Fishing in the Fog
It was a cold December morning in the San Francisco Bay area. As my fishing buddy, Rick, and I arrived at the marina, I commented that it was going to be a challenge to see many birds diving for baitfish with the heavy fog conditions. After launching, I reassured him...
Men Who Fish
One approach to better understanding terms like disciple is to look into the biblical text and to review the historical and cultural context in which Christ’s command to make disciples was made. It was no coincidence that Jesus picked eight fishermen to be among His...
Priorities for a Father
Our nation continues to move toward what is known as a “fatherless society.” One-third of children are born out of wedlock; twenty-four million kids don’t live with their biological fathers half of all marriages end in divorce. Fatherlessness is a...
Show and Tell
Too often we get caught up in feeling that we need more education, more study, more teaching, more, more, more. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He was giving them a lesson in being the servant of servants. He didn’t tell them what to do; He showed...
Sports Ministries and the Church
It should never be forgotten that true ministry is not about slick programs or clever approaches. It’s about discipleship and relationship building, with the ultimate goal being to reach an unsaved population with the Good News. To be eternally effective, the...
Friendship Is Part of God’s Plan
Beyond the obvious social value, friendship comes from the heart of our loving God. God made mankind for fellowship—first with Him, then with one another. One of the things that sets humans apart from other creatures is the physical ability of language. Language is...
The Epitaph
When Jesus commanded His disciples to count the cost of discipleship, He was effectively asking them to consider what their epitaph might be, what memorial words might be written on their gravestone. This is intended to be a short but precise description of a...
Using Story: A Bridge to the Unsaved
I had the opportunity to excel in fishing and hunting. As a Hall of Fame fisherman and record-book archer, I’ve been around the world on various fishing and hunting excursions. Over thirty-three years ago, through the encouragement of another of my mentors, I...
God’s Perspective on Life’s Journey
The Old Testament prophet Elijah was a man who felt deeply. Despite his tremendous victory with God on Mount Carmel, he later allowed himself to be influenced by those who were attacking him. It was at Carmel that the prophet used the power of God to help put down the...
What Keeps Us From Biblical Discipleship?
By their nature, most men see themselves as rescuers, protectors, providers, leaders, warriors, and fixers. Men typically avoid involving themselves in any activity that presents even the slightest potential for failure. Men tend to measure life by how successful they...
Fortitude
When I think of people who have fortitude, my attention immediately goes to men who show unexpected courage, moxie, staying power, and guts. One of my favorite stories that speaks of a humble man who had enormous fortitude was the reformer Martin Luther. In April...
Why Men Go to Church
The good news is that men desperately need what only a loving, nurturing, and Christ-centered church can offer. Through the ministry of the church, the following needs of a man can be met: To know God and really feel His unconditional love (Rom. 1:20) To find rest for...
Transformation of the Carnal Man
What is it that a mature Christian can do to help our brothers find the joy and peace in their lives that transform them into the likeness of Christ? The carnal nature of every man wants to rule. We have such difficulty letting go and letting God. By our nature we are...
Doing Effective Ministry To Men
Effectiveness requires intentionally using the time and resources necessary to develop and maintain a dynamic ministry to men. A group of guys meeting at a local diner once a week for Bible study does not constitute a vibrant men’s ministry. Sponsoring a monthly...
The Blueprint
Disciples are change agents willing to model Christ in every aspect of their lives. In order to do this, they need ministry leaders who are being transformed into spiritual mentors.
A Word to Mentors
When life deals us a lousy hand, and important relationships seem without hope, we need to reflect upon some of God’s promises and encouragement. As mentors, we have a host of fulfilled promises and events from God’s Word what can help encourage someone needing help.
Man Overboard!
Ask the Lord if there is someone who needs your hand to pull him on board. It might take some sacrifice, but there’s a life at stake.