Men’s conference focuses on work and home
Up against a cold rain and presidential primary voting, the Salt and Light Men’s Ministries Conference still packed Riverland Hills Baptist Church with hundreds of men seeking to know God and sharpen their church ministries.
The annual conference, held January 19, included breakout conferences ranging from how to handle grief and anger to motorcycle ministry. The theme for this year’s conference was Authentic Manhood: Winning at Work & Home, the second of the highly successful Men’s Fraternity study series.
Jim Austin, SC Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, in welcoming the men to the conference, painted a picture of men’s ministries in the 1920's where often 500-600 or more men would gather together. Today, men’s ministries are not as prevalent but are growing.
“I pray it can be that way again,” said Austin.
In a large group session, attendees heard testimonies of how Men’s Fraternity groups have transformed the work and ministry of men in many South Carolina churches.
Lee Williams first visited a Men’s Fraternity group at a church near his home after being urged by his wife to join. Though Williams did not attend the church, he found fellowship and life changing principles in the group.
“The issues being talked about were not black or white. God is the God of all of us,” said Williams, who is African American. “I came into the group in the flesh. I left in the same spirit [as the rest of the men].”
Buddy Noonan of Sumter told participants that Men’s Fraternity can help men learn how to relate to not only their family, but friends and co-workers as well.
“If God puts it on your heart to help another man, you just can’t keep it in…everyone here knows another man that is struggling,” he said.
Ron Barker, SC Baptist Convention church multiplication associate director of partnership development and main session speaker told participants, ministry begins in their neighborhoods and businesses.
“God does not live in a box in the pastor’s office. He is scattered,” he said.
“This pretty building is not the house of God…there are plenty of places in the world that do not have pretty buildings, and they are doing church well,” Barker continued.
Barker encouraged the men to build relational bridges in their own personal circle of friends and co-workers and serve those people until they ask about faith or "turn the lights on spiritually."
“You are the expert on your story. You know what God is doing in your life,” he said.
Compelling the men to interact with those who need to know Jesus in their communities, Barker said the responsibility is not only for church pastors but individuals.
“The potential for fulfilling the Great Commission in South Carolina is in the pews.”
For more information on men’s ministries, contact the SC Baptist Convention Lifestyle Evangelism group at (800) 723-7242 ext. 5300.
