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Walking Through

2015 With God

All of us are on a journey through life. The road behind us is strewn with joys and sorrows; victories and defeats;

successes and failures. The road ahead is unclear. Yet the hardest thing for us is to focus on today. So often we feel

guilty about the past or worried about the future. Yet, God is present with us today. How will we live today?

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew in Mark 1, He was giving them a command, a promise, and a journey.

The command of our Lord to us is to “Follow me…” While it seems obvious that if we are going to follow, we must

keep our eyes on the leader, nothing could be more important in our lives than keeping our eyes on Jesus. A couple of

things are implied in this command. One is that Jesus is going to be leading us. Second, He is going to be with us as

He leads. He doesn’t direct from a throne (though He is enthroned with a Name above every name). He leads. In

obedience to His command, we follow.

The promise is that He will “make you fishers of men.” Jesus is at work to make us fishermen. He is at work in us

each day to make us more and more into the fisherman He desires us to be. God invests in us. He invests Himself in

us. What a loving thing for God to do.

The journey is that God is doing His work in us day by day. We are learning day by day. He is taking us to different

locations day by day. He walks with us in the present. He doesn’t leave us to try to figure out on our own how to fish.

He works with us, teaching us, showing us, and fishing with us.

When I was a youngster, my dad taught me to bait my hook, set my cork, where to put the line in the water, how to

hold the pole, how to watch the cork for movement, how to pull up on the pole when the cork bobbled, how to take the

fish off the line and throw it in the ice chest. He could have caught the fish himself, I suppose, but in teaching me, I

have had many wonderful years of catching fish myself. Eventually, I taught my son.

The goal of these lessons is to challenge you to lead the men of your church into a day to day walk with God. Each

month you will find some suggested topics and thoughts as you lead your men. Use them as you need them and call if

you need anything.

God’s goal is to make us into a person who finds great joy in doing His will. So, He makes us fishermen; a day at a

time. And our lives will never be the same.

Don Gann

Baptist men and boys have been captivated by missions since 1907. Our continuing goal is to assist all churches to begin and/or strengthen their Men’s Ministry work. The purpose of Men’s Ministry is to minister to the total man or boy by nurturing him to become a person with a Christ-centered mission.

The present Men’s Ministry program provides many flexible approaches for churches to involve men and boys in

missions. Here are some of the ministries offered: · Central Hills Baptist Retreat - Originally for Royal Ambassadors, Central Hills Baptist Retreat in Kosciusko now

accommodates church groups, youth groups, summer mission camps, and other organizational groups. CHBR provides numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, and hiking.

· Church Renewal - The Church Renewal Journey is a series of lay-led, revival-type weekends that take the church on a biblical-based, spiritual journey to becoming on mission with God. For more information, contact:

Ernest Gunter: 662.231.1685 gunter_e@bellsouth.net

Jerry Kirby: 601.799.1171 blueberryfarm@bellsouth.net

Brady McMillen: 662.710.4078 brady@mcmillenrecon.com

Terry Richards: 601.927.3048 tar@coffeebeancorral.com

· Construction Missions - Designed for individuals or groups who desire involvement with any type of ministry relating to construction.

· Agricultural Missions - Promotes Christian service by supporting international and north American missions through many services which include assisting agriculture missionaries, providing leadership development and establishing model farms.

· Campers On Mission - A fellowship who shares their Christian faith through campground mission service and revivals for churches.

· Mission Service Corps - A pathway for adults to serve as missionaries in an assigned ministry that supports evangelism and church planting efforts.

· HAMS - The objective of this fellowship is to promote Christian service by members of the amateur radio community. These amateur radio operators give special attention to Disaster Relief situations.

· Chaplains - A fellowship of both professional and volunteer chaplains who work to provide pastoral care, support, and assistance to those involved in hospitals, businesses, fire protection, police, military, and prisons.

· Criminal Justice - Volunteers under the direction of Criminal Justice Specialists work to evangelize and disciple those who have become a part of the prison system.

· Disaster Relief - Each year Mississippi Baptists minister physically and financially to those who are deprived of essential needs of life due to widespread natural and man-made disasters. Disaster Relief volunteers desire to assist victims of disaster through food preparation, shelter provisions, counseling services, communication, medical aid, child care, and clean up.

Involving men and boys in missions

2015 Disaster Relief Training Sessions

January 17

First Baptist Church-Gautier

325 De La Pointe Drive, Gautier, MS 39553

228.497.4050

Contact: Stan Aycock 228.217.6637

January 24

Springdale Baptist Church

581 East Walnut Street, Ripley, MS 38665

662.837.3166

Contact: Stacy McKee 662.587.0559

February 7

Colonial Hills Baptist Church

7701 Highway 51 North, Southaven, MS 38671

662.393.2445

Contact: Anita Bosley 901.482.3774

February 21

First Baptist Church-Taylorsville

125 MS Highway 37 North, Taylorsville, MS 39168

601.785.4747

March 7

Briar Hill Baptist Church

707 Mississippi 469, Florence, MS

601.845.6843

Contact: John Henry 601.668.1732

We assist:

Churches and associations in developing,

conducting, and strengthening ministries that

reach out and minister to the needs of “prison

world” people.

Prison administrations and/or program

agencies by providing worship services,

discipleship/Bible study opportunities, and

personal ministry to inmates.

By conducting specialized volunteer and staff training upon request.

We offer churches and associations:

1. Personal office and on-field consultation

2. Basic training for volunteers

3. Ministry awareness conferences

4. Planning and guidance information

5. Specialized volunteer training for inmate, family, ex-offender/family, and victim ministry

We offer prison administrations and program agencies:

1. Assistance in selection, training, supervision and evaluation of the designated chaplain, who may be

volunteer or employed.

2. Assistance in enlistment, selection, training, assignment, supervision and evaluation of religious

program volunteers.

3. Provision of the Discipleship/Evangelism Program, an in-depth Bible study that provides opportunities

of spiritual growth and development for inmates. This is a program offered through the Men’s

Ministry Department. Only selected, trained Criminal Justice Ministry volunteers will provide

leadership for the Bible study. Specifically selected and approved materials will be provided by the

Men’s Ministry Department.

4. Provision of specialized training for volunteers and staff.

You can help give someone hope behind the bars and beyond the walls.

Contact: Charles Jones John W. Henry

601.752.2021 – home (preferred) 601.508.0293 – cell

662.721.0264 – cell jwhenry42@gmail.com

…I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 25:36

For over 50 years Mississippi Baptists have

enjoyed sending new suits to pastors in new work areas.

Many of these pastors have neither suit nor the extra

money to purchase one. By sending them a suit we are

letting the pastors know that we care about them and

that we support their work.

You can get involved by simply making a

donation to the ministry. Each suit will

cost $140. This can be a special project

for Men's Ministry groups, Royal

Ambassadors, Girls in Action, or WMU

groups. For churches or individuals

looking for a ministry that really

touches someone's life, The Suit Project

is the perfect choice.

Since 2001, through the generous giving of

Mississippi Baptists, we have been able to send

a gift to the pastor’s wife. Often they go

without things that they want or need to

support their husband's ministry. This is a

wonderful way to show them that they are

not forgotten and that the support they

provide their husband is truly appreciated.

Men’s Ministry Suit Project

Checks should be made payable to MBCB and mailed to:

Men’s Ministry

P.O. Box 530

Jackson, MS 39205-0530

Mississippi Baptist Chaplains’ Association

The Mississippi Baptist Chaplains’ Association relates to persons serving pastoral care roles in hospitals and health care facilities, industries, correctional facilities, military, rehabilitation, public safety, and other institutions. The Association is set up to afford members an opportunity for professional growth, communication, and fellowship.

Chaplains who serve in positions both volunteer and compensated, or who served in such positions at the time of their retirement, are invited to join by paying a membership fee of $30.00 per year and attending scheduled events.

Members are eligible to vote and attend the winter retreat and fall banquet free of charge. Members’ spouses are considered associate members. While they do not have voting rights, they are welcome guests at the retreat and the banquet. Membership runs from October 1 to September 30 of each year. Membership fees are due annually.

Mississippi Baptist Chaplain’s Association members are professional or volunteer chaplains who are affiliated with Mississippi Baptist congregations.

2015 scheduled events:

Spring Retreat March 13 & 14

Chaplains’ Training September 18

Fall Banquet October 27

Save The Date!

3rd Annual

Royal Ambassador Camporee

May 1-2, 2015

Central Hills Baptist Retreat

West, MS

Central Hills Baptist Retreat Celebrating Christian Camp Ministry since 1979

Summer Mission Camp for Boys

July 20-24 July 27-31

Lad/Dad Weekend July 24-25

Children’s Mission Camp (3 day co-ed camp) June 1-3 June 4-6

June 25-27 July 6-8 July 9-11

July 13-15 July 16-18

Children’s Mission Camp (4 day co-ed camp) June 29-July 2

July 28-31

Last Chance Camp (co-ed) August 3-5

For more information call 662.289.9730

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What is RA Trek? RA Trek is the all-new individual achievement plan for Royal Ambassadors. RAs can complete RA Trek activities on their own, in small groups, in large groups, in a classroom setting, and more. RA Trek is designed to enhance the overall experience of every RA. As first through sixth grade boys travel on their RA Trek, they will gain a greater understanding of what missions is all about, take a personal interest in mission involvement, and strengthen their personal relationship with God.

RA Trek resources include RA Trek Leader Guide and RA Trek Member Log books. The Leader Guide is a comprehensive guide that includes the activities and forms that that is needed to lead one boy or an entire group. There are two Member Log books: Member Log 1-3 and Member Log 4-6. Each RA needs his own book. A boy who begins RA Trek in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade will be awarded the Jr. Ambassador patch at the beginning of his first Trek. A boy who begins RA Trek in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade will be awarded the Ambassador patch. Chevrons will be awarded at the completion of each yearly Trek.

Through RA Trek boys will gain a greater understanding of missions as they experience projects and activities in seven growth areas. The seven growth areas are:

1. My RA Identity: By guiding boys through activities in the My RA Identity section, they will learn about the RA crest, what the RA pledge means to RAs, RA history, and what the virtues mean.

2. My Praying: By establishing prayer as a way to support missionaries, RA leaders will guide boys through age-appropriate ways to help them establish the importance of prayer in a Christian’s life.

3. My Doing and Telling: Leaders will challenge boys to creatively tell others about Jesus and their own mission experiences. Boys can learn the Roman Road scripture verses, how to tell their testimony, and understand how an RA can impact his community and his world for Christ.

4. My Missions: Learning: Boys will learn about missions through assorted activities. They will also find out more about countries where missionaries work and world religions.

5. My Giving: Through activities in this growth area, boys come to

understand that giving to missions means more than monetary donations; it also includes giving of ourselves and our own resources.

6. My Faith: In this section, boys will memorize and apply Scripture verses to

their own lives as well as memorize and be able to share Bible stories with others.

7. My Church: Boys will learn that it is their responsibility to do the work of

the church. They will participate in projects that will help him realize how he can work in the church, association, state convention, and Southern Baptist Convention as well as plan church-wide events and mission trips.

RA Trek is structured as one grade level Trek per year. Boys must complete all seven growth areas to finish a yearly Trek. Boys may work on previous Treks after they have completed the current Trek if needed.

For more information and/or resources: www.wmu.com/ra

Monthly Lessons

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It was near the Sea of Galilee that Jesus saw the brothers Peter and Andrew. They were fisherman

and spent most of their time by and on the water. Most days were nearly always the same. They got in

their boats, cast their nets, and then brought back their catch to sell. But today was going to be a life

changer! Jesus approached them and said “Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Think they were shocked? The words surely caught their attention. They most likely already knew of this

man who came to hear the preaching of John the Baptist. They had already heard John; especially

Andrew, who had an interest in this unusual character. But now the one he had proclaimed was coming

after him and greater than he could be asking the fisherman to join him. Can you imagine what went

through their minds? What does this mean? Where will we go? How can we be fishers of men? What a

challenge was given to these two on that morning!

Move the clock ahead over 2,000 years and imagine today that you are quietly at work and the Lord

appears at your place. He looks at you and says “Come follow me.” What does that say to you?

Just as the disciples, we are given a mandate that changes everything about our lives. If we are truly to

follow Him, we must undergo some more changes. We need a more loving and caring heart for others,

we must learn to sacrifice our wants and desires, and we will need to make our time His time. That is

quite a life change for most of us. But in reality, is that not what God asks of us? Later, Jesus tells

us to feed His sheep, love one another, and have pure hearts. All of these requests are total changes

for most of us. But remember He also gives promises of comfort, support, and an eternity with Him.

Now is that not a challenge worth living?

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Paul uses a marriage between a man and woman as an analogy of the relationship Jesus has with His

church. Just what kind of relationship is that? Well, it’s certainly one of love, sacrifice, protection, and

direction.

Just as Jesus is the head of the Church and gives her everything she needs to grow, develop, and do

what she was created to do, a husband is to busy himself nurturing his wife, praying for her and with

her, loving her unconditionally, and certainly discipling her toward maturity and wholeness.

How many men today feel responsible for the spiritual development of their wives and for that matter

their children? Remember to disciple them, we must be growing and bearing spiritual fruit ourselves.

Unfortunately, in today’s culture, it’s often the woman, wife, and mother doing the discipling.

Are you ready to assume your role in being a man who loves his wife like Christ loves His church? What

will you begin to do differently to nurture the spiritual life of your wife and children? Do you take time

to ask the blessing over meals in your home or even when you dine in restaurants? Do you ever ask her

how you can pray for her? Do you share scripture and promises from God’s word that encourage her

and give her hope? Do you write her notes and letters telling her the things that you love about her?

God has put you in a very serious role as a role model and disciple for your wife and children. Love

and disciple them in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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To harvest a crop, seeds must be planted. Before seed is planted, soil must be prepared. The amount of seed

planted is based on how much is desired to be harvested. The amount of seed that is planted determines the

amount of the harvest. Without seeds being planted, a beautifully prepared field remains empty. Eventually, only

weeds are produced. If only a few seeds are sowed, the harvest will be paltry. If little labor is expended to care

for the crop, there is a low probability that the crop will thrive.

Throughout the scriptures, many references to planting and harvesting are made. Paul used seed to represent the

Gospel. He stated that he had placed the seeds of the Good News about Jesus in the hearts of individuals. He

noted that Apollos had watered those seeds by helping people understand the truths about Christ. However, Paul

stressed that God made the seeds grow.

Similarly, Jesus reminded us that He is the vine and we are the branches. He declared that if He abides in us

we will bear fruit. Then, Jesus insisted that “without Me you can do nothing.”

At the time a crop is planted, there is not much to show for all of the hard work required to seed a field. Yet,

if the seed is not planted at the right time, the growing season could be missed, along with the opportunity to

reap a great harvest. The sower of seed must be faithful to complete his task. Spiritually, we must not get tired

of doing the will of God, because He promises that if we remain faithful, we will eventually see a fruitful harvest.

This month is the North American Mission Board Prayer Emphasis. Go to www.namb.net for a prayer guide. Pray

for missionaries as they strive to sow God’s love in our nation.

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Little Johnny asked his dad, “What is the difference between a pack of crackers and a pack of wolves.”

Perplexed by the random question, the father answered, “Well, I don’t know.” Then, Johnny responded, “If you

don’t know the difference, I sure am glad Mom does the grocery shopping.”

Raising children is a challenge. However, parenting is a lifelong responsibility; once a father, always a father.

Fulfilling the responsibility of training children and grandchildren to be Disciples of Christ requires divine strength

and wisdom. Consequently, a man’s relationship with the Heavenly Father determines the manner in which he relates

to his children.

Jesus told a story about a father who had two sons. Typically, we call this story the “Parable of the Prodigal

Son.” Ultimately, the story is about a Godly father who dealt with sons traveling two different, but equally

dangerous roads. The younger son walked down a road of rebellion. The older son journeyed down a road of

resentment. However, no matter what they did, the father remained approachable, merciful, and impartial. He went

to his sons during their struggles. He ran to the son who had left home and returned with his life in a mess. He

quickly reached out to his son who was struggling with bitterness over the return of his brother. In both instances,

the father demonstrated his deep desire to redeem those who are lost in sin and to restore those who are

wrapped up in selfish desires. In the story, the father sought to save his sons. Our Heavenly Father wants to save

our families and He can use us to fulfill His will for our homes.

Repeatedly, Jesus revealed the heart of His Father. He was approachable. People could tell Him anything. He was

merciful in His dealing with everyone. He was impartial, which He proved by hanging out with the rich and poor, the

young and old, the clean and dirty. We are to walk as Jesus walked. So, sometimes our walk will involve running to

our children in their time of need.

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Picture this: You have a God’s-eye view of your church, and you’re looking down at yourself as you listen in total

fascination to your favorite teacher. In fact, you’re sitting atop the Hubble Space Telescope and you have the super

huge lens zoomed up close on you. Just you. Now widen that shot.

Exactly how many students sit in your row? Count them. Name them if you can. How about in your classroom? How

many students do you see? Now pull your view out wider. How many people are in your grade? And how many

students are in your whole school?

Do you have a good guesstimate of each of those numbers? Parents, can you approximate how many people work

with you?

Here’s the point. God has an even better view than your super huge zoom lens. And God’s goal for evangelism is

to reach everyone he can spot in a wide-angle shot of the whole world. Reaching the world is a job He’s given to

the whole church—that’s not a task you can tackle by yourself. You could easily get discouraged by the hugeness of

that task, so you need to zero in on your part of the job.

Your efforts to share Jesus need to focus first on your inner circle-your friends, teammates, classmates, neighbors,

and so on. And you can zero in further by asking this: Of all the people near you, who needs to know Jesus?

Ask God to remind you of several people within your zoomed-in picture frame. Write down their names.

These are people you want to pray for. You can keep your list of names in a place where you are sure to see it

often, and pray for these people daily. These are people you want to surround with love. You can help people learn

to trust you by spending time with them and being their friend. And these are the people you want to share Christ

with. You can watch for and create opportunities to share Christ with them, and invite them to respond.

Someone once said, “If you aim at nothing, you will surely hit it.” You have the privilege of sharing Christ with your

non-Christian friends. Do you want to know the secret to success? Zero in on your target and plan how to hit it!

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Jesus used the parable of the sower and soils to illustrate the different kinds of reception people have

towards the truth. Notice in this parable the same seed, which is the truth, was sown in a variety of

soils, which is the heart of man. The seed represents the gospel and the principles of God, whereas

the soils represent how people react and respond to the truth.

Have you broadcast the seed of truth lately? Summer ministries and missons is a wonderful seedbed

where we as Christians can sow the truth into people’s lives Ministries such as Vacation Bible School,

mission trips, project in the community, block parties, etc. can soften up the soil of people’s hearts and

make them more receptive to God and His Word.

Think of some things you could do to make the love of God believable and palatable to others; develop

a relationship with an unbelieving neighbor; plug into ministries inside and outside your church. Vacation

Bible School is a wonderful ministry that needs the support of men.

Ask God to show you ways during the summer months to minister to people in unique ways. How about

taking your neighbor’s empty garbage cans in weekly or delivering their newspaper to their door? Cut

their yard for them. Offer to keep their children so that mom and dad can go on a date. Offer to be

a mentor to the children of a single mom down the street. There are so many ways we can minister to

people today, and as we do, their hearts will become softer and softer toward the Gospel.

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Tom, 11, stands several inches shorter than everyone else in his class. He’s always trying to prove he’s

as big as the other guys. His latest strategy? Acting tough by screaming and cussing his way through

every sport he plays.

Chloe, 8, thinks she’s dumb. So she almost always copies assignments from her brainy friend, Akiko, who

gladly shares her work.

Travis, 9, has a wild temper. He settles arguments by swinging his fists around and inflicting pain.

Leah, 15, has made enemies out of most of her friends. She’s known as “The Blab” because she tells

the nastiest stories about people-true or not, she doesn’t care.

Juan, 10, was lonely after his family moved from Mexico to California. But his new buddies have shown

him how to sniff stuff to get high.

Think about it: From what you just read, how many of these students are Christians? Any of them?

Some of them? Most of them? All of them? Can you tell? All of these students attend church and

belong to a Bible-club group. Actually, all of them trusted Christ at some point in their lives. Are you

surprised? Shocked?

True, how these boys and girls are acting doesn’t fit how the Bible says a Christian should live. But

we’re made right with God by trusting Christ, not by behaving well. Still, you have to wonder about these

students. They’re supposed to show the world what Christ looks like, but they don’t look much like Christ,

do they?

That’s the point Paul made in today’s Bible passage. Even though being God’s child depends on faith—

not behavior—there should be a difference in how God’s children act. He wants to show the world through

us the huge difference he can make.

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We hear the word mentoring often, but do we really consider how it impacts our men’s groups in the

local church. Paul recognized that if faith was to continue, it would be the result of one person impacting

another. In this letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him that the secret to spreading Christian faith is

mentoring men. That plan is still the one that is the secret for success in reaching other men. We have

all heard “the old men in our group never want to change anything”, “our youth like all that new music

and stuff”, or “the young couples sure don’t attend everything at church the way we used to.”

Unless your church is out-of-the-ordinary, all these points come up at one time or another; not all

people respond the same way as in days gone by. It is called generational differences. Each new

generation experiences new challenges and temptations. Paul tells us that we have to learn how to lift

each other up and support each other as we learn to follow Christ. The job of the Christian is to

partner with all ages to help impact their lives.

I Thessalonians 5:11 says we are to be encouragers and build each other up; Colossians 3:16-17 reminds

us to let Christ’s words dwell in us; Philippians 1:21 tells us to be representatives of Christ in all that

we do. Realizing that the Bible writers recognized the great need of helping each other to develop as

disciples, we are reminded that this concept never changes. Instead of questioning why generations act as

they do, honor their faith where they are and attempt to support them as they develop. Jesus says our

walk should begin as a child and grow as our faith grows. We should all work together to make Jesus

alive in our world.

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A young father, in prison serving his term, looked back over the act that put him there. He thought

about his lack of judgment in doing something so stupid. Then he began to think about the changes that

had taken place in his life. He remembered the man who first came to tell him about Jesus Christ and

the total change and forgiveness he experienced. He remembered the man had left him a Bible and as

he studied it, he came to realize the way out of the problems he now faced. Soon he had placed his

faith in a Savior and began to study with other volunteers who came and taught him how he could

become a dedicated and effective Christian. As he shared this change with his family they took new

hope in what had been a hopeless situation; Mississippi Baptists had been instrumental in his change.

Thanks to the Margaret Lackey State Mission Offering.

When tornados crossed Mississippi on April 28, 2014, several cities across our state were impacted

within hours of each other. Disaster Relief trained volunteers quickly responded with clean-up, blue

tarps, food, and chaplaincy support. In addition, Mississippi Baptists were able to help churches and

families who had suffered financial loss. Once again, this was possible because of the Margaret Lackey

State Mission Offering.

Many Baptists across Mississippi have heard of this offering, but many are not aware of what it does.

Your giving supports the Disaster Relief ministry, Central Hills Baptist Retreat, Garaywa Camp and

Conference Center, and numerous other mission ministries.

This year, make a special effort to introduce your men to what

happens when they give to the Margaret Lackey State Mission

Offering.

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On October 4, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers traveled to Buffalo to face the Bills. At the end of

the third quarter, Buffalo led 23-0. In a valiant attempt, Hall of Fame quarterback, Steve Young,

helped the 49ers score 21 points before time ran out. However, Buffalo won 26-21. San Francisco

committed 22 penalties, which tied the NFL single game record. Young completed most of his passes,

but the penalties were too much to overcome.

Frequently we hear it said that it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. Paul would

probably agree with that mantra. While keeping rules does not grant us salvation, the apostle contended

that how one plays the game is important. If we are to have a victorious Christian life, we must be

faithful to follow God’s commandments and directives for living lives of Holiness.

Paul mentioned that an athlete is not crowned if he does not follow the rules of his competition. The

crown Paul referenced here is probably connected to the Olympic Games, which were held during the

era in which he was writing. Before an Olympic athlete is crowned a champion in his or her sport, he

or she must learn the rules, train in a manner to improve in the execution of the sport, and compete

according to the regulations of the contest.

As Christians, we are to walk under the rule of Christ. We must realize His instructions apply to every

aspect of our lives, while being careful not to become legalistic, men should play by the same Biblical

principles at home, on the job, and in the church. We must be consistently Biblical in all that we do.

The consequences of moral failure are not easily overcome, whether you are a Hall of Famer or not.

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As men of God, we must remember that it’s often through the hard times that the Lord teaches us the

deeper greater lessons of faith and trust. And for that reason we can be thankful, even in the midst of

those times because of the promised results.

James 1:2 recommends that we consider it a joy when we go through trials. Why? Because our faith is

being refined during these times. The great Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in

our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a

deaf world.” How would you respond to that statement? Have you found this to be true in your personal

journey of faith?

Have you learned to thank God in the middle of a crisis? Someone has said that if you can’t be

thankful to God about all that’s happened to you, it might mean that you are bitter. Wow, that’s no

place to be for the man of God.

Often, we are found asking God to relieve and change our circumstances when He really wants to

change us through our circumstances. During this thanksgiving season, bow your head and thank God for

His goodness and His faithfulness in seeing through whatever comes your way.

Stop right now and thank God for the circumstances that encircle you. Ask Him to help you through your

pain to a deeper and stronger dependence on Him. Humble yourself as you ask God to show you the

lessons He wants you to learn through your current challenges. You will experience true faith when you look

up to heaven, regardless of the pain you are experiencing, and thank God for His grace and mercy.

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Catherine drummed her fingers on her knee as she sat cross-legged in front of the Christmas tree,

waiting for her parents to start passing out presents. She had already identified all the packages under

the tree, and she knew which ones were for her.

Finally, Mom sat down on the couch and Dad put on his bright red wool hat with a white ball on the

end, the signal that it was time to start unwrapping presents. He handed the first present to Cindy,

Catherine’s younger sister. Then he handed a brightly wrapped package to Catherine.

She ripped off the wrapping paper and tossed it onto the floor to reveal a Munching Molly doll! “Yea!”

Catherine screamed. She jumped up and down, hugging the doll. Her celebration stopped, however, as

her dad held out another gift. She quickly sat down and dropped Munching Molly on the floor beside her.

Less than a half hour later, Catherine was surrounded by a stack of presents, some big, some small;

wrapping paper covered the floor.

“I love my presents!” she announced. “I love them so much, I can’t decide which one to play with first.”

Suddenly, Mom pulled Cindy onto her lap and motioned to Catherine. Catherine sat beside her mom and

snuggled against her arm.

“What was your favorite gift this Christmas?” Mom asked the girls.

“My play set!” Cindy answered, referring to a set of plastic kitchen appliances.

“Munching Molly,” Catherine said. “But I like all my gifts.”

“You know what my favorite gift is?” Mom asked. “My favorite gift is Jesus.”

“Jesus?” Catherine asked.

Mom nodded. “I like all the gifts I unwrapped this morning,” she explained, “but the best gift ever is

the gift God gave when he sent his Son to be born and later become our Savior. What if we remember

that not everyone in the world knows about Jesus and see what we can do to help make sure everyone

hears?

”We should give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, so everyone will hear about the best gift ever.”

Men’s Ministry

Discipling resources

Men’s Ministry

Discipling resources

Planning to Impact Your Men’s Group

The local church in today’s world has a critical need for motivated Christian men. For many they question their place or value to their own church or community. They sometimes feel there has never been an effective plan to involve them through a Christian perspective. Most church leaders will admit this is a new day in attracting men and they have a difficult time understanding how to effectively do it. Most church congregations are made up of about 38 percent men. They are predominantly women and many have a larger part of the leadership made up of women. Therefore no one is surprised when men who visit our churches say they are really designed to reach the needs of the ladies. Our greatest challenge today is to redesign our ministries so they will be more male friendly without damaging our relationships with the ladies. If we are to be successful, we must consider what we can do to help men see they need to be a vital part of their church. Churches today who have found success in involving men generally have several things in common. They have their men actively working in ministries and mission endeavors. They have been able to determine the key interests of their men. They also have developed large group meetings that can impact lives. If you can take those base ideas and apply them to your situation you should be able to improve your outreach to your men. Begin with an effective plan. Any successful undertaking has a purpose. Set forth your purpose in an effective statement. What do you really want to happen with men and how can you get them to understand.

Develop a purpose statement will make sense and they will more likely want to be a part of the ministry.

An effective statement will help with decisions, ideas, and activities.

The statement should help with a direction that allows men to move with a singular purpose.

Develop a time line. If your plans are to work well, you will need to put them in a time frame that meets your needs.

Think long-term, but take one step at a time. Men are already over committed. The can only invest themselves in areas that they feel will meet their needs and make a difference.

Remember what has worked somewhere else or worked before in your church may not meet current needs. Always allow the men to have a voice in the planning.

What are the greatest challenges? Where will they invest their time? Discover their top three perceived needs. Will this also be the needs of their friends? What is the best time to meet and how much time will they give? What can you provide that is not already available to them? Survey and find the key interests of the men. What is the average spiritual maturity level of your group? How do they

understand Christian discipleship? The leadership of your men’s group will determine the success or failure of the ministry. The following simple organization is recommended in starting your plans: Men’s Ministry Director. This individual will be the key to developing the plans for a ministry. He should be someone who is good in dealing with people. He should bring excitement and positive motivation to all who work with him. He will be the leader of the steering committee that makes plans for the future ministry direction.

Men’s Ministry Steering Committee. This should be a group of three men, although it might be expanded as your ministry grows. The following will be the breakdown and responsibilities of this committee:

Program Coordinator: He will be responsible for planning any programs you decide to use. This could include a monthly meeting, a large group meeting, or any special interest meetings.

Projects Coordinator: This person will work in planning mission or ministry projects that are in state or out of state. He will need to explore needs and desires of the men.

Community Missions Coordinator: He will be responsible for exploring current needs in your local community and needs that relate to your church. This may include senior adult needs, widows, or children’s ministries.

30 days of prayer and devotion

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said,

“and I will make you

fishers of men.”

It was by the seaside that Jesus gave His first great invitation. He looked at Peter and Andrew and said “Come,

follow me and I will make you fishers also of men.” What a way to become His disciple; a personal request from

God Himself, but is that not the same way we are asked today. The Holy Spirit comes to us and says come and

follow me, believe, and I will make you fishers of men. We long to be like those Jesus first found. They were men

of faith ready to take on a lost world. They laid aside all their barriers and took up the cross of Jesus. But again,

were they super men or just men who believed in the Savoir they had found?

What of men today? Can they not still believe enough to pick up His cross and move into a lost world? For many

that seems too difficult to begin, but in reality it is us who makes this effort so hard to begin. For our 30 days of

following this year, we are looking to prepare ourselves as disciples. Our challenge is to once again pick up the

cross of Jesus and march against the enemy: “the world that wants to claim us.” These verses and thoughts have

been selected to help you in a simple way to become more like His initial followers. We hope you will give at least

30 minutes each day to read the scripture, study its meaning and then have a time of prayer. Our prayers are with

you as you begin your journey.

Day 1: Matthew 4:18-19

We begin today with receiving the call. It was early in Jesus’ ministry and Peter and Andrew wanted to

know more about Him. His request was more than they bargained for. Come and be my follower. Today He asks us to come and follow Him. Pray that you will be adequate for the task ahead. Day 2: Matthew 5:1-14

We are reminded here that we are light. The light the world looks and longs for. How are you being a light

to your family, church, and world? Pray that God will make you a powerful light of faith to your world.

Jesus continually asked His followers to pray more to be prepared for the test. Should we not do just as much as they did to be ready for that daily walk with Him? Challenge yourself to kneel in prayer. Day 3: Acts 1:7-14

The disciples had been given their directions for reaching the world. As they returned to the upper room

they remembered Jesus began any great effort with prayer so they followed His lead. If you truly want to be a disciple you must make prayer a vital part of your life. Pray that God will enhance your prayer life and make it the controlling factor of your life.

Day 4: Acts 2:1-8

Jesus’ promise of a comforter came on Pentecost. The people who saw the results were amazed. Are we amazed when God answers our prayers? Pray that God today will answer your greatest prayer in an amazing way. Day 5: Psalm 15

David answers who may abide in God’s tent. This psalm helps set a direction for the life of a follower. Take time today to evaluate where you are in your daily walk. Pray that God will lead you in your walk today and always. Day 6: Psalm 23 The best loved of all the psalms directs our daily walk with God as a shepherd leads his sheep. Have you

learned to trust God to lead you daily in all of your actions? Pray that you can become as obedient as a sheep to his shepherd. Day 7: John 14:1-6 Jesus takes time to give his disciples the great promise of His preparation for them. Do we remember and

accept that the promise is for all who believe on the name of Jesus. Pray that you will have a greater love for fellow Christians and their daily problems.

Day 8: Matthew 6:27-34 Jesus takes time to address our worries in this passage. We are reminded that those who seek His

kingdom will have the promise of His eternal care. Pray and thank God for His eternal and personal care for you.

Day 9: Philippians 2:5-11 Paul reminds the Philippians and us that one day every knee will bow. But for many that acknowledgment

will come too late. We have the joy of knowing Jesus and His great promises to us. Pray that you will always remember to thank Him for the special promises He has made to you. What good will we be if we do not know to be prepared to follow our true leader? Pray to better understand who Jesus is and how we can be more like Him. Day 10: Luke 10:25-28

One of the great challenges of the Bible is the call to love each other. In this passage and the verses around it, Jesus really reveals who He is and what it takes to be like him. Are you up to the challenge today to love

the unlovable? Pray that you can learn to love the unlovable. Day 11: Galatians 6:1-5

Could it be that we are our brother’s keeper? At least Paul tells us we are to bear each other’s burdens. Who can you lift up as you go through your day? Pray that God will lead you to a person that you can life up and help. Day 12: I Corinthians 13:1-13

We know this as the love chapter. In reality, it relates that the most important thing we can do for our fellow man is to share our love. What difference will you make today? Pray that we can learn to adequately reflect God’s love.

Day 13: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Paul takes time to deal even with our weaknesses. When we feel we cannot face the day, Paul reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient to cover these. What a savior to follow! Give God thanks for His sufficient grace. Day 14: I Corinthians 15:53-58

We are reminded that even death cannot defeat the believer. Jesus has overcome death and will take care

of us. So we can be bold, steadfast, and immovable as we follow Him. Pray for His special strength in our walk with Him. Day 15: I Corinthians 3:18-23

The world thinks it has the answers to all things, however, that way of thinking is foolishness to the mind

of God. We become wise when we know the Son of God. Pray that God will fill you with His true wisdom.

Day 16: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Once we know Christ, we are like a new person. He lives in us and we live in Him. Give thanks that someone loved us enough to tell us of Jesus.

Men are to rise up and move into action for their Lord; accept the challenge! Day 17: Psalm 84:1-4

We find great support in knowing we are the Lord’s. As we dwell in His house, we also long to bring others along. Give thanks for those you will have the joy of bringing into God’s kingdom.

Day 18: Psalm 107:1-3 Because we are redeemed, we are proud to share that message wherever we go. Give special thanks that God loved us enough to give His Son. Day 19: Psalm 121 The psalmist that composed this song knew how the challenges that are faced in our daily walk with God.

He reminds us that no matter how difficult the journey, God is there all the time. Pray and lift your eyes to the heavens from where your Godly help comes.

Day 20: Psalm 124:1-5

How blessed we are to have the Lord on our side. Without Him we could never face the trails of the world. Pray for His grace in the problems you face today. Day 21: Colossians 3:1-4 If you are raised up with Him through salvation, you will know that He walks daily with you. Pray for a powerful daily walk with Jesus. Day 22: Ephesians 2:1-6

Although we were once dead in sin, through His forgiveness we will be raised up to be seated with Him. That promise sends us to the world with His message of love. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving that you will be seated with Him.

Day 23: I Peter 1-7

His mercy for us gives a living hope that one day we will rise up with Him. We need to praise Him for His great love and share that praise to the world. Pray and thank God for His promise of eternal life with Him. The time has come to spread His word to all nations. That time is more critical for our generation and nation than ever before. Can we stand up as men to spread God’s word to the lost? Day 24: Mark 16:15-20

Jesus gives a charge to all believers to go and share the gospel. That message is a vital part of our commitment as we accept Him as our Lord. How are you managing that commitment? Pray that you will continuously commit your life totally to God.

Day 25: Luke 5:1-10

Jesus approached His fishermen at the point they knew best. Put out and drop your net for a catch. They were surprised at the large number of fish they caught. But Jesus had a new surprise, in the future it will be men

they catch for His kingdom. Pray that God will make you a special leader of men in your church.

Day 26: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus was teaching the disciples about going out into their community with the Gospel message. We can learn how to approach others in our communities with the same message. Pray for a special ability to deal with lost people. Day 27: John 15:1-8I Jesus begins to teach about how to bear fruit. He reminds us that if we do not work to bear fruit that we really don’t serve a purpose in the Kingdom. He really gives us our marching orders. Pray that you can bear special fruit for God today.

Day 28: Acts 1:4-8 It was time for the real power. We are told it will come from the Holy Spirit. What a blessing that Jesus

sent Him into the world to be our comfort and support. Pray special thanks for the power of the Spirit in your life. Day 29: Acts 5:12-16

When we understand the message and share it in good faith, it will bear results. A result comes not in our expertise but the power of the message. We should never be afraid of our inability to witness. God will bless any

effort Pray that you will have the courage to be a personal witness. Day 30: I Corinthians 1:17-25

Although the Message of the cross may seem foolish to some, for those who have found salvation, that Message speaks loud and clear. Can we neglect giving away this Message in our daily touch with the world? Pray that God will richly bless and lead you as you witness.

Mississippi Baptist Convention Board

Men’s Ministry Department

Don Gann, Director

PO Box 530

Jackson, MS 39205-0530