As many of you know, this coming Sunday, June 21, is Father’s Day—a time when families honor and celebrate the men who faithfully serve as husbands, fathers, mentors, and providers. While our culture rightly pauses to recognize the contributions of men in the home, I would like to use this season of appreciation to focus our attention on an even greater calling: God’s purpose for men in the home, the church, and the community.
Last Sabbath, a small group of men from Willowdale gathered at Camp New Lowell, just west of Barrie, for a day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal in the great outdoors. What a blessing it was to spend meaningful time with men whom I knew as fellow church members but, through shared worship, prayer, meals, conversation, and hiking, came to know as true brothers in Christ. As we studied God’s Word together and experienced His creation, something profound took place—something that cannot easily be duplicated while sitting in a church pew. We encountered God in nature, His first book, which continually declares His power, wisdom, and glory. Bonds were formed, faith was strengthened, and hearts were encouraged.
The good news is that this experience does not have to be a one-time event. From August 28–30, the Ontario Conference Men’s Ministries Retreat will be held at Camp Frenda. Last year, ten men from Willowdale attended, and this year I am planning to return. The theme is especially timely: “Forged: Men Standing Strong in a Shifting World.” The early-bird registration fee is $120 before July 11, which includes two nights of accommodation and four meals. To encourage participation, Willowdale Men’s Ministries will provide a $50 subsidy for the first twelve men who fully register and pay. Please note that a completed payment, not simply signing up, secures both your spot and eligibility for the discount.
Speaking of being “forged,” if you have not yet watched the Kendrick Brothers film Forged on Netflix, I highly recommend it. Recently, Michelle invited me to a couple’s movie night at home, and the film deeply impacted both of us. It is a powerful story about faith, fatherhood, mentorship, and the lasting influence of godly men. Every family would benefit from watching it, especially fathers and sons. In a time when wholesome Christian films can be difficult to find, Forged delivers a message that is both inspiring and deeply needed.
As we approach Father’s Day, I want to leave our men with a challenge. Our world is changing rapidly. Families are under pressure. Churches need committed leadership. Communities are searching for men of integrity, courage, and faith. The question is not whether the world needs godly men—the question is whether we will answer God’s call to become them. Christian men are needed today more than ever. God is calling us to rise above passivity and complacency. He is calling us to lead with humility, serve with courage, love sacrificially, and stand faithfully for what is right. Our families need it. Our church needs it. Our community needs it.
The theme for this Sabbath is “Measure Up.” Not according to the world’s standards of success, strength, or status, but according to God’s ideal for men who are willing to follow Christ wholeheartedly. May we accept the challenge to become repairers of the breach, builders of God’s Kingdom, and spiritual leaders wherever He has placed us.
The invitation is open. The challenge has been given. Will you answer the call?
Maranatha
Pastor Glenn DeSilva