, and trust in the character of God, Jesus Christ will set us free from the strongholds which keep us shackled to sin and futility.

Let the NCN HonorBound office resource and support your effort to have an effective ministry to men. We’re honored to serve you!

A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines
The following article is an exert from A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines by Patrick Morley.  The complete article can be found by going to The Man in the Mirror Ministries website under Articles for Leaders - A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines.

Spiritual disciplines (or habits) are the means by which we regularly deepen our relationship with Christ. One of the easiest mistakes with the spiritual disciplines is to confuse the means and the ends. The disciplines are the “means,” our relationship with Jesus is the “end.”

It’s important to remind ourselves that disciplines don’t earn us any kind of merit whatsoever. The disciplines are not behaviors we perform to make God happy or avoid his wrath. Instead, disciplines are the regular practices of men gripped by deep and humble gratitude for the remarkable privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord, Savior, Counselor, and Friend.

Almost any Christian virtue or duty can be turned into a discipline. For my new book, A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines (2007, Chicago: Moody Publishers) I selected 12 disciplines that seemed right for our moment in time: creation, the Bible, prayer, worship, the Sabbath, fellowship, counsel, fasting, spiritual warfare, stewardship, service, and evangelism. Here is a brief overview of each one.

A Man and Creation

Nothing fills me with contemplation of God more than a blazing sunrise, a mama duck followed by eight little ducklings paddling with all their might to keep up, or a rugged mountain that soars into the sky. How about you? We have been given the visible creation to reveal the deity of the invisible God. Theologians call creation God’s general revelation. Nature “reveals” a “general” knowledge about God.

A Man and the Bible

I know of no man whose life has been significantly changed apart from the regular study of God’s Word. Like training for a golf swing, if you want to “play well” at Christianity, you have to go into training. The Bible is the starting point for all spiritual disciplines, for all glorifying of God, for all communion with Christ, and for all growth and sanctification.

A Man and Prayer

Prayer is the conversation that turns our salvation into a personal communion with God. There are three characteristics of men who pray a lot. First, men who pray a lot tend to understand the need for sitting with Jesus in the “school of prayer” – studying passages on prayer and meditating on what they mean. Second, they believe that prayer is the most powerful use of their time – more powerful than labor. Finally, the man who prays a lot has made prayer the first disposition of his heart.

A Man and Worship

The deepest thirst of a man’s soul is to worship His Creator. Worship is being so caught up in God that it’s like going 180 mph down a straightaway and you’re oblivious to everything around you. When you worship, you become keenly aware of your “creatureliness” as you come into the presence of the one true Holy Father and, overcome, commune with, exalt and praise.

A Man and the Sabbath

God has made it “legal” for us to take a day of rest. Exodus 23:12 says, “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household . . . may be refreshed.” It’s a commandment, but also a right and a privilege we have as Christians. The Sabbath is a beautiful gift from God to His children. But a lot of us suffer from what we might call rest-interval dysfunction – working long hours, maybe too many days in a row, and we start to get a little grumpy and short with our wives and kids.

A Man and Fellowship

At Man in the Mirror, we have learned that the most meaningful change takes place in the context of a small group relationship. 1 Corinthians 12:12 states, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.” Why do we need other people? Because I don’t have everything I need. I can’t be a whole person without you. In His wisdom, God has not given any of us everything we need; instead, He chose to give us each other. I have gaps, you have gaps – we fill each other’s gaps. I know Jesus loves me because you love me. We are indispensable parts of each other. Together, we make up the whole.

A Man and Counsel

The goal of seeking counsel is to make good decisions. Decisions come in two flavors: moral decisions and priority decisions. Proverbs 15: 22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.” The goal of seeking counsel is to seek God’s will about a decision, not permission to do what we’ve already made up our minds to do. There’s a direct correlation between the wisdom of our decisions and the degree to which we have sought the advice other people.

A Man and Fasting

Fasting is a regular practice throughout the Bible. Jesus began His ministry with a 40-day fast. In my own life, I have been blessed and seen others healed after I fasted for a period of time. Fasting is an excellent way to express sorrow to God, to be penitent to the Lord. When you have a difficult decision to make, fasting can help give your clarity of mind. If you are struggling with pride or anger, fasting is a tangible expression of humility before God. If we never do anything as a sacrifice to Jesus, can we be sure we really love Him? Fasting is one thing we can do to express the depth of our love and gratitude.

A Man and Spiritual Warfare

Galatians 5:16 says: “Live your lives according to the Holy Spirit, then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Holy Spirit desires.” You can tell which is winning by the fruit your life bears. Share your struggles with other men in a supportive community. Let them pray with you.

A Man and Stewardship

What does it mean to be a faithful steward? If you think it’s just tithing 10 percent of your income, you’re wrong. A faithful steward devotes 100 percent of his time, talent and treasure to the glory of God. Everything you’ve been given – including that weekend convertible stashed in the garage – is a trust with which you must prove faithful.

A Man and Service

In John 13, Jesus said, “Now that I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” God has penetrated your universe. He has changed you, healed you, and He has put the hot coal on the tip of your tongue. You’ve heard Him say, “Who will go? Whom shall I send?” Give it away or, because He is kind, He will take it away.

A Man and Evangelism

The apostle Paul believed that the greatest privilege is to be chosen by God for salvation, and the second greatest privilege is to help someone else experience the same salvation. Paul believed that all men need a savior and that there is no way to heaven except through Jesus Christ. If you want to have an effective discipline of evangelism, believe what Paul believes. Evangelism is taking someone as far as they want to go toward Jesus.

Practice these spiritual disciplines (and any others to which you are attracted) if you want a deeper, richer experience with Christ. As we have already said, they don’t improve our standing with Christ, but they do usher us into His presence.

The following list of ideas was taken from the The National HonorBound website. 

Ideas | Men’s Groups
The following ideas can be used for creating an environment for men to grow together in life’s adventures. It’s about building a community with guys, affirming their masculinity, building bridges with the non-church going man, and to discuss, encourage and disciple one another in spiritual growth.

*With any activity, small group or event, have a clear purpose. Men are drawn to clarity and conciseness. If they are going to give up their weekend, weeknight or free time, they want to know why. Be sure to state purpose and goals – what’s in it for him.

Golf
Set aside regular events for guys to hit the links – one Saturday a month, a weekday morning or maybe a quick nine-holes after Sunday morning service. Construct a tournament, rotate the type of play (scramble, best ball, match play, etc.) or play just for fun.

Get together for refreshments and conversation after the round. Discussions don’t have to be organized or planned to a ‘T’, but utilize the opportunity for discipleship and spiritual encouragement. Much like life, you have to play golf one fairway at a time. Triple bogey on the previous hole, look ahead and birdie the next.

Race Car Fans
Because a season will cover roughly nine months out of the calendar year, it will be a challenge to plan and incorporate regular events over a long period of time. So plan around races or events, highlighting certain races throughout the year, using a variety of activities:

Cookout
Lunch at a sports-themed restaurant equipped with TV’s/Projection screens
Create Go-Kart or Mini-Grand Prix races/tournaments

Basketball
Form an organized or informal (or partner with) a church basketball league. This could be developed for your congregations ‘family and friends’ or developed as a city-wide event.

3-on-3 pick-up games
3-on-3 organized teams/schedule
5-on-5 organized teams/schedule
Full-season / Tournament
Hold a post-game “news conference with a 5-minute devotional – share a ‘thought-of-the-day’, scripture, “USA Today” version reflection, and a prayer. *Remember, you just finished a full out war on the court – no long-winded sermons at this time please.

Football
Whether guys have ‘game’ or not, most love to watch football. Check out HonorBound Red Zone strategy for the football fanatic.

Fishing
Thanks to shows like “Wanna Go Fishing,” “Offshore Adventures,” “Madfin Shark Tournament,” and all the others that can be found on your local sports network, fishing events have become huge across the country. From the number of fish caught to the combined total pounds to the size of the fish, there are plenty of games and tournaments to get ‘hooked’ on.

Developing a few of these tournaments for the outdoor guys may be the hook, line and sinker you need in integrating these guys into the church community.

Video Game Tournaments
Over the years, video games have become an integral part of our culture.

From the 1952 creation of Noughts and Crosses to todays XBOX 360, PS3 and Wii, video games have been a source of entertainment for many young fans (and even some of the ‘older’ fans as well!). Maybe you will remember classics such as Odyssey, Atari, Nintendo and Sega Dreamcast.

Popularity of the gaming industry has grown to a huge market. So how can we use this as a tool to building camaraderie and community with the guys?

Just like any of the outdoor sporting events, creating a league or special ‘tournament’ events may be the plug-in to a variety of discussions dealing with life issues and how we can overcome these obstacles to win at life.

Ideally, utilize a location (individuals home per say) that has adequate space (and maybe even a rather large TV!) and let the games begin!

Business-Men Breakfast
Host a breakfast before the start of the workday. Saturday mornings may be the only day guys get to sleep in – thus deciding to snooze on the biscuit and gravy. So pick a weekday that works for the group.

This could be done in one convenient location or divided in ‘regions’ (pending the size of city and location of work places). Nothing formal or fully planned discussions needed. Conversation will develop on its own.

Be sure to meet with a consistent day, time and place. Most businessmen have a full calendar and appreciate a routine schedule.

Service Ministries
Most guys like to fix things. See a need and fix it. Developing a crew of guys that provide mechanic work for single mothers, ladies or widows, home improvement for the elderly or grooming/renovating church facilities not only gives a blessing to the recipient, but draws men together for a common cause.

Missions Trips
Take a group of guys on a mission trip – construction, outreach, etc. Show them first hand the mission field the church invests in through missionary and mission project support.