Discipling Men in the Local Church

Brothers in Christ,

Let me begin with the testimony of an older saint named Michael Hyatt.  Mike recently posted on Facebook the following word of encouragement/perspective- “I’m not exaggerating when I say reading changed my life. What started as a childhood hobby became a lifetime obsession. Not only did my insatiable reading habit eventually lead me to become CEO of Thomas Nelson, one of the largest publishing houses in the world, but it allowed me to learn early on how important it was to become a lifetime learner. I can honestly tell you that reading is one of THE MOST effective ways to achieve personal and professional growth. Now, I won’t lie. It’s not always easy to know which books are actually worth your time. And unless you’re in publishing (or a full time pastor), you probably don’t have hours to spend pouring over pages to find the best resources…..”

The goal of men’s leadership training and development is to pick some of the very best Christian resources related to important BIBLICAL subjects, and to come together once a month as men, and encourage one another to think, speak, and live biblically. Every New Testament passage that talks about biblical growth drips with sanctified sweat. It’s why we’re called “to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness” and “to work out our salvation with fear and trembling” and to “take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ” and “contend earnestly for the faith” “and to passionately guard the deposit of sound doctrine.” These are God’s Words to his Church (not the opinion of man). By Divine design, men are uniquely called to be spiritual leaders. The Sr. Pastor should be heavily invested in this process "until Christ is formed in you."

A number of good thoughts, observations, and questions have come in during and after our first nine sessions of Men’s Leadership Track 1. Let me try and highlight a few of them:

1) Leaders are readers. But not all men gravitate towards reading. Some men are exceptionally gifted when it comes to working with their hands! PTL for that. We all don’t have the same skill set.

Just a little history- the men’s leadership ministry that I implemented last year was originally put together by a veteran pastor in another state. His discipleship efforts yielded wonderful fruit in the life of his local church. I’ve tweaked what this godly man does (and what many other like-minded pastors have done in different places) to try and meet the pressing needs of THIS particular congregation.

Unlike LCBC, in a previous church context most of the men I led were blue collar guys. Hunters and farmers and factory workers…. Manly men who (in general) did not read much beyond the newspaper… I told them that I know with God’s help and a little accountability/encouragement you guys will be able to read 4-5 sanctifying books over the course of 10 months. Seven years later the vast majority of blue collar men had read 30+ books… 

Now I can hear someone say- “Pastor, knowledge alone PUFFETH UP.” That’s so true… But the Lord who created our amazing brains uses biblical instruction/doctrine/truth to move our religious affections, to deepen our core convictions, and to help us become better Christ-glorifying churchmen, husbands, fathers, deacons, elders, members, etc. That’s the heartbeat of this ministry. Read through 1-2 Timothy this week and you’ll see what a heavy premium the Holy Spirit places on sound doctrine and biblical instruction. The early church in Acts 2:42 is said to have “DEVOTED THEMSELVES to the apostles doctrine…..” as should we.

2) I don’t think God is ever going to call me to be an elder or deacon, isn’t that the primary target of this ministry? If so, is it worth my time to be part of “Iron Men?” Those are great questions. Three things: 1) Yes, one of the goals of this ministry is to develop future leaders and to help current leaders become even more useful to the Lord (1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:2). Biblical and faithful lay leaders are the backbone of the local church. 2) Some of you men are so humble that you have no idea the great things God would like to do in and through you. When you study the 4 Gospels, who would have ever thought that 12 ordinary men (most of whom were “uneducated” fishermen) would be used to “turn the world upside down” for Christ!!! When I look into a room full of (FAT) F.aithful, A.vailable and T.eachable LCBC men I see loads of POTENTIAL. The father of modern missions Willam Carey said, “Except great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Amen and amen! 3) The class is broad enough to help any man become a more useful/biblical church member and to hopefully become an even better spiritual leader at home. However, this is not the only ministry under the banner of men’s ministries. Kim Benson leads a small group Bible Study. Tim Buege leads a monthly prayer meeting and is helping to coordinate QTRLY men’s breakfast gatherings (the next one is taking place this Saturday). Denny VanCleve put together a summer Bible study. And Mike Umlands leads a time of relationship building called “Geezers.” For a 200 person church we offer so many different ministries- in large part, because we have so many faithful lay people actively serving (1 Pet. 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 12-14).

Mentoring Men and Discipling Leaders

Men's Leadership and Discipleship 2018-19 @ LCBC

Fellow brothers in Christ,

One of the most exciting things I get to be a part of at LCBC is our men’s leadership training and discipleship ministry.  Few things energize me more than talking about the Christian life, doctrine, the local church, and things that matter most with like-minded believers…especially faithful men like you! 

As the Sr. Pastor of this wonderful fellowship this is one of the most important things that God calls me to do. This ministry flows directly out 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also;” and out of Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  One of the biblical roles of a pastor-shepherd is to help train, disciple, and equip leaders and future leaders.  Since biblical, male leadership in the home/local church is God’s design, this is a vital ministry at LCBC.

Based on many helpful comments and ideas from those who participated in Track 1 beginning September 15^th we are going to offer a Track 2A and a Track 2B.  Track 2A will be more in depth/intense with a special focus on elders/future elders.  Track 2B will be more deacon focused with less reading.  BOTH TRACKS will be biblical, theological, and practical.   After reading this note, praying, talking with your wife, please reach out to me if you’re not sure which Track to sign up for.

Leadership and I cannot emphasize enough just how important these once a month sessions are as we seek to implement a robustly biblical philosophy of ministry.  This ministry and everything we do at LCBC is based off of key texts such as Colossians 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:2; and Proverbs 27:17.  As you pray about whether or not God would have you sign up for Track 2 please consult these passages of Scripture. 

God made us (Gen. 1).  He brought us into this world and chose our specific gender.  He created men and women equal in dignity, value, personhood, and worth but He also created us with different roles.  As such, the LORD calls each of us to be examples in word and deed.  He calls men in particular to provide spiritual leadership in the home and in the church (Eph 5-6; 1 Tim 2:9-3:10).  Many of you have, or at some point will, serve in official deacon and/or elder capacities.  Others, will continue to serve and lead without ever functioning in one of these N.T. offices.  Either way, this discipleship ministry is foundational to the mission of LCBC.

To help you better understand the particulars of this year's super sessions allow me to briefly address 7 commonly asked questions:

1. How often do we meet?  Only once a month.  Generally on the third Saturday of the month from 7:00-10:30am.  Men are expected to read in preparation of each supper session (note 2018-19 calendar attachment- I’ll email you these attachments separately).

2. What will the sessions look like?  Our entire group will meet to discuss the 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding Theology resource.  We will break up into small groups to talk about practical applying R Kent Hughes’ classic, Disciplines of a Godly Man.  We will also break up one time into Track 2A and 2B to discuss group specific resources.  Pastor Caleb will lead the 2A guided discussion time and Pastor Kent will lead the Track 2b guided discussion time.

3. Why are you utilizing biblical resources?  Shouldn’t we just study the Bible?  The value of any Christian resource is determined in so much that the author is rightly interpreting and applying the Word of God.  These are supplemental resources written by faithful believers/teachers.  The Apostle Paul himself utilized such resources as is seen in 2 Timothy 4:13.  The meat and potatoes of LCBC is our expository pulpit.  This ministry is not intended to replace one’s personal bible time, rather, it should supplement it.  We will compare everything we read and study against the perfect Revelation of Scripture “to see if these things be so.”  The teaching in these books flows out of the doctrine and application that is in Scripture.

4. Tell me more about the resources that we will be using this year?  Both Track 2A and Track 2b will study-  Disciplines of a Godly Man and 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding Theology.  The first resource flows out of Paul’s command in 1 Timothy 4:7-8a and highlights the discipline of purity, marriage, friendships, prayer, worship, integrity, prayer, and ministry (to name but a few things).  The second resource flows out of 1 Timothy 3:15, Jude 3, and 1 Peter 3:15.  The local church is called to the pillar and buttress of Divine truth.  Each one of us is called to be defend the faith (Jude 3; 1 Peter 3:15).  As such, it’s important that we know what we believe and why we believe it.

Men’s Leadership Training and Discipleship

A year ago a large percentage of men from our beloved congregation at Lake Country Bible Church prayerfully decided to make a commitment to Track 1 of a new Men’s Leadership Training and Discipleship ministry.  The basis of this ministry flows out of many passages of Scripture.  Such as 2 Timothy 2:2, And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  Matthew 28:18-20, ...teach them to observe all that I commanded you; and Colossians 1:28, .... that we may present every man mature in Christ- to name but a few texts.

The specific goal(s) of this ministry was to encourage each brother to be God's kind of man.  A man of the Word and of prayer.  A doctrinally sound member.  A courageous churchman. And for many of us, more exemplary husbands.  Faithful lay leaders are the backbone of any local church.

We have now come to the final stretch of this mini-Marathon. Saturday is our final session before “summer break.” I am asking the Holy Spirit to help these dear brothers to finish strong and to not take a seat on the final lap.

Recommended Resources for Future Church Leaders and Pastors in Training

Photo Credit: Christianity Today

A young man in our local church ministry recently asked for a list of recommended resources for future church leaders and/or pastors in training.  Here are the books/helps I recommended: 

I would begin with Hermeneutics as it is the foundation of everything.  Abner Chou’s newest book is a must read.   The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers: Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles.  Read Roy B. Zuck’s Basic Bible Interpretation book and then end with DA Carson’s “Exegetical Fallacies.”  If you eventually add any Greek or Hebrew you will want to then read Kaiser’s Towards an Exegetical Driven Theology.  All of Abner Chou’s lectures on the textual flaws of the “Christocentric hermeneutic” or of “the Redemptive-Historical” hermeneutic are invaluable.

OT Survey-  Eugune Merrill’s Kingdom of Priests; Walt Kaiser’s The Promise Plan of God, and Merrill’s The World and the Word are foundational resources.  For extra credit read Gleason Archer’s A Survey of the Old Testament: An Introduction.

NT Survey- Donald Guthrie’s NT Introduction;  F.F. Bruces NT History; and Tom Schreiner’s Magnifying God in Christ: A Summary of NT Theology.

Systematic Theology- Wayne Grudem- Systematic Theology (you know where we differ); MacArthur/Mayhue- Biblical Doctrine; Michael Vlach- Has the Church Replaced Israel?  Matt Waymeyer- Amillennialism and the Age to Come.

Greek/Hebrew- This should be done via Mounce or with someone who is a likeminded linguist and who offers on line videos/classroom lectures, etc.

Iron Men resumes this Saturday at LCBC

Men,

I hope you enjoy some quality time with your ‘Valentine’ last night (or sometime this week) in the spirit of striving to be an “Exemplary Husband.” As we talked about during Sunday School may we encourage our wife and kids with at least one thing each and every day.

After two months off from men’s leadership class it is time to get back to work. God allowing, I hope to see you this Saturday at 7 am.

You have now had a few months to read and to get all caught up on any missed chapters. For those wondering why you should keep up with your reading assignments as well as completing your "Exemplary Husband" notebook, let me offer up the following list:

1) Because you signed up knowing what you were getting into and are all men of very high character.

 The Bible says, “let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no.” As Christians our word is our bond.  You said "yes, sign me up for this."  Enough said.

2) Because the reading will reinforce important biblical principles which will deepen your personal convictions. 

 A man once said, If you have courage, you will influence people based on your convictions. If you lack courage, you will influence people based on your comfort zones. Courage will take you anywhere God is leading you. Without courage, you will only do/go what you are comfortable doing. Joshua 1:8-9.

3) Because effective leaders are disciplined readers. 

 It as simple as this: We cannot offer what we don’t have/know. We can’t provide sound biblical counsel if our spiritual wells are shallow or dry. Come therefore let us reason together.

4) Because these books have been handpicked to help us better understand what Christ wants from His Church and His people. 

 Special attention is given to what God’s kind of man looks like in his own home and within His own local church setting.

Men's Leadership Training and Discipleship

2017-18 LCBC Men's Leadership 

Once a month a band of brothers gathers together for fellowship, biblical instruction, and small group time.

This Saturday we hope to come together for super session #4.

Our men will have read chapters 6-7 in Steve Lawson's "Made In Our Image: What Shall we do with a 'User-Friendly' god?"  Chapters 5-6 of MacArthur's, "the Master's Plan for the Church."  Chapters 7-8 in Stuart Scott's, "The Exemplary Husband (plus the workbook)."  And chapter 6 of Timothy Witmare's "The Shepherd-Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church."

Please pray that God would use this ministry to make us more Christ-like leaders and more faithful men of God.  Ephesians 3:21

These Entrust to Faithful Men, Who Will Be Able to Teach Others Also!

Lake Country Bible Men's Leadership- Track 1

The response to our men's leadership training and discipleship ministry at Lake Country Bible Church has been humbling and overwhelming both in terms of sheer quantity and in view of spiritual quality. Here is how you can partner with us in prayer.

In our opening super session I asked our band of brothers a series of questions.  A) Such as:  What are you guys thinking with regards to personal expectations and goals?  B) What do you hope to get out of these men’s leadership training and discipleship sessions?  C) Why did you sign-up?  D) Why this investment of sleep, time, and money?  E) In your estimation, what would a successful “class” look like?

Here is how the class answered.  I am confident these desires are of the Lord because they reflect the biblical ideals of Scripture.  Please join in praying that God would accomplish these 12 requests in the spirit of Col. 1:29; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; and Phil. 2:12-13.

1) We want to enjoy deeper fellowship with other brothers in Christ and to develop spiritual comradery.

2) We want to grow in the knowledge of God.

3) We want the Spirit to revive our hearts and to give us a deeper passion for Christ and a greater burden for lost souls.

4) We want the Lord to raise up another generation of Godly, Word-driven, Shepherd-leaders (organically).

5) We want to grow spiritually.

6) We want the Lord to strengthen our marriages and our families.  We want to learn what it means to be “exemplary husbands” that we might truly love our wives as the Lord Jesus Christ calls me to (per Eph. 5:22-33).

7) We hope to receive loving correction (Gal 6) in an individual way via our small group time.

"As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another"

Iron Men Begins September 23rd

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

The role of a biblical pastor is compromised of three essential tasks:

1) Preaching/teaching/feeding;

2) Leadership/biblical oversight;

3)Shepherding/discipleship/counseling.

In many ways the backbone of the church is compromised of mature, Word-centered, Spirit-filled, lay leaders.  Churches that go astray almost always have immature men at the helm.

By Divine design men are called to be spiritual leaders at home and within society at large. God also calls us to be Christ-like churchmen.

For as long as I have been a Senior Pastor men's leadership training and development has been top priority of mine. Please pray for us we seek to grow in our personal walk with the Lord, understand more clearly the Master's plan for His church, and grow in our discernment of what is the right and wrong direction to lead the Lord's people.  Our first super session will begin on September 23.  Please contact me for more detailed information.