Every Sunday morning, I arise at 7 a.m. to prepare for a new work week by meeting with a group of men from Willowdale. This group is my “band of brothers.” A small group of men who faithfully log in via Zoom at 8 a.m. on their home computers. For the next forty minutes, my “band of brothers” will have a brief Bible Study followed by practical application of the study on how it relates to everyday men’s issues and challenges. A lively discussion will follow, and a prayer of blessing for the new week that lies ahead will end our session. I crave this time of interaction with my brothers in Christ, as it provides inspiration, authenticity, and accountability.
Why is a ministry to men so important in the local church? Primarily, men need the spiritual support of other men. A man left to himself, without support, is like a wolf without a pack. Eventually, lone wolves do not last in the wild, and neither do men who isolate themselves from the spiritual support of others. The book of Genesis reminds us of two important biblical truths: It is unhealthy to be left alone, and secondly, we are our brother’s keeper. At Willowdale, various men’s support groups exist to nurture the soul and create the fellowship and support that every man needs. Sunday morning Men’s Ministry, the Male Chorale, the Deacon’s Teams, and men who serve in club ministries in which they give back to our children and adolescents are some of the ministry options.
This week, as I was preparing for my Sabbath message, I heard some powerful words of truth from Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks. Professor Brooks was speaking on the importance of a man’s influence on his home, church, and community. He shared the following: “If you want to raise successful children, especially boys, you have one job: ‘Love your child’s mother.” He continued, “Fathers, it does not matter what you tell your children, it matters what you do!” “The number one predictor of whether a child will grow up and practice religion is whether their father practices religion.” In fact, “there is a forty-percentage-point difference in the father and mother practicing religion on how the children will grow up and behave.” Men, let these powerful facts sink in and determine that you will be a man who makes a difference in the lives of your children.
Men of Willowdale, God calls us to live lives that will help influence the generations that come behind us. Question: Will the generation that comes after us find us faithful?
Pastor Glenn DeSilva