Just a Little Blue Book - Break the Cycle The Pat Morley story 9 The power of an historic book of devotions 5
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Volume 12 • Number 2 Spring 2009 Just a Little Blue Book The power of an historic book of devotions 5 Break the Cycle The Pat Morley story 9
A letter from the General Secretary
Weakness is Strength
By David Adams
contents
UM Men Spring 2009
Vol. 12, No. 2 Spring 2009
Copyright © 2009
The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient General Commission on United Methodist Men FEATURES
for you, for power is made perfect in UMMen magazine is published 5 Just a little blue book
weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly four times a year, winter, spring, 9 Break the cycle
summer and fall by GCUMM: 12 Why the church fails to reach young
of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ General Commission on United Methodist Men people
may dwell in me. –– 2 Corinthians 12:9 1000 17th Ave. S.
P.O. Box 340006
14 Largest group of UM Men may be located
Nashville, TN 37203-0006 in Louisiana prison
B
efore assuming the position Then God spoke to me through the (615) 340-7145 15 United Methodist Men go to prison
Internet address: http://www.gcumm.org 16 Volunteers in mission say experience
of general secretary in June of Apostle Paul saying “My grace is sufficient
changed their lives
2006, I was serving as a pastor in for you, for power is made perfect in Publisher: David Adams 17 Self assessment questions
Lynchburg, Tenn. Our congregation had weakness.” I remembered my daughter’s Editor: Richard Peck 18 Bikers rumble to church
grown from 70 to 150 in worship in three favorite verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do Contributing Editors: Larry Coppock 21 Discipleship on Steroids
years. I loved being there; life was simple all things through Christ who strengthens Larry Malone 24 Fixing the broken American male
and good. me.” Then the words of Matthew 19:26 Editorial Assistant: Martha Davis 26 Where men are men
came to me: “For mortals it is impossible, Graphic Design: Parris Printing 27 Forget about retirement
Change of Address:
While sitting in my office one day I but for God all things are possible.” I Send the mailing label with your new address to: 28 Across the Nation
received a video clip on the life of Billy began to realize that I was not the one UMMen 34 Georgia Church’s scouting program
Graham. I was awed by all he had who would accomplish anything, but God P.O. Box 340006 reaches over 250 families
Nashville, TN 37203-0006
accomplished and the responsibility he through me. “Jesus is the perfecter of our (615) 340-7145
DAD’S ZONE
assumed representing Christ in the world. faith (Hebrew 12:2).” Allow six weeks for changes.
36 Make Father’s Day last all year
Then I started thinking about my new role Advertising: Contact Richard Peck 37 Teach your children good manners
as head of the General Commission on Thinking from a perspective of weakness, P.O. Box 340006
UM Men. I was humbled by the thought the mission to impact men for the church Nashville, TN 37203-0006 DOLLARS & SENSE
(615) 620-7264
of leading a ministry that was responsible is insurmountable. From the biblical e-mail: rpeck@gcumm.org 38 Auto repairs, mechanics, and extended
for 35,000 churches in the United States perspective, we all receive inspiration and warranties
and thousands more outside the U.S. I encouragement that God wants us to be The publishing of advertising in UMMen does
was overcome with emotion because I had bold and courageous. He wants us to be not constitute endorsement by UMMen, MENS HEALTH
General Commission on United Methodist Men
no idea how this could be accomplished. His ambassadors and to draw upon Him or The United Methodist Church. Advertisers
40 You can mentor a person with disabilities
With only an eight-member staff and for strength. So we will boast all the more and their agencies assume liability for all content
of advertisements printed or representations
a limited budget, the task seemed gladly of our weaknesses, so that the made therein. 43 MENS NEWS
overwhelming. power of Christ may dwell in us. 46 SCOUTING NEWS
Subscription: Subscriptions are $25 a year
(4 issues). Bulk subscriptions available. 50 FOUNDATION NEWS
As I was struggling with this impossible Send check or money order to:
situation, I began questioning whether I Editor’s note: This magazine includes articles from
UMMen
was the right person for the job. I thought Subscription Fulfillment individuals who hold diverse opinions. We hope all
P.O. Box 440515
of my weaknesses and how unprepared Nashville, TN 37244-0515 articles are thought provoking; they are not necessarily
I was and whether I was up to the (615) 340-7145 the opinions of the General Commission on UM Men.
challenge.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture
contained herein is from The New Revised
The purpose of United Methodist Men is to help men grow in Christ so others can know Christ. Standard Version. Copyright 1989, 1995.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 3
Just a Little Blue Book
from the editor
See you this July in Nashville! By Colonel Thomas S. Clark III
C
ompared to Fame; Steve
I
most of you, Hornbeak, was first introduced to the Strength possession of my wife’s grandmother,
I’m a newbie to a veteran of for Service to God and Country (SFS) Maggie Belle Crenshaw, but the
National Gatherings of the Tonight book of daily devotions in the late Crenshaw family has
UM Men. Show and 1980s. My wife, Amelia, gave me an a rich military history
I’ve only been to the David original edition, which had belonged to dating back to the
Purdue twice. Some of Letterman her grandmother. At the time, I was a American Revolution.
you have made quadrennial trips to that Show; Sheltered Reality, a percussion first lieutenant in the Marine Corps and I speculate that it was
West Lafayette campus eight or more group of young people from across had just received my wings as a naval actually owned by my
times. America; and long-time favorites Paul aviator. Being an avid reader with an wife’s grandfather,
If I have fond memories of a speech Saik, Richard Alegria, and the Mighty interest in antique books, the book had Tom Crenshaw, who
by Bill McCartney, former Colorado Male Chorus from Newark, N.J. a certain appeal. was a newspaper
University coach (my alma mater), you A planning committee has selected Published in 1942 with a now man in Columbia,
must have dozens of such memories. an outstanding slate of speakers faded blue hardback cover, the book S.C. Though he
But this year, we all have an including, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung; Dr. was in average condition for its age. never served in the
opportunity to be pioneers. Patrick Morley; the Rev. Kevass Harding; The binding was intact but loose. The military, Tom dedicated his life
In the future we can all claim to Bishop William Morris; and Dr. Reginald pages were aged and slightly yellowed to public service.
have been present at the first National Ponder. This issue offers you a sneak with numerous notes in the margins. The book eventually came into
Gathering of UM Men to be held in preview of what you can expect when Pat The inside of the front cover bore no my wife’s possession and she passed
Nashville. Morley jumps to the stage of Belmont’s inscription, but someone had obviously it along to me. The book went
I’ve had the joy of living in eight Curb Event Center, site of the 2008 used it routinely. The book had a slight with me during my first operational
states (Colorado, Wyoming, Rhode presidential debate (see page 9). musty odor frequently experienced deployment aboard USS Coral Sea
Island, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, For the first time a nationally known in old bookstores. All in all, not a in 1989; however, it didn’t get much
Pennsylvania and Tennessee), and I can comedian will tie it all together. Brad very noteworthy addition to what I use. In retrospect, opening it and
tell you what I like about each state. But, Stine, a comedian who has appeared envisioned to be a growing personal contemplating its contents certainly
if I had to pick a state to host the national on HBO, A&E, Fox, CNN, MTV and collection of antique books. would have encouraged me. Had I done
gathering, it would be Tennessee. Showtime, will served as the master of My initial assessment, however, so, I probably would have handled my
Nashville hosts more United Methodist ceremonies, so laugher will be the first could not have been further from the first experiences with overseas military
agencies than any other city in America. and last order of each day. truth. As the years passed, I became service quite differently.
It’s also easier to get to Nashville than We haven’t even talked about the very attached to that small blue book. In Likewise, the book traveled with me to
West Lafayette and there’s waaaaay more three workshops, twenty-five seminars fact, it became a permanent companion Shaik Isa, Bahrain for Operation Desert
to do after you arrive. and three outreach experiences, nor in my daily devotions. Eventually, Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91,
Both West Lafayette and Nashville the rock-climbing, basketball or other the binding of the book failed and I but it didn’t get much use there either. I
are hot in July, but the exhibit area at recreational opportunities (see page 43). resorted to containing its pages with recall returning rather shaken from one
Belmont University will be in an air And there’s certainly not enough space a rubber band . . . but I am getting mission in particular where my flight
conditioned area, compared to the to talk about things to see and do in ahead of myself. Let me go back to the had successfully dodged multiple Iraqi
sweltering location on the Purdue Nashville, the Athens of the South. beginning. surface-to-air missiles while egressing
campus. I can’t wait for July. I hope I’ll see from the target area in Kuwait. But,
Music at previous gatherings has you there. Be sure to stop in the Nashville The beginning even this experience did not prompt
been outstanding, but you expect office of the General Commission on UM My small blue book appears to me to explore the contents of my
more when you’re in Music City USA. Men to say, “Howdy.” have been created sometime in 1942. little blue book. Again, in retrospect,
The gathering will feature Vince Gill, a
Rich Peck I cannot say how it came into the I think I would have handled my first
member of the Country Music Hall of
4 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 5
encounters with actual military combat The old is gone, the new has come It was during this awakening While relatively comfortable delivering
differently if I had been familiar with the Finally, in August of 1999, I process that I discovered the treasure public speeches, I had never given one
book’s contents; or better yet, if I had arrived at the Marine Corps University trove of encouragement, inspiration, on a spiritual topic. In preparation, I
possessed a personal relationship with in Quantico, Va., to attend the and hope contained among the pages found SFS to be a valuable source of
the Lord. USMC Command and Staff College. of my little blue book. Please don’t inspiration for the presentation, which I
This story continues much the same The college provides a wonderful misunderstand: I’m not saying that titled, “The Courage of a Nation.” The
for the next nine years as I continued my opportunity for mid-grade officers the SFS devotional is or was the focus presentation centered on Joshua 1:1-9
service with the Marine Corps. During to explore military service from an of my faith or a replacement for the and the Lord’s encouragement to Joshua
those years I deployed twice to Japan academic perspective. It’s also a great Bible. Instead, I found this little blue as he prepared to lead the nation of
and once to South America. Our family chance for young officers to take a book to be incredibly useful in my Israel into battle.
break from the hectic operational daily devotionals as a guidebook that In February of 2003, I found
deployment cycle. It provides an contained a suggested Bible passage, myself again serving in a combat zone
opportunity to get to know one’s family a sermonette, and a prayer. Moreover, as the commanding officer of the
again. For me, it also provided the much each entry was focused on service—a Thunderbolts. This time, land-based
needed time just to think. mindset and lifestyle with which I could in Al Jabar, Kuwait, the squadron had
Early in the school year I discovered identify. SFS helped lead me to my faith deployed after a short eight-month
a quote by Socrates that reads, in Jesus Christ. turn-around to support Operation Iraqi
“The unexamined life is not worth Freedom. Needless to say, my little blue
living.” And as I examined my life and A life in Christ book once again deployed with me, but
contemplated my past, as well as my After school, when I returned by now its binding had almost failed,
future, I didn’t like what I discovered. to Beaufort, South Carolina, for and I feared that I would begin to lose
Outwardly, one could argue that I’d assignment in Marine Aircraft Group 31, pages held in place by a rubber band.
been very successful with a bright future I approached my military service from
in the Marine Corps. Inwardly, however, an entirely new perspective. Aside from New book
was a different story altogether—I was becoming very involved in our church, It was during the early days of
spiritually stagnant. As I reflected upon I took an active role in rejuvenating a the operation when I returned to our
my life, I realized that it was empty. I local Officers’ Christian Fellowship (OCF) Squadron Ready Tent to discover an
had no sense of joy or fulfillment.” group. SFS continued to guide my daily entire stack of newly published Strength
I slowly became aware that I devotions. for Service books. To this day, I do not
had been living day-to-day for the In October 2001, just one month know who supplied it, but I suspect one
acknowledgment and approval of after the attacks of 9/11, I found myself of the chaplain’s assistants placed it on
others. My spiritual identity was serving as the executive officer of the my bench. Thanks to the efforts of Evan
validated by others who observed my VMFA-251 Thunderbolts, one of the Hunsberger and UM Men,
behavior and works—some of which Beaufort FA-18 Squadrons deployed I could now share this
also completed four permanent-change- was good and some not so good. I aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt wonderful devotional with
of-station moves. Throughout, there was realized that I had been endeavoring patrolling the waters of the North other service members.
a great deal of stress and upheaval, both to find sufficiency in myself and had Arabian Sea off the coast of Pakistan. In 2004, I attended
personal and professional, but not a lot become overly concerned about the The squadron was serving in support the Industrial College of
of time spent with my little blue book. things that were temporary. I discovered of Operation Enduring Freedom. As in the Armed Forces, which
I had accumulated over 2,000 hours that I knew the Truth in my mind; but the past, my little blue book deployed is part of the National
of flight time and earned all the flight my belief was being circumvented with me, only this time its role in my Defense University in
leadership qualifications possible in the by my own lack of obedience and life was much different. As in Beaufort, Washington, D.C. Like Command
FA-18; but spiritually, I was on a dead- unwillingness to surrender my life I led a small squadron Bible study and Staff College, this year at school
end street. In other words, from the and confess my sin. Eventually, almost aboard the ship. Then in November provided a break from operations and
perspective of military achievement, my begrudgingly, I acknowledged my 2001, Lieutenant Commander Stewart, an opportunity to fellowship with other
“net-worth” was high, but spiritually my absolute need for the Savior. That the ship’s Protestant chaplain, asked students and believers in Christ. We
“self-worth” was extremely low. acknowledgment has made all the me to be the principal speaker at a created a small OCF group that met
difference in my life. Thanksgiving Day prayer breakfast. every Wednesday morning, and we
6 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 7
used the SFS devotional as one of our
primary resources. UM Men’s staff was
instrumental in providing sufficient
Mighty men of God Break the Cycle
quantities for the class. By Joe Bosch One of the speakers at the national gathering traces his path toward spiritual maturity
Continuing to serve By Patrick Morley
Mighty men of God where are you
I
In November 2007, I took in the modern world today ?
command of Marine Aviation Training n 1926, when my dad was two, the When Dad became a man he wanted
Are you a leader in the faith, or does youngest of four children, his father break the cycle for his four boys, but he
Support Group 22 in Corpus Christi, your absence cause God dismay?
Texas. Today my original little blue book deserted his family. had no example.
Are you in church each Sunday, and The stress got the best of my Our family joined a church because
resides in a place of honor on one of teaching Sunday School there, too?
my glass enclosed barrister bookcases. grandmother. She had a stroke, so she Dad and Mom wanted to get some moral
You know your children learn to live their and her four young children moved in and religious instruction for their four
I am pleased to report that although lives by closely watching you.
the original blue copy doesn’t see with two of her unmarried sisters (my sons.
As Jesus hung in agony on that cruel great-aunts). Our church put my dad to work and,
much action anymore, my spiritual crucifixion cross,
life certainly does, and I still start each Together, those three women raised because of his strong work ethic, he
He gazed upon the women weeping my dad and his three siblings. They did a responded to the challenge. By age 40, my
morning with the day’s SFS entry from at their imagined loss.
one of the newly published copies. great job, but they were dirt poor. dad was the top layman in the church. I
I can almost hear the thought that In those days, long before government suppose he thought working around the
Although now available in blue, tan, crossed his mind back then,
and green for the Boy Scouts, I still programs, the community closed ranks church meant he was a “good Christian.”
“I see the women and beloved John; when any of their people were in need. But our church did not also have a vision
prefer the blue cover. Fortunately, I where are my other mighty men?”
found my way off that dead-end street, One sister worked as an elevator operator to disciple my dad to be a godly man,
The heavy burdens that you bear as you at a local bank; knowing the situation, father, and husband—the real reason he
thanks in no small measure to my little stumble along life’s track,
blue book. the employer paid her a generous salary joined. He did the best he could, but he
Can not compare to the cross that Jesus of $50 a week (roughly $15 an hour in was left to guess at how to father my
While my collection of antique bore to win you back.
books hasn’t grown much since the today’s dollars). She bought groceries each younger brothers and me.
Jesus knocks upon your heart with his nail- day on her way home. The grocer told her,
early days of my career, the Strength scarred hand of grace, Mom and Dad left the church
for Service devotional certainly has “Nina, you take whatever you need, and
Don’t run from Him, like Peter did, and try pay whatever you can.” Something happened in the church
made my collection richer for being to hide your sinful face. that hurt my mother’s feelings, and my
part of it. More importantly, it has When my dad turned six he went to
Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for work with his older brother, Harry. They dad was burned out, so we quit church
made my spiritual life richer. Today, I they know not what they do.” when I was in the tenth grade and my
still continue to grow spiritually, but my had two jobs. They rose every morning at
His prayer forgave the vicious Roman 3 a.m. to deliver milk and then worked youngest brother was in the third grade.
focus is now on practicing the presence soldiers, and it also covers you. Our family was soon hit by a force
of God and becoming the same person a paper route. The school gave them a
His disciples turned their backs on Him and permanent tardy slip. from which we have still not fully
in practice that I am in prayer. fled in fear and shame. recovered.
Father God forgave them, too, when they Growing up without a father I quit high school in the middle of my
Colonel Clark graduated prayed in Jesus’ Holy Name. My dad never knew the warmth of a senior year. My brother Robert followed
from The Citadel in 1985 Mighty men of God where are you in the father’s embrace. He never felt the scratch in my footsteps. He eventually died of a
and earned his wings as modern world today? of a dad’s whiskers. He never overheard heroin overdose. My other two brothers
a naval aviator in 1987. Are you a leader in the faith, or does your his dad whistling or singing while he have had a variety of employment,
He currently serves as the absence cause God dismay? worked, never smelled his work clothes, substance, and marriage issues.
commanding officer of Are you in church each Sunday, and never heard him joke around or read a My dad never saw it coming. If he
Marine Aviation Training teaching Sunday School there, too? bedtime story, never tossed a ball, never could have seen around the bend, I’m sure
Support Group 22 at the Naval Air You know your children learn to live their felt a dad tussle his hair, never heard he would have done things differently. If
Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. lives by closely watching you. him say, “I love you, son” or “I’m proud he were alive, he would say, “I take full
of you, son,” and never had a father’s responsibility. That was my decision.” I
I remain a tiny, well-pruned twig approval or guidance. respect that. Every man does need to take
grafted onto His vine.
8 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN Bosch is the president of UMM in the Baton Rouge (La.) District
UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 9
responsibility for his own life. Church is where I learned how to Morley’s father is the
But I would like to suggest that the study the Bible for myself, how to study smallest child in the
church is culpable. The church knew (or together with others, and how to share upper left photo taken
should have known) what was around my faith and lead someone to Christ. shortly after his dad
the bend. The church should have had a deserted the family.
vision to disciple my Dad. But it didn’t. Churches need to disciple men
The reason I am so passionate Morley is with his dad
in the upper right. In
Patsy led me to Christ about equipping leaders and churches
to disciple men is this: I know that in the bottom photo,
Fortunately, God is the Redeemer,
every church there are men just like Morley is with his son
and this story took another turn—I fell
Dad. These are men with good hearts who is about the same
in love with Patsy. She went forward at a
and good intentions who have come age as his father in the
Billy Graham Crusade to publicly profess
to church for all the right reasons. How upper photo.
her faith at the age 11, and has never
wavered. God graciously grafted the tragic when they fall away.
gospel back into my family line through I also believe that in most churches
Patsy’s family line—Patsy led me to there are men like my grandfather—
Christ. men who are not only going to pull the
Then God allowed me the joy of
leading my brother Robert to Christ
plug on church, but on their families
too. And they have no idea of the forces
Patrick Morley
F
before he died. Another brother has of destruction they’re about to set in or three decades Patrick Morley has been regarded as
also professed Christ, and so has my motion—that more than 80 years later, one of America’s most respected authorities on the
only niece on this side of the family. Dad like me, their children’s children may still challenges and opportunities that men face.
and Mom also both came to Christ (or be trying to recover from that fateful After spending the first part of his career in the highly
came back—I’m not sure). Neither one decision. competitive world of real-estate development, Morley has
of them ever got over their bitterness At the Man in the Mirror ministry, helped men around the world think more deeply about their
toward the church, but they both we see it every day in the broken homes lives.
affirmed their faith in Jesus on their and shattered lives of families who have In 1973, he founded Morley Properties, one of Florida’s
deathbeds. lost a husband, father, and provider. 100 largest privately held companies. During this time he
Both of my children can never Obviously I will never know what was the president or managing partner of 59 companies and
remember a time when they didn’t love it might have been like to grow up in a partnerships.
Christ. They are now both married to family with a dad who was discipled to In 1989 he wrote The Man in the Mirror, a landmark
fantastic Christian spouses and serving be a godly man, husband, and father. book that poured from his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship
My hope and prayer is that you, with God. With nearly 3 million copies sold, the book was selected as one of the 100
the Lord.
too, will be discipled to be a godly man, most influential Christian books of the twentieth century.
I wish my father were alive so I
husband, and father—along with all the In 1991, Morley founded Man in the Mirror, which trains church leaders to reach
could tell him, “Dad, we did break the
men in your church. And may the young men more effectively. Every Friday morning since 1986, he teaches a Bible study to 150
cycle. It should have only taken one
boys growing up in your church today businessmen in Orlando, Fla. The study is webcast throughout the United States and
generation and it took two, but we did
never have to one day repeat a story like over 30 other nations.
break the cycle.”
mine. “The ministry of Man in the Mirror exists,” says Morley, “in answer to the prayers
My Dad and I have the same DNA,
of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for
so what was the difference? Why did I
This article is excerpted from Pastoring the men in their lives.”
succeed where he failed? The difference
Men (Moody Publishers, 2009). Morley graduated with honors from the University of Central Florida, which selected
was that I belonged to a church that
Dr. Patrick Morley, founder and him to receive its distinguished alumnus award in 1984. He has earned a Ph.D. in
had a vision to disciple me to be a godly
chief executive of Man in the Mirror management and completed post-graduate studies at the Harvard Business School and
man, husband, and father, while Dad
ministries, will be one of the speakers Oxford University, and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary. For sport, he races
did not.
at the 10th National Gathering this July a 1974 Porsche 911. He lives in Winter Park, Fla., with his wife, Patsy. They have two grown
in Nashville. children and one granddaughter.
His website can be found at www.maninthemirror.org.
10 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 11
Why the church fails to reach young people milk and clean up their messes. Success is
judged by how many babies sit in the pews.
and grow to maturity. This could be the
only way that we can effectively reach this
By Dan Schaffer But the critical question is, “Do babies generation that is substantially inoculated
ever reproduce?” from responding to the church.
The church is losing its ability to reproduce judgmental, and too confusing. Forty percent Young people in seeker-oriented The question is: “Can this process be
committed believers in younger generations. of this age group are outsiders who say they churches view church membership as fire done without spiritually mature men, who are
understand Christianity and the church and insurance. They only come in contact with reproducing spiritual fathers?” The answer is:
What has caused this? that Christianity offers them nothing. Eighty- baby Christians who are not transformed. This “It cannot.”
two percent of these outsiders once attended confirms for them that the church really has A survey by George Barna states
Three books help clarify the reasons: church for at least three months. no spiritual transforming power. The church emphatically that men are absent from the
keeps them from encountering the living church. If we are to see the church renewed
The Celtic Way of Evangelism Outsiders once made a commitment Christ. and its impact restored, we must call out and
by George G Hunter III looks to Christ So how do we reach a generation that build men until they know Christ intimately
at the relational way of Sixty-five percent of the outsiders is convinced that “they have been there and and are reproducing subsequent generation
evangelism that first brought report that they once made a commitment tried that . . . and it doesn’t work”? as passionate followers of Christ.
the Gospel to Western to Christ. After they made this profession The church must build men who
Europe. they saw people in the church who were The mission of the church understand the importance of the mission and
immature Christians with lifestyles that It is essential that we confirm God’s are living in community where Christ can be
were indistinguishable from the rest of the mission for the church: experienced through their lives by others.
world, and yet they where told that they In order for the church to become
Unchristian by David And He gave to some as apostles and some as
should live up to a higher standard. They reproductive––to have impact on society––
Kinnaman and Gabe prophets and some as evangelists and some
rejected both the faith and the institution. and be intergenerational, it must restore the
Lyons looks at the beliefs as pastors and teachers for the equipping
We essentially inoculated them from a true reproductive power of the church.
of young people ages 16 of the saints for the work of service, to the
through 29 and their view transforming encounter with the gospel by building up of the body of Christ; until we all
presenting a sanitized gospel and not having Wesleyan Building Brothers
of the church. attain unity of the faith, and of the knowledge
them encounter mature committed growing The mission of Wesleyan Building
of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the
followers of Christ. Only 3 percent of this age Brothers is to enable men to become spiritual
measure of the stature which belongs to the
Reveal by Greg Hawkins and group holds a biblical world view. fathers. It accomplishes this through a year-
fullness of Christ.
Cally Parkinson examines the This study suggests we have essentially long process that removes barriers that
––Ephesians 4:11-12
assumptions and realities of lost a whole generation and we must ask, keep men from relating to one another.
the seeker church in Willow “Why?” and “How can we change this?” Simply said, God wants the church In this environment, a community of men
Creek and six other mega- The Reveal study shows how the seeker to bring God’s people to maturity, and to emerges who are pursuing God, drawing
churches. model of church creates an environment that reproduce their faith in others. other men, serving the church, and becoming
inoculates young people from the faith. The Mature believers must provide a reproductive spiritual fathers.
Hunter says that missionaries who used church focuses on seekers. It does not help community and pathway that leads God’s This community of mature spiritual
the Celtic Way first learned the culture, the bring people to maturity. Many of the more people from spiritual childhood to spiritual men is one of the foundations for the
language and the stories of the culture. They mature men and women in the Reveal study mother and fatherhood. effective implementation of the Celtic
established a community of believers within a said their church was actually an obstacle to If this is true, then we should take a method of evangelism, outreach to young
village and lived out the mission of the church– their spiritual growth. A high percentage of the deeper look at the Celtic way of evangelism adults, and the restoration and revival of
–maturing believers and attracting the culture more mature people were seriously thinking and build a community of mature Christians the church.
to the community of believers. Individuals about leaving the church. This is the only who are living in a Christ-like manner.
were drawn to the community before they group that could reach the next generations Dan Schaffer helped launch
understood the message of Christianity. Then– for Christ. Use language of young people
Promise Keepers. In 1997
–in their own language and through their We need to understand the culture, the
he left the organization
stories––they found the gospel A sanctuary of 200 pound babies language, and the stories of this generation.
We need to serve them and invite them to form Building Brothers,
Unchristian reveals that people between A single image of the American church
repeatedly comes to mind. It is a picture of into our communities to experience true a Littleton, Colorado,
the ages of 16 and 29 view the church as
the sanctuary filled with 200-pound spiritual Christianity. After they have experience this organization formed to
hypocritical, focused only on conversions,
babies. Church leaders frantically deliver warm we should––in their language and stories– help men mature in their faith. Wesleyan
anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, too
–explain what they have experienced and Building Brothers is the United Methodist
give them the opportunity to know Christ component of that effort.
12 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 13
Largest group of United Methodist Men
may be located in Louisiana prison United Methodist Men Go To Prison
By Bishop Richard B. Wilke
ANGOLA, La.––There are over 233,000 complex. Some 3,200 are serving life
I
members of United Methodist Men. Most sentences. t was a cold January night in Kansas. One night–
of them belong to units operating out of Inmates are allowed to pursue on- A bitter wind was blowing snow all the –accompanied
some 34,000 churches. site college-level degrees and Hicks is a way from the Dakotas. by a tough,
However, the largest chartered seminary graduate. I shivered as I got out of my car and no-nonsense
organization of United Methodist Men “I started running with bad company walked toward the prison doors. I showed chaplain––I gave
may be the 190-member organization in before I was 18, “said Hicks who is now my I.D., heard the metal doors clang closed out 57 Disciple
the Louisiana State Penitentiary. 37. “I landed here at Angola, sentenced to behind me, and made my way toward my certificates to
When a local group charters with the serve a life term. Disciple group. inmates who
General Commission on United Methodist “The only way to describe what has Fourteen inmates were gathering – had completed
The Rev. Mark Hicks,
Men, the Nashville-based agency sends out happened here is to say that we’ve had Hispanic, Anglo, Black – ages 19 to 53. My the studies.
executive director of Disciple
40 membership cards. an invasion of God. Men started to have UM Men friends, Larry, a landscape gardener, Burning in my ears
Outreach Ministries (left),
“We are in need of an additional 150 genuine relationships with God. and Brian, a General Electric engineer, had were the words and Bishop Richard Wilke
conned me into helping lead a Disciple group of Jesus, “I was lead training for clergy of the
active membership cards,” said Ron C. “When you accept Jesus in your
of inmates at the local correctional facility. in prison and you Virginia Annual Conference in
Hicks, president of the United Methodist heart, thing have got to change,”
They said it would “do me good.” came to visit me.” Virginia Beach, Va.
Men’s organization in the prison. “Each of said Hicks. “The bloodshed and other
We were about finished with the Old (Matt 25:36)
our members looks forward to receiving violence in Angola started going down All across
Testament and almost ready for the New
these small tokens of their membership tremendously.” Testament in Disciple I. Just after the opening the country, laity—mostly men—are meeting
status.” For information about chartering or prayers, a big guy—strong as a fullback— weekly with inmates and are changing lives.
The commission rushed the additional new ways to minister to men, contact the looked at me without smiling and said, “Why One-fourth of the world’s inmates are in
cards to Hicks. General Commission on United Methodist are you here?” Then he added, “Couldn’t you American prisons—about six million. What a
There are some 5,200 prisoners and Men (GCUMM.org or 615-340-7145). be home by the fire, watching TV with your mission field! Scripture teaches “Remember
1,400 guards in the 18,000-acre prison wife?” I sputtered a brief reply, “I love Jesus . . those who are in prison as though you were
. and I love you guys.” Then he looked down in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3).
and spoke softly, “Nobody ever said they Former inmates, converted in Disciple,
Upper Room Prayer Line loved me—in my whole life.” baptized in Kairos or Brothers-in-Blue are
W
Disciple Bible is going to prison’s all across going to congregations in Oklahoma, Ohio,
ith support from United Methodist Men, the Nashville-based Upper Room Living the country. No general board mandated it. and Iowa and to Sunday school classes in
Prayer Center prays with 30,000 people each month. That does not include the No conference or council discussed it. Men, Kansas and Colorado.
6,000 visits to the website(www.upperroom.org), over 200 letters each week, and mostly laymen, simply have been moved by You can do it, too. Contact Mark Hicks
6,000 monthly e-mails. the Holy Spirit to go to the nearby prisons, at Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries (e-mail:
just as John Wesley did. disciple@nccumc.org; phone: 336/454-5348;
The United Methodist Men Foundation pays the cost of the toll-free prayer line
Guys like Darrell Hayden and Darrell or on the web at www.disciplebibleoutreach.
and United Methodist men staff the lines through the year. For the past 24 years, the org).
Sayers in North Carolina finished Disciple
foundation has annually given over $20,000. in their church, looked at each other, and As Nike says, “Just do it!”
Prayer center phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a said, “We ought to take this to the prison.”
network of over 1,000 people who answer the phone lines and over 2,400 people in more Encouraged by young Rev. Mark Hicks, they Retired UM Bishop Richard Wilke began the
than 300 covenant prayer groups around the globe. began a prison ministry of volunteers that Disciple Bible Study in 1987. More than 2 mil-
Not only do the callers say they are bless, the ones who answer the phone lines and/ now uses 300 lay facilitators in 70 prisons in lion students have engaged in
or are in covenant prayer groups tell of the blessings they receive from sharing these life- North Carolina, reaching over 3,000 inmates the study. Wilke became bish-
for Jesus Christ. op-in-residence at Southwest-
changing times.
In Pennsylvania, Dave and Dorie ern College in Winfield, Kans.,
United Methodist Prayer Advocates recruit volunteers for remotes and covenant prayer Heckman tackled the maximum security following his 1996 retirement
groups. They also help raise funds to cover the cost of the prayer line. prison at Loretto. Aided by, David Stains, a from the active episcopacy.
former missionary to Nicaragua, they used
For information call 1-877-899 ext 715 (mperez@upperroom.org). Spanish translators to reach Spanish-speaking
To ask for a prayer, call toll free: 1-800-251-2468 inmates.
14 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 15
Volunteers in Mission say experience • Be aware that in some cultures people • Don’t waste food. Take what you want,
changed their lives maintain a closer distance when engaged eat what you take. If you are being
in conversation than North Americans do. served, it is permissible to say, “Just a
• Be aware that in some countries, toilet little, please,” or “No more, thank you.”
VENTURA, Calif.–– 3. The typical person who has been on paper may not be put in the toilet but • Don’t eat raw vegetables or unpeeled
A
century ago, missionaries had to a mission trip has taken two such must be put in the wastebasket. Ask if fruit unless they have been washed in
commit themselves to years of journeys. Two percent of Americans you are not sure. A stopped-up toilet is water treated with chlorine or iodine.
service. Today, UM Men participate are service-trip enthusiasts, having very unpleasant. • Don’t drink untreated water unless
in short-term mission trips that are been on five or more such adventures. • Learn as much of the local language as you know that the water is safe for
generally part of Volunteers-in-Mission, a 4. People frequently go on short-term you can, and use it every chance you get. North Americans to drink (not just
program of the General Board of Global trips with immediate family members, • Be prepared for worship services that safe for people who live there all the
Ministries. most often with siblings. Only 14% of are different from those to which you time). Bottled water is available in most
A telephone survey of 1,005 adults these trips were parents facilitating a are accustomed––either more formal countries; boiling 15-20 minutes is a
by the Barna Group found that only family learning experience. This means or much less formal, even charismatic/ good alternative; water purification
11 percent of church members have that just 1% of Americans have ever Pentecostal. tablets should be potent enough to
participated in a short-term mission taken a mission trip as a family. • Be prepared to give your personal guard against giardia as well as common
program. testimony, to pray aloud, and possibly to bacteria. Don’t use ice, unless you know
We don’t have percentages for UM Researcher David Kinnaman clarified preach. it is made with pure water.
Men, but reports from groups across the that “this research does not measure • Smile!
nation would lead one to believe the the benefit to the people being helped, The advice for VIM participants is provided by
percentage is much higher. since we only interviewed Americans the Mission Volunteers Program Area of the
DON’T
UM groups confirm Barna’s finding for this project. But short-term missions General Board of Global Ministries. The study
• Don’t take pictures of anything military of short-term mission volunteers is provided
that 75 percent of the volunteers found clearly benefit the people providing unless your host says it’s OK.
the trips were “life changing.” Even years the assistance. Many pastors, parents by the Barna Group.
• Don’t waste water. Use it sparingly for
later participants reported that they: and teachers are searching for ways
showering, bathing, and laundry.
• became more aware of other people’s to transform hearts and minds. One
struggles (25%); promising way to go about changing
• learned more about poverty, justice, people’s perspectives is to go on a service
or the world (16%); adventure together.”
• increased compassion (11%);
Do’s and don’ts for
Self assessment questions
• deepened their faith (9%);
• broadened their spiritual UM Volunteers in Mission Mike Ellis offers a self-assessment exam to help you examine
understanding (9%); your level of self-discipline
DO
• increased their financial generosity
(5%); • Observe local customs about shaking Do I get up at the same time every morning? Do I have a hobby I enjoy consistently?
hands (sometimes it is done on entering Am I overweight? How often do I exercise?
• Others said the experience helped
and on leaving), kissing on one or both
them feel more fulfilled, become more Do I have any addictions (caffeine, sugar, How much TV do I watch?
cheeks (women; giving “abrazos”
grateful, develop new friends, and porn, etc.)?
(hugs). If in doubt, ask your host to What does my appearance say about my
pray more.
explain what is proper. Do I take a day off every week? level of discipline (hair, clothes, etc.)?
Other findings by the Barna Group • Eat what is offered, and do not ask or
Have I taken a vacation in the last year? Do I eat right?
hint for anything not offered.
1. Most people take service trips outside That wasn’t mixed with work?
• In most cultures, you should take time Do I have a lot of debt?
the country; however, 33% of the for polite conversation before talking Is my e-mail inbox near empty right now?
mission trips were to locations in the Do I ever say: “When things slow down,
“business.” Is my office and car clean or a mess? I’m going to_______”
U.S.
• If any gift-giving is done, do it discreetly
2. People who took domestic service Am I usually on time or late for things?
and not ostentatiously. Ask your host Did God speak to you today through any of
trips reported the same degree of
what to do about giving to beggars, and If I tell someone I’ll call them, do I do it? this?
life-changing experiences as did those
follow that advice. Do I spend time with God every day?
traveling abroad. Mike Ellis is the coordinator of the Church
Do I have a consistent date night with my for Men, based in Daytona Beach, Fla.
spouse?
16 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 17
Bikers rumble to church They did so, and after further talk, Rice asked
Overrein if the church was important to him
this year, Rice says. “Three quarters of those
were by profession of faith and baptism.
By Reed Galin because he had Jesus Christ in his heart. They’re unchurched people.”
Overrein looked at him and said, “Yeah, that’s While one or two baptisms in the
MORAVIAN FALLS, N.C. (UMNS)— me,” Overrein says. “I’ve sat in the back and right.” church have been by sprinkling, the norm is
D uncan Overrein looks every bit the
middle-aged biker.
A graying ponytail snakes from his
watched Suzy-Q’s looking at how Debbie
is dressed and Bob is whispering to George
about his new car. Man, we need to wake
“I said, ‘If that’s true, I’ll start a place
where you and other bikers can have church.
immersion in a creek, less than a mile away.
That practice became standard after the
If you give me your hand, we’ll pray over it grandma of one of the bikers said their sins
helmet, twisting in the wind like a worm up and realize it ain’t about what we ride; it right now,’” Rice says. “He gave me his hand wouldn’t be washed away unless they were
on a hook. Black ain’t about what we wear; it’s about how we and we prayed that God would raise up a baptized in the creek.
sunglasses reveal no need to love on people. When I hug Bubba biker church.” While sprinkling is most common in
facial expression, but or Catfish over there and say, ‘Bubba, love ya, the UMC, pouring and immersion are also
he still manages to brother,’ I mean that.” Crossfire Church recognized.
look dangerous. A wiry Indeed, there are hugs and smiles all That led to the formation of what At Easter, a number of people were
goatee presses against around as Bubba, Catfish and Brother Dunk, eventually became Crossfire UMC. The group baptized at the creek. “It was freezing cold,”
his leathered neck as he and their families file through the doors. met initially in a coffee tavern, and later, a Rice says. The bikers still rode their bikes back
roars down Highway The church band fires up. This is no warehouse. Efforts to the church afterward.
51 in the Carolina Sunday choir. It is a rock-and-roll-style to buy a building The church has grown to 157 members,
foothills with 20 of his thumping bass and wailing lead guitar, but were unsuccessful with 30 to 40 percent either bikers or
“bros” and sisters. the lyrics speak of the spirit. Congregants because of zoning associated with bikers. Almost all are blue-
Most ride Harleys. There’s a lot of leather sing along, clap or sway with raised hands–– issues, and the collar or service-sector workers. Several
and tattoos. Overrein rides a black-and- however the spirit moves them. congregation members are disabled.
white chopper that is almost menacing in its A lead singer, covered with tattoos, moved into the Rice, a former district superintendent,
authenticity––the miles it has obviously seen, offers biblical references between songs, and former Moravian became the pastor in 2007. It’s a ministry
the lack of polish or fancy accoutrements. then the Rev. Alan Rice, pastor of Crossfire Falls building. he performs without compensation. He also
He leads the clan onto a country road Church, rises from a pew. In a conversational Last fall with is director of rural ministry and community
toward Moravian Falls. manner, he talks about the challenge of assistance from development for the conference and
A low rumble precedes them like a changing from within. A young man in a the Western North executive director of a conference-affiliated
warning that trouble is coming. skull-and-crossbones scarf nods in agreement. Carolina Annual community development corporation.
It isn’t. Conference,
Confrontational beginning Crossfire
They’re going to church. Rice reminds the congregation of how Transformation
purchased a “Perhaps the greatest transformation is
The bikers turn into the parking lot at the biker church began out of a confrontation 32,000 square-foot refrigerated trucking
Crossfire UMC, but they don’t stop. Parking with Overrein. That was four years ago. in the life of Duncan Overrein,” says Rice.
terminal in North Wilkesboro. “We like the “If you met me six years ago, you
lots are for conventional people. These As he explains later in an interview, the warehouse touch,” says the Crossfire web
parishioners peel off onto the front lawn and congregation—known then as Moravian Falls wouldn’t like me,” says Overrein. “I had no
site. patience. I had a lot of hate in my life––lost
line up their bikes before the church door in UMC—had dwindled to about 10 members. Half of the warehouse is being renovated
an effortless, but noisy, choreography. During a meeting to discuss the my dad at a young age. The brothers I rode
for the congregation. The other half will with we probably did a couple things illegal,
Overrein extends his hand to a visitor. congregation’s future, one of the women become a not-for-profit ministry called The
The look in the biker’s eyes is piercing, but told Rice there was a biker outside who you know, but when it come to helping
Storehouse: Regional Community Cold people out, you know, we help ‘em.”
not hard. The visitor instinctively understands didn’t want the church closed. The biker was Storage. The storehouse connects farms to
the message: “Don’t judge me by how I look; Overrein. Rice says, “This hard-core, old-school
schools and consumers; it will also connect biker continues to undergo a deep change of
judge me by who I am and I will give you the He had been befriended by an elderly gleaners to the hungry in northwest North
same respect.” man in the church—the last remaining male heart. He has gone from hating Mexicans to
Carolina. A grant of $100,000 from Golden loving Mexicans, as––in Christ––he now loves
of the congregation. Rice invited Overrein LEAF is providing technical assistance and
Brother Dunk inside, spoke with him, then told him the everyone.
When he introduces himself as “Brother start up costs. A grant from the Duke Overrein became friends with Aretino
meeting had to resume. Endowment is underwriting a food-pantry
Dunk,” it is not just biker-speak. It is how Overrein said he wasn’t leaving. The Rodriguez at the construction company
he feels about everyone at the biker church, ministry. A community garden is planned for where they work. Rodriquez now participates
situation became tense. “I thought, ‘There’s later in the year. The effort is led by Dwight
whether they ride or not. going to be a fight,’” Rice recalls. in Bible studies at Crossfire.
“I’ve been to churches where the Smith, an unpaid local pastor. Overrein learned from Rodriguez that
Not wanting an altercation inside the Crossfire Church has taken in 21people
welcome just wasn’t there for folks like church, Rice suggested they step outside. toilets in his home town in Mexico are piped
18 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 19Discipleship on steroids
By John Robin Murphy
A
number of years ago, I began months later. Their old hearts took them
ministering to substance abusers back to their old lives.
at a rescue mission. I will never
forget the shock I felt when I learned Heart change
that many of the men we had worked Without heart change there is no
with in the seven-month program were sustained life change. Everything else
either high or stoned by sundown of is behavior modification that is rarely
graduation day. The following weeks sustained outside of the program. The
into the creeks which flow to the lake from Pass the boot
revealed how truly futile my ministry men were confessing Christians when
which people drink and fish. It is no surprise As a boot (rather than a collection plate)
that after drinking such water and eating the passes from person to person, Rice observes efforts had been. One by one, most of they entered the program. The new
fish, children are often sick. that these folks do a lot of generous things our group fell back into their old life. nature that each had received upon
The pair began to pray and dream about for one another, and says he has seen a lot of Yes, I would have done it to help just their conversion was presumably in
building septic tanks in Mexico. They recruited change. one. However, the absence of sustained place. Over the next seven months, they
Gary Easter, a UM pastor’s spouse who retired “Used to be, I thought I was a pretty bad life change in most of the men after were immersed in worship, teaching,
from the county health department as the guy,” says biker Gary Steelman. “Now I don’t months of caring investment brought on devotionals, church, preaching, book
septic tank inspector. Easter then recruited his have to be that way.” demoralizing self-doubt. studies, 12-step groups and more. But
former boss, a UM layperson who is enlisting Steelman is a large man, with a thick were we transforming hearts? Our
the North Carolina Septic Tank Association. salt-and-pepper beard and an American Formula for failure goal and the goal that energizes every
The plan was shared with the Rev. flag do-rag covering his hair. He says he has Determined to try harder, I ministry, donor and volunteer alike is the
Sam Dixon of the General Board of Global regrets about some things in his past. “Don’t committed to deliver the truth of God’s transformation of the most challenged
Ministries who is interested in bringing septic we all?” he asks. word with as much hope and energy as people in our society into self sufficient,
tanks to Mexico. “Everybody has a need to feel they I could muster. A year later, however, faith-filled Christians. However, fostering
“This little band of believers has taken up belong, where they’re accepted for who they found me defeated, with my head down sustained life change is actually the most
the handle of ‘Pooper Troopers,’” said Rice. are, where they are,” Steelman says. “We on my desk, praying to God to show me elusive outcome of ministry.
“Duncan has gone from hating Mexicans don’t have to go down this road alone.” what was missing. I quickly had a strong As I began to look for evidence of
to becoming excited about ‘helping with Overrein feels he’s come a long way impression that played out in my mind sustained life change in other ministries,
Mexican poop’.” himself. A few years ago, at the age of 52, he like a conversation with God. It started I discovered that our results were typical
earned his high school diploma. with a question:
Mission trips even in church settings.
The last guitar riff marks the end of the “Why don’t you weigh 300 lbs.
The work on sanitation in Mexico is not service. Folks spill out the door, milling about
• Across faith-based and secular
anymore or get drunk three nights programs for addiction,
the first mission effort by Crossfire members. the bikes on the lawn, laughing and hugging.
a week like you used to?” After a incarceration, smoking, or any
They participated in a mission trip to One Harley fires up, and then another, but no
Nicaragua and stay busy helping others— moment of confusion, the answer came. self-destructive behavior, the failure
one is in a rush.
building ramps, cleaning yards, holding God had rewired my heart so that it rate is typically between 75 to 95
Overrein’s wife, Lisa, gives a visitor some
fundraisers for people in need and operating brownies for the road. Overrein kicks his
no longer drove me to eat beyond the percent.
a food ministry. chopper to life and turns the high handlebars need of my body or drink to excess. That • Many prominent ministries,
Last year, Rice says, the church gave toward the highway. brought to mind Romans 12:2, “Do churches, and denominational
38 percent of its income for benevolent A tiny bell hangs from his rig behind not be conformed to this world, but leaders such as Prison Fellowship
purposes. Rice says he does not have to the front wheel, just above the ground. It’s a be transformed by the renewal of your Ministry and Willow Creek Church
struggle to be at ease with this congregation. leftover biker tradition to ward off the road mind.” I understood. These men needed strongly suspect or have research
“There’s no smugness from accumulated demons. There seem to be fewer of those in the same heart change God had worked evidence to prove that they are not
wealth or college degrees or family name. Overrein’s life than there used to be. in me. Instead, the hearts we checked transforming hearts and achieving
There is openness and a connection with Rice notes that none of the bikers into the program were virtually the same sustained life change the way they
other persons.” believes the bell is effective. Today, they would as the ones we checked out seven had hoped.
say, “Big Daddy” looks over them.
Website: www.bikerchurch.com
20 l Spring 2009 l UM MEN UM MEN l Spring 2009 l 21You can also read
