Men Treasuring Christ and Growing Together

Men's Ministry pursues the mission of Bethlehem by helping men treasure Jesus Christ above everything this world has to offer and by growing together as men in devotion to God. Since growing in godliness is a community project, the paths that Men's Ministry lays out involve their participants in a supportive network of relationships through small groups, seminars, Bible studies, and service opportunities.

Life Streams
This vision is lived out through four major life streams:

1. The Inner Man
2. Home, Marriage, and Family
3. Marketplace
4. Ministry, Outreach, and Mission

Guiding Values
In each of these life streams we are dedicated to awaken and equip men to grow in these guiding values:

1. Devotion to God: Knowing, loving, and obeying God in all things, as well as enjoying God, which results in praise and worship.
2. Taking Initiative: Real manhood begins with a decision to reject spiritual and social passivity, especially when doing nothing is the more comfortable and natural option. Passivity has it roots in the sin of unbelief.
3. Accepting Responsibility: Men have a God-given, unique calling to accept responsibility (Genesis 3:9). It is not a right or a burden, but a duty given by God. Authentic manhood revolves around three primary responsibilities (and a wise father will train his son to embrace these with enthusiasm):
   a. A will to obey (God's revealed will in the Scriptures)
   b. A work to do (not just his job, but also the work of his home, church, and community)
   c. A woman to love (his wife)
4. Leading Courageously: Leading with truth rather than surrendering to feelings always separates the men from the boys. While leadership at an early age may look differently than at later stages of life, the underlying principles of godly leadership remain the same. Godly leadership is:
   a. servant leadership (Luke 22:26; Ephesians 5:23, 25; Matthew 7:12).
   b. not authoritarian or self-aggrandizing. It does not assume Christ's authority (or the parents') but advocates for it.
   c. not patronizing or condescending. It does not presume superiority, but mobilizes the strengths of others.
   d. courageous leadership. It steps out to lead when it's not easy to do so.
5. Adopting an Eternal Perspective: Is life simply a matter of miserable, hard work? No joy? No happiness? Is this life simply a long up-hill climb with the burden of responsibility, sacrifice, duty, protection, and leadership? The call to biblical manhood was never intended to be burdensome! (See 1 John 5:3; Hebrews 12:1-2.) Let us anticipate the joy of a great reward (Hebrews 11:24-26; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Timothy 4:8; 6:6). This principle speaks to the concept of delayed gratification; staying the course set forth in God's Word with faith. He will be the joy and fulfillment, rather than the immediate pleasures offered day-to-day by the culture.

Men's Retreat 2007 Audio Files

Sessions with speaker Gregg Harris

#1 Welcome to God's Kingdom, Mr. Ambassador!- Audio and Slides

#2 A Household for All Seasons - Audio and Slides

#3 The Marriage Vows at the Heart of your Household Embassy - Audio

#4 Developing, Including and Leading your Household Staff - Audio