Men today face many serious challenges — fatherlessness, substance abuse, pornography, aimlessness, isolation, radicalization — but solutions seem to be in short supply. The church has both an opportunity and a responsibility to offer hope and a positive vision for masculinity.
To that end, the Committee on Discipleship Ministry is excited to host its first Men’s Ministry Conference on October 1-3 in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference theme will be “Faithfully Leading in God’s Kingdom: Exploring God’s Design for Men.” Over the course of five sessions taught by PCA ruling and teaching elders, participants will see the kind of men God has created each of them to be:
George Grant – “The Mindful Man”
Christian men have a duty to offer their whole lives in service to God, including their minds. How does being a lifelong learner make us better men, husbands, fathers, and leaders?
Sean Lucas – “The Measured Man”
Words matter. Men are to behave and communicate in a measured way with those around them. What does the “gentle” in “gentlemen” mean? How can we be measured in an emotionally charged age?
Brian Cosby – “The Modeling Man”
Fathers have the weighty responsibility of modeling godly manhood for their children. How can fathers train up and transmit the faith to the next generation, and especially their sons?
Will Huss – “The Motivated Man”
Christian men ought to be motivated to live and to work for the glory of God. What does it look like to pursue excellence and integrity in all that you do as a Christian man? How can Christian men motivate others to live excellently for God’s glory?
Keith Phillips – “The Multiplying Man”
Men are called to disciple others. The key to multiplying the number of godly men within the church is to cultivate an intergenerational discipleship mindset. How can churches encourage older men to invest in younger men?
In addition to hearing from these PCA voices, there will be opportunities to learn from one another during table discussions after each session. For those who are looking to get even more practical, there will be several seminars focusing on how-tos of men’s ministry. Topics like:
- “Taking the Next Step: Evaluating and Strengthening Your Men’s Ministry” led by Dustin Belue and Chris Rohde
- “Who Do We Got? Identifying and Evaluating Men to Lead” led by Stephen Estock and Matt Adams
- “How to Have Hard Conversations” led by Sheldon Nordhues and Stephen Spinnenweber
Besides these times of instruction, the conference schedule allows attendees time for off-site fellowship in the vibrant city of Nashville. If you’ve never had Nashville hot chicken or toured the Music City, now is your chance!
With so many competing voices vying for our attention, this conference will demonstrate how blessed the PCA is to have so many men who can serve as wise, godly examples. Through our times of fellowship, we our hope that you will leave Nashville with a new set of friends, brother you can call for encouragement and prayer as you invest in the lives of men in your local church.
If you’re a pastor, consider bringing your ruling elders with you as an elder’s retreat. If you’re a campus minister or youth pastor, bring along your male students. If you’re a church member, bring friends within your church and friends who are unchurched; they need to be encouraged as men, too. If you’re a father, considering bringing your teenage son who can never have too many godly examples in his life.
This conference is not meant for professional theologians or church officers — it’s for all the men of the PCA. Even if you don’t have a men’s ministry in your local church, come and be encouraged yourself and pass along the encouragement you’ve received when you return home. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the new work that God is doing among the men of the PCA. You’ll be glad you did.
See you in Nashville!
For more information and to register, click here.