Have you felt a sense of encouragement lately, by what God is doing through the lives of our men here at Ginger Creek? You may be surprised to know that we have approximately 50 men in triads. As you read this article, think about the list of names included. I thought it might be of benefit and an encouragement for you to know all of your cohorts.
God has worked in wonderful ways in the lives of our men and ministry, and I am just so thankful to be a small part of it. I remember specifically just a little over a year and a half ago, When Juan led the “The Renegades,” in a discussion of what it would take to build a ministry so that we could see growth. We talked about how we would need captains and leaders, to help integrate new warriors into the group.
The question was asked that if God placed a thousand new men into the group, how many prepared leaders would we need to keep the troops functioning. At one point I recall discussing how easily we could have 50 men trained and ready who would be adequately prepared to work with new men as they come in. I also remember how some felt that was an unrealistic goal. But personally I think we have met that goal, or at least we are very close to it.
More to the point, Look at the organization that has already taken place. Juan’s
second in command, Patrick has stepped up to be our leader. Max is the communications coordinator. Many men have stepped up to cook at the morning breakfast. Bob and Thymer have led the canoe trips. Brian Kinkade has taken on a job ministry of helping men find jobs. I have been honored to work in the triad ministry by helping to start up, and keep up with the triads, and writing short articles for encouragement. Taylor is also involved in the same, and I could go on and on. All these are voluntary workers. We could think of a thousand other jobs that need leaders to carry on a vibrant men’s ministry.
Gentlemen, I don’t know if we understand how important all this is. Juan once gave an illustration of needing men that would help him keep his arms held high. Moses needed men to come and hold up his arms. We need to be praying that God would use us so much that we would need someone to come and hold up our arms.
Charles challenged a group of leaders a few weeks back with the question of how do we know when we are growing spiritually? I have pondered that question very deeply over the past few days, and this is my answer. I think we have grown quantitatively, qualitatively, and organically. Let me try to explain how.
Look at what has happened in the lives of the men over just the past year and a half. Our Saturday morning monthly breakfast has gotten so large we have been pushed out of the fireplace room and into the auditorium. That speaks to quantitative growth.
Just watching our men during this same time period, I see enthusiasm for our programs like I have never seen before. I see more men who are ready and able to pray. I see men growing closer to their wives and families and more regular Church attendance among those who are actively participating in men’s ministry. I see growing disciples, and am very encouraged about that. In short, I see Qualitative growth.
And then, I see organic growth. What does that mean? By definitions, organic means, derived from living matter, without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial agents. I like to think of it as growing out of the earth. Changed into the spiritual sense, we see spiritual growth as that growing from the Spirit. We are growing from living matter, Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit. I certainly believe that is what He is doing for us.
God may actually be slowing our quantitative growth, because we perhaps need more men prepared and ready to Pastor and lead those who come in. Remember, part of discipleship is leading. That is what discipleship is all about, that is what we are about, as being Christ followers, or disciples. He is looking for real Shepherds.
Dock Caton 07/25/2011
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