Submitted by Marty Miller
Submitted by Marty Miller
A small group of men’s ministry leaders from across the Southern Union convened at Cohutta Springs Conference Center for the first ever Men’s Ministry Leadership Summit, April 26-28, 2019, to create a shared vision for men’s ministry.
Planned and spearheaded by Marty Miller, Georgia-Cumberland Conference men’s ministries coordinator, the impetus for the weekend came out of a collective desire for building a stronger men’s ministry … together! Together they gathered to pray and seek God’s leading for this important, yet least emphasized, ministry.
After a short welcome by Miller, Ronaldo DaCunha, Florida Conference men’s ministry director, shared the history of men’s ministry in the Southern Union, and urged the men to “Make More Noise!” to raise awareness.
As the evening moved on, Vince Miller, with Resolute Men, guided the group to discuss the challenges men’s ministry is facing in America.
On Sabbath they met, resolved to stay focused on the “Summit.” Bernie Ritterbush with Men’s Ministry Network, enlightened the men with a lengthy history of men’s ministry in America. Chris Ackerson, of Every Man a Warrior, shared how to make men’s discipleship the focus of men’s ministry, and taught the basic skills of “Quiet Time.” Jim Herman, retired Collegedale Church pastor, followed up with an “Anti- Quiet Time” by leading in prayer, worship, singing, and confession.
After eating lunch, nine men took a private airplane flight around Cohutta Springs. Taking off from a grass strip. Matt Demaree, Kentucky-Tennessee Conference men’s ministry coordinator, piloted his Cessna high above the camp.
Later in the day, Vince Miller led his men’s leadership training workshop. It reminded the men that solid leadership must be the foundation of their ministry. The team did weather a “storming” session as different perspectives were aired. Yet, that’s how disconnected men become a band of brothers!
As the Summit came to a close on Sunday morning, “Base Camp” was established as Miller led the team to adopt VISION 2020, a working document to serve as the foundation for building men’s ministry into the next decade. The seven key ingredients of VISION 2020:
- Build TEAMWORK by bringing positive attitudes and talents together.
- Provide LEADERSHIP development through training and certification.
- Create a media-rich WEBSITE that will inspire, educate, and connect.
- Generate RESOURCES that will help men succeed at every stage and area of life.
- Expand men’s ministry through DISCIPLESHIP, mentoring, and recovery groups.
- Promote and ADVERTISE men’s ministry through digital and print formats.
- Plan MAJOR EVENTS such as a Southern Union Men’s Ministry Convention.
The summit concluded with the delegates committing to build a stronger men’s ministry, creating stronger men throughout the Southern Union.
To learn more about conference men’s ministry or to get involved, visit http://blueprintformen.org.
Georgia-Cumberland | July 2019
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