If this event doesn’t fit your schedule please consider one of the other retreats listed at the end of this email or on our events webpage here. 

Here’s to Living in Freedom Every Day,

Marty Miller

The Biblical Model for Men’s Gatherings

By Marty Miller

Introduction

When I think of men getting together in large numbers I think of football games,  soccer matches, and NASCAR races. Places where men get rowdy, drink beer, and cheer for their team. They get together to feel that they are part of something bigger when they feel insignificant. They get together to be part of a winning team even when they feel like losers. And even though these events are exciting they lack real significance to a man’s destiny and purpose.

Christian men, on the other hand, who desire to follow Jesus gather together at retreats, conventions, and rallies for an eternal purpose. And the purpose is to be challenged and inspired to become the men God calls them to be. To experience masculine fellowship and spiritual renewal.

The Ancient Biblical Model for Men’s Gatherings

Back in the 80s and 90s Promise Keepers filled stadiums with men eager to be “fired up” to be better men, launching the modern Christian men’s movement. And while this seemed like a revolutionary new thing it was God who commanded men to gather together in ancient times.

Seasonal Feasts

Scripture tells us that all the men of Israel were required to gather together three times each year. These huge events, called feasts, are described in Exodus 23:14-17 and summarized here.

1. Spring – The Feast of Unleavened Bread/Passover

2. Summer – The Feast of Weeks/Pentacost

3. Fall – The Feast of Tabernacles/Atonement

The Purpose of the Feasts

God does everything for a purpose and these major calendar events had tremendous significance that could be a very interesting study for those of you that want to go deeper. Here is my short summarization of just a few of the heart-level reasons for these events.

1. To celebrate God’s blessing of the harvest which created thankful hearts.

2. To return tithes and offerings which guarded against selfishness and greed.

3. To offer sacrifices for their sins which breaks the curse and gives hope.

4. To connect with family and friends for encouragement and accountability.

5. To provide a template for the great plan of salvation.

Why Large Men’s Events Matter

While we can’t easily replicate the ancient practices of the biblical feasts, Christian men’s retreats serve as a cornerstone for spiritual enrichment and personal development within the Christian community. These gatherings, which blend fellowship, worship, and reflection, offer men a unique opportunity to deepen their faith, build meaningful relationships, and rejuvenate their spirits. This essay explores the significance of Christian men’s retreats by examining their role in fostering spiritual growth, enhancing community connections, and promoting personal renewal.

1. Fostering Spiritual Growth

At the heart of Christian men’s retreats is the aim of fostering spiritual growth. These retreats are designed to provide an immersive environment where men can focus on their relationship with God without the distractions of everyday life. Through a variety of activities such as Bible studies, prayer sessions, and worship services, participants are encouraged to explore and deepen their understanding of Christian teachings.

Retreats often feature sermons and teachings from experienced pastors or spiritual leaders who offer insights into Scripture and practical guidance for living a Christian life. This focused study helps men grapple with their faith, address spiritual questions, and seek answers to personal challenges through a Christian lens. The opportunity to immerse oneself in Scripture and engage in reflective practices helps participants renew their commitment to their faith and grow spiritually.

Furthermore, Christian men’s retreats often incorporate elements of contemplation and solitude, which allow attendees to spend personal time in prayer and meditation. This dedicated time for spiritual reflection is essential for cultivating a deeper connection with God and gaining clarity on one’s spiritual journey. By creating an environment conducive to personal and communal worship, retreats enable men to rejuvenate their faith and strengthen their spiritual resolve.

2. Enhancing Community Connections

Christian men’s retreats also play a crucial role in enhancing community connections within the church. The retreat setting provides a space where men can build and strengthen relationships with fellow believers. The shared experience of retreat activities fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity, creating bonds that extend beyond the retreat itself.

During these retreats, participants engage in group discussions, collaborative projects, and fellowship meals, all of which contribute to building a supportive Christian community. The connections made during retreats often lead to the formation of small groups or accountability partnerships that continue to provide support and encouragement long after the event concludes.

Moreover, retreats offer a platform for men to share their personal testimonies and experiences. This open exchange of stories and struggles helps to break down barriers and build trust among participants. By sharing their journeys, men can encourage one another, offer guidance, and provide support, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the Christian community.

3. Promoting Personal Renewal

The concept of renewal is central to Christian men’s retreats. The retreat experience provides a respite from the demands of daily life, offering men a chance to reflect on their personal lives and spiritual health. This period of reflection is crucial for identifying areas where renewal is needed, whether in one’s faith, relationships, or personal goals.

Retreats often include activities and workshops that focus on practical aspects of living a Christian life, such as overcoming personal challenges, developing leadership skills, and fostering healthier relationships. These practical teachings are designed to help men apply their spiritual insights to their everyday lives, promoting holistic personal growth and renewal.

Additionally, the retreat environment encourages men to take a step back from their usual routines and reassess their priorities. This change of pace can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and direction, allowing men to return to their daily lives with a refreshed outlook and a strengthened commitment to their faith and values.

A Proposed Men’s Event Calendar

In a perfect world it would be ideal to have three major gatherings of men like in biblical times that would reinforce the 5 purposes listed above. It’s a lofty goal but one that I think is worth aiming for.

I believe that if every church had these three gatherings it would help remind men of their high calling as husbands, fathers, and disciples of Christ while helping them feel that they are part of an unstoppable movement of godly men, not just a small unimportant ministry.

Here’s a suggested list of three events for you to consider.

1. Early in the Year – In January hold a men’s breakfast

2. Middle of the Year – In June provide a special Father’s Day

3. Later in the Year – In October hold a men’s retreat

Conclusion

Christian men’s retreats and other men’s gatherings hold profound significance in fostering spiritual growth, enhancing community connections, and promoting personal renewal. By providing an immersive environment for worship, reflection, and fellowship, these retreats enable men to deepen their faith, build lasting relationships, and rejuvenate their spirits. In a world often marked by distraction and busyness, Christian men’s retreats offer a vital opportunity for men to reconnect with their faith and with one another, contributing to their overall spiritual and personal well-being. The benefits of such retreats extend beyond the event itself, impacting participants’ lives and their communities in meaningful and enduring ways.

Jesus was THE Leader of Men and men’s ministry is simply a discipleship program that follows His lead.  It is designed to transform ordinary men into extraordinary men of God.  These transformed men then go on to build stronger families, stronger churches, and stronger communities.  It’s Jesus model so it works! Download this E-book, study it, and then take the 7 steps to begin building the foundation of a strong men’s ministry. Here’s to Leading Like Jesus!

BUILT FOR FREEDOM MEN’S SUMMIT SIGN-UP DEADLINE IS ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY! The Built for Freedom Men’s Summit at Cohutta Springs is coming up on September 13-15, 2024. This annual event is for every man that desires to live free in Christ. Registration ends on September 1 so don’t delay. If you need financial assistance we can help! SEE YOU AT THE SUMMIT… and CLIMB ON!