Focus '09 Men's Gathering

I recently attended Focus '09 at Bible World Church, pastored by Rev. Jack Cunningham in Chesapeake, VA. It was awesome, to say the least. Pastor Robert Mitchell and Pastor Robert Eaby did an outstanding job communicating the Word to us. The Spirit of the Lord was so strong as it swept across the audience of united men of faith. Fellowshipping together was powerful. Thank you, Pastor Cunningham and BWC Men's Ministry (lead by Brother Bob Edwards). It was a great blessing to me personally.


Here at Grace we have been in the pre-launching phase of what we are calling "Fusion," a small group ministry. Our purpose is to create a closer community within Grace and minister in a deeper way to our church family. We are going to start with the basics groups: Married Couples, Women, Students, Men and Spanish. I am going to take the lead to begin with our Men's Ministry, simply because I see a big need to have strong spiritual men in our church.


Gearing up for our launch I have read several articles in my research . The following are some excerpts from some of those articles. Enjoy!


Men need a safe environment to avail male friendships.

Men have valuable spiritual gifts to offer the local church.

Men need something worthwhile to do and something meaningful to look forward to.

Men are hungry for God.

Men need authentic brotherhood in Christ.

Men need a spiritual mentor to provide a positive role model.

Men need to be accountable to one another

Men need to take responsibility and deal with personal issues.

Men need to learn how to serve.

Men are searching for significance.


Develop an environment for growth.


Surveying hundreds of men regarding how spiritual formation happens in their lives, a couple of basic principles about their small groups stand out to me.

• Men need safety/confidentiality. There is a sign above the Milwaukee Brewers locker room that reads, "What you hear and see here, stays here." Leaders must cultivate this utterly confidential environment in their groups to ensure that trust is preserved. Trust is very hard to regain when broken.
  
• Men want to be challenged. Men are sick and tired of sitting around talking about sports, the stock market, and the weather. Man after man has stated they want to be challenged to go deep. Leaders must not be bashful about asking for big commitments to vulnerability and deep sharing in their groups. Men want it.
  
• Men love action. A great deal of spiritual growth is going to happen in the field, by participating in the game. By getting them involved in the community – on projects and mission trips –men are put into a place of spiritual dependence and growth.
  
• Make it relevant. Men need help dealing with realities of where they live day to day. They are not generally captivated by the 23 different views of the Second Coming. Sermons and small group material should use illustrations from their world and be applicable to their lives.
  
• Men need encouragement. This world beats men up all day long. Let the small group be a sanctuary, a place of acceptance and encouragement, and they will be fueled to new heights in their walk with Jesus.

Yesterday at Grace

What a powerful, anointed gathering at Grace! From the first note the Spirit of the Lord was present. I love when God shows up and we are able to soak in His presence. Our Associate Pastor, Berry Sossoman preached a wonderful message. Subject: A Divine Interruption. he shared that when our attitude gets way out line that God steps in and allows a Divine Interruption in our life to get our attention back on Him and where it needs to be. Pastor Berry spoke of the present economy could be/is a Divine Interruption to put our faith in Him and not ourselves. To bring revival to ourselves, our churches and our nation.

We don't like to think that God brings bad things on us to make us suffer and he doesn't. However, he does allow things to come our way to test us, put us back in check. Those things come not to destroy us, but to sharpen us. Increase our skill set in faith. It does not matter what we go through as long as we make heaven. Thank you Pastor Berry Sossoman for an anointed message to make sure we continue to live right and keeping it real.

Christmas 2008

I love the Holidays! Christmas is a great time if the year. It is a time of remembering the reason we celebrate, the Birth of Christ. That moment in Bethlehem was a powerful moment. At that moment the process of salvation for the human race began.

Christmas is also a great time to be with family and friends. Good food is also a wonderful part. It is also a time to give to others that are in need. When we give of ourselves we fulfill the scriptures and that will always brings a blessing. This giving to others always makes us feel very good about ourselves. Knowing that you have done something to make someone else's day a little better, well, it's a wonderful feeling. Christmas can be anytime of the year because giving can be done anytime of the year. See what you can do about giving to others and find out how good it makes you feel.

My love to all,
Pastor Snyder