Men Provoking Men - in Love

Please... people... Enough with the endless "Derek's shirking on his blog" complaints. Sheesh... This has been one monster of a busy week. Leading a men's event in Atlanta last weekend; then (just a few moments ago) completing another at Camp Cedarkirk; plus lots of writing in between in preparation for the big October vacation.

Overall, with my earlier visit to Seven Springs, this has been one of my busiest speaking months to date. In a way, exhausting, but without a doubt very worthwhile. I'm honestly a little disappointed that it's over. Writing is one thing, getting feedback and touching lives from all over the planet is quite a rush. But, there's honestly nothing quite comparable to standing in front of a room full of people and sharing a message I'm passionate about and that becomes more and more interactive as the event moves on.

This weekend was no exception. The group from Hyde Park Presbyterian church were open-hearted and gracious to a man. We talked about the critical importance of taking our general desire to move forward spiritually, and then adding the decision to take a deliberate step in the direction of being an active disciple of Jesus.

What a strong core-group of men! I am convinced that one of the most under-resourced demographics in the average church is men in their 30's 40's and 50's. Here's my theory: bring a few small-groups of these guys together, purely for spiritual formation and discipleship, and then witness what power is unleashed in the local congregation.

Imagine 25-50 such men charged up spiritually in a medium-sized church. Guys committed to a faith-walk that has a profound impact on every moment of every day!

I'm imagining it right now! I'm praying for it. I'm praying for the men of Hyde Park Presbyterian, and the men here at First Brandon.

Won't you join me?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur/provoke one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another (Hebrews 10)...