“But also look ahead: I’m sending Elijah the prophet to clear the way for the Big Day of God—the decisive Judgment Day! He will convince parents to look after their children and children to look up to their parents. If they refuse, I’ll come and put the land under a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6 – The Message
Why is Men’s Ministry Catalyst so passionate about helping churches create vibrant ministries to men? What are the trends among men that create the need to rally men of faith to stand-up and be counted?
The words of the apostle Paul ring loudly every day of my ministry life: Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Cor. 16:13). Recent studies testify that too many men are disengaged with the church and their faith.
Today, we praise God for the opportunity to be one of the most experienced men’s organizations in this country that is dedicated to “calling men out”. Statistics tell us that ministries like MMC are needed more than ever. Over 61% of the people filling church pews on Sunday are women. Over 60% of the children in America will go to bed this evening without a biological father in the home. It is over 80% in the inner-city areas.
Too many men believe the Christian Church is not relevant. Research also shows that men are struggling in many areas of their personal lives with depression, despair, loneliness, pornography, deception, debt, and feel spiritually empty. Our culture and lifestyle continue to ask for more from men without regard to a man’s dedication to their faith or family. Many of us have problems saying “enough is enough”.
As in the days of Malachi and David, we need to “call out” men. There needs to be a wake-up call to the male gender. Upon King David’s death bed, he gave Solomon his son a message that we need to hear today. And let’s hope that God fearing men will not forget the instruction like Solomon did.
When David was about to die, he called his son Solomon and gave him his last instructions: “My time to die has come. Be confident and determined, and do what the Lord your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands, as written in the Law of Moses, so that wherever you go you may prosper in everything you do. If you obey Him, the Lord will keep the promise He made when He told me that my descendants would rule Israel as long as they were careful to obey his commands faithfully with all their heart and soul.” 1 Kings 2:1-4 – The Good News Translation
God wants Christ-loving men to embrace our families, our nation, and our world. Let’s amplify the words of the song written decades ago as a rally call to men: “Rise Up O Men of God”. Men’s Ministry Catalyst continues to passionately work with churches, men’s groups, families, and retreat centers to help men better understand what biblical manhood looks like. We desire to help build intentional leaders who really know God and make Him known. Our resources and books are designed to equip men with a spiritual suit of armor to face the arrows from those who seek to kill, steal, and destroy.
Thank you for supporting and praying for our work. We feel His presence and your encouragement.
Personal Application:
Are you or someone you know struggling with some of the issues identified in the message?
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Gal. 2:20-21
How could you better inspire and equip those men in your life who are struggling with faith issues and spiritual warfare? (Luke 2:46, Acts 5:34) What about some of our resources found on our website at www.mensministrycatalyst.org that can equip you to be a spiritual mentor.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.