Summoned By Jesus

As the Lord has led me, two simple ideas came to my mind that I believe will bring new life and new fire to men and to our churches.

First is the idea of ‘fellowship trips’…where two, three, four, or five men ride or get together to go and pray for specific areas…perhaps the town hall, the county seat, the state capital, our country, a local church, a widow, a homeless shelter or any place of need as led by the Holy Spirit. (Weekly or monthly as the Lord leads.) As they travel together, they seek the Lord; share their lives and experiences together; they testify, confess, repent, and pray for & encourage one another to draw close to the Lord; seek to define & divide the difference between worldly macho-ism and spiritual manliness: uphold and uplift one another; discuss how to be more Christ-like and embrace and blend the characteristics of a ‘Mighty God’, ‘Wonderful Counselor’, ‘Everlasting Father’, and ‘Prince of Peace’; and seek & discuss ways to help their local church. They begin to blend, unite, have greater focus, and to be about their Father’s business. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.” (see also Jer 29: 12-14 and Psalm 133:1.) <Though this idea may seem incredibly simple, here are a few thoughts to consider: ‘God uses the simple things of this world to confound the wise and David used a simple slingshot to take down a giant.>

Next: coming out of the valley of dry bones. (See Ezekiel chapter 37.) Most men in the churches these days are pew warmers. They are faithful to come to church every week but their purpose is for personal edification, to be enriched by some of God’s word, for fellowship, or just because their wife wants them to. But the vast majority of men are not actively pursuing God or involved in work for the church. Most praying activity in the church is by and through women. Men have become stagnant. And for many years our unrighteous society has been emasculating men. Men have lost their savor. We men are not the salt and light God has called us to be. It is time to let God breathe on us and to come alive again. Fellowship trips, as mentioned above, will help promote this. But then, men should take a much more active role in their church. Identifying gifts in men and using the five fold ministry, men should plan to supplement the church’s activities. To come alongside the church and its pastor. However, this should be mature-men driven, not pastor driven (but with his support, approval, and encouragement) preparing a men’s time once a week before church (or as the Holy Spirit leads.) A para-ministry. The <suggested> primary framework of the men’s <90 min.> time would be: testimony; short teaching; church-maintenance work; encouragement; fellowship; and prayer. It would be especially designed to invite and encourage young men (either in age or maturity in the Lord) to come and to grow.

This concept begins to utilize most men of the church. It begins to explain, develop and encourage the role of men as defined by God. It begins to give clarity to young men’s lives. It makes new disciples. It begins to foster cohesiveness and excitement within the church.

And throughout the process, women can (and will) be praying for the men’s activities. They will naturally move toward, and gravitate to, the role that God has ordained for them: to be the helpmate, ally, supporter and completor of the man.

The entire process will enliven the church. It will ignite new fire and draw the presence of the Lord…and draw new members. Successful activities by one church could be shared to others. Denominational walls and barriers will begin to diminish.

Dry Bones will come alive and become an ‘exceedingly great army.’