Noble Warriors Blog

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life –givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life –givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.  

Have you ever paid attention to how Jesus gathered up the twelve men who were closest to him during his three years of ministry? There was no extended interview process that involved headhunters and a human relations department. Nor was there any discussion, before they responded, about compensation or benefits. Jesus encountered these men in the workplace and said ‘follow me’.

I love to think about that. Go back and read the accounts in each of the gospels. Yes, each writer has a few words or details different but in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus says to one or more of the disciples, “Follow Me” and they responded immediately, leaving much behind.

I like to ponder what that must have felt like… to hear the Christ say, “Follow Me”. What about him was so compelling that men like Peter and Andrew, James and John would leave their businesses and their assets, even their families behind? What would make Matthew, the tax collector “leave everything behind, get up and begin to follow him.”?

When I wrestle with this and read more about their interactions with Christ, I believe that in some way, they knew that following Christ would be more fulfilling that catching fish or collecting taxes. Surely they didn’t fully understand what they were signing up for, but they knew it would be different from what they had.

I marvel at the fact that when he did talk with them about the compensation and benefits package for the job of Apostle and First Century Church Planter, the deal just wasn’t very sweet: “do not acquire gold, or silver or copper for your money belts”, “When they arrest you”,  “Whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next”, “Do not fear those who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul.” There doesn’t seem to be any talk of a corner office or a vehicle allowance.

But here’s what I find amazing, exciting and challenging; these men, with the obvious exception of Judas, stepped toward these challenges and followed Christ. They followed him even though they didn’t understand everything he was saying or doing. They followed him through frustrations and dangers. They followed him among crowds and when it was just them. They followed him until they realized what he was headed for…then they fell away. But when he returned, after conquering death and sin, they were re-energized. Finally they understood. Their training kicked in and they became the founders of the church that you and I are part of today.

Men respond to challenge and adventure. Men don’t often respond to an initiation to a pot-luck dinner at the local church. But men will respond to Christ’s call to “Follow Me”. And guys, here’s a challenge for you. Do you remember Paul’s bold statement in 1Corinthians 11:1? “Follow me as I follow the example of Christ.” You and I need to “Follow Christ” in such a way that others will be compelled to follow him as well. Are you doing living that way?

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life-givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.

In recent blog posts I’ve been putting giving readers some perspective on the powerful phrases that make up our new Noble Warriors Vision Statement. This time we’re taking a look at the phrase, …as life-givers.

I Corinthians 15:45 is the verse that sparked this thought, So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.”The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. Of course you know that the first Adam is the one who chose sin and death, the second Adam, Christ, chose righteousness and life.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not but our society is filled with folks who are trying to see how much they can take, hoard and control for themselves. These folks are takers, consumers… some become so aggressive or self focused that we often say they ‘suck the life out of you’.

Unfortunately, I’ve observed this behavior in too many men. I think the default setting for many men is, ‘What’s in it for me?’ or ‘How can I satisfy my desires in this situation?’ If that’s your MO then you’re a life-taker… you are taking energy, resources…indeed life from those around you.

As I read the gospels, I notice many things about Christ, but one of the most obvious observations that I think any reader will make is that Christ was a giver of life… not a taker. Yes, of course he raised people from the dead, but I’m talking about giving life… through his words, his strength, his manner, his presence. Remember…

·         He encouraged the praised the Centurion’s faith

·         He stood beside the adulterous woman

·         He encouraged the children to be near him

·         He emboldened the disciples as he sent them out to minister

·         He served the disciples in the upper room

·         He received the blessing of service from Mary, as she washed his feet with her hair

·         He restored Peter’s confidence by asking him to ‘feed his sheep’

·         He endured the pain and agony of the cross, and instead focused on the joy beyond

I’m sure you could list even more examples and I hope you will accept that challenge to look for Christ ‘giving life’ as you read the gospels.  But, there’s a bigger challenge. Are you a life-giver? Will you be a life-giver? I think one way to measure this is how people react to you. Are they genuinely glad to see you because you bring energy and enthusiasm with you? Or, do they wince as you get closer because they know you’re going to place expectations and make demands… taking life from others?

My prayer and hope is that each man will be a life-giver, in every situation.  Resist the natural temptation to be selfish and inwardly focused. Instead as a husband, father, son, friend, soldier, officer, business owner, coach, boss, employee, servant, leader, pastor, manager, customer, or anything else… be a life-giver!

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life-givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.

Men, in two previous blog entries, I’ve unpacked the phrases Adventurous men and engaging from the Noble Warriors Vision Statement. This time I want to consider the scope of every arena of influence.

There are many passages of scripture that speak to me about Biblical manhood. One of my favorites, that I often point men to, is Judges 1:1 Now it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the Lord saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”

I love to read that verse to men and point out that the Israelites were looking for a leader. But they especially wanted a leader like Joshua was, a man who led out front. I believe that we need more men who are willing to stand up and stand out in order to lead their families, lead the church and lead in our communities.  

But, there are many times, and situations where you don’t have to be in charge in order to make a difference.

Do you remember Nehemiah? Go back and read his story. He had tremendous influence from his position as cupbearer to the king.

How about Timothy? He was a young pastor, obviously a great asset to the early church but had to be encouraged by Paul with the following words, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Have you seen the movie Fireproof? Fire Captain Caleb Holt is influenced by his father and a subordinate at the fire station. The steady influence of those two men, whose influence he could have rejected, helped lead him to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and work to save his marriage.

 These are only a few examples but they are enough to get you thinking about your arenas of influence. Where can you be influential for the Kingdom? Certainly in your home, at work (even if you are a cupbearer), in your neighborhood, in your child’s school?  Think about it. I’m confident you have many ‘arenas of influence’ in which you can adventurously engage on behalf of the Kingdom.

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life-givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.

In the previous entry I introduced you to this new Noble Warriors vision statement and gave you a bit of perspective on adventurous men. In this entry I want to unpack the idea of engaging.

I’m amazed by the energy level that our sons have. They are almost always looking for something to do. And most of the time it doesn’t make any difference whether it’s constructive or destructive. They just need some action. Don’t dare try to convince them to sit down and be quiet. It’s not in their nature.

But, somewhere along the way, energetic and active boys often become men that won’t engage heartily in many things that really matter. I have to tell you that it frustrates me to see young mothers struggle with little Sally and Jimmy while dad stands nearby without reaction.

I believe that many of the ills that our society is wrestling with could be significantly impacted in one generation if men would engage. Some authors have suggested that the original sin was not Eve eating the forbidden fruit, but Adam’s passivity when she was tempted by Satan. That’s certainly something to ponder. Reject Passivity is the first statement in the definition of manhood that many of us learned in Men’s Fraternity.

Men who claim association with Jesus Christ should demonstrate appropriate engagement. Think about Jesus’ teachings and behaviors. It’s all about engagement – not passivity. The Good Samaritan got involved and took action. The worshiper with unfinished business was to leave his gift and go resolve the issue. Jesus went to Peter’s house and healed his mother-in-law. (Some of you would consider this over the top!)

He confronted those who needed correction. He stood with those who needed support. He fed the hungry both physical and spiritual food. He called out to Zaccheus. He connected with his Father in prayer. And he chose the cross… remember Hebrews 12:2 Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our vision is for men to engage, in life, in marriage, in parenting, in leadership, in service, is prayer, in every arena of life. But that’s for next time.

Adventurous men engaging every arena of influence as life-givers who follow Christ’s example of manhood.

This is the newly crafted vision statement for Noble Warriors. A number of men have given comments and input on the statement over the past several months. I have to tell you that I’m pretty excited about it. I hope you will take time to read it a few times and digest it a bit. Each word and phrase is packed with meaning and suggestion.

•  

  • Adventurous Men

  • Engaging

  • Every Arena of Influence

  • Life-Givers

  • Follow Christ

  • Christ’s Example of Manhood

Our vision is not for this ministry, but for what men should be. Noble Warriors exists to call men to this vision and to equip them to live this way. I think it’s a vision that most men will embrace. I can tell you this; I pray my three sons will become this type of man. And I’m praying that when I walk my daughter down a church aisle to give her away, the man who takes her hand will fit this description.

I believe this is a vision that women who are close to Noble Warriors can embrace. What woman wouldn’t want to be married to a man like this? Further, I believe this is a vision that pastors can embrace. What pastor wouldn’t want a church full of men who fit this description?

In future posts I’ll be talking about this vision and sharing some insights related to each word. I want you to know that strive to live this way but I often fail. We all do. My sons will fail. Men, you will fail. Ladies, your husband will fail. Pastors, your men will fail. That’s why all men need other men around them to encourage, challenge and sometimes confront them.  

So, that’s our vision. We see men who are striving to fit this description challenging and calling others out to live this way.  I’ll tell you more next time! What are your thoughts?

I wonder if Jesus would look at the spiritual condition of men in our churches today and say, “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones…” Matthew 23:27

Men’s ministry is hard… But it’s worth doing. Read this quote from David Murrow’s book, Why Men Hate Going to Church.

Dream for a moment. What would church be like if the majority of the worshippers were men? Not just males taking up pew space, but strong, earthy men who were truly alive in Christ. Men who were there not just to please their wives, to fulfill religious tradition, or go on a power trip, but men who were there to rock their world. Can you even imagine what it would feel like? Imagine what such a church could accomplish for the kingdom of God!

I don’t have time or space here to tell you all that comes to mind when I think about the challenges of men’s ministry. I want to tell you why the challenge motivates me. Jesus poured his life into men. Sure, he ministered to the women and children but he discipled men; imperfect, tarnished men from various walks of life. Jesus invested in men who would take what he had taught them and build the church that exists even now.

You don’t have to pay attention very closely to realize that men today are struggling spiritually. Not just the men outside the church; many who are part of the church are just going through the motions. But listen to this… women are surging ahead spiritually. Nobody likes to think or talk about it but its true.

I’m sounding the alarm. Many churches that I encounter have thriving women’s ministries, Bible Studies and special events. Women can’t wait for the next spiritual opportunity. So, the faith of our women is growing… but our men are floundering… and families are suffering.

Most of you who are interested at all in what Noble Warriors is all about would agree that the spiritual health of our families is dependent upon the spiritual health of our men. Therefore, I find it amazing that when it comes to setting priorities, most of the Christian community places the spiritual development of men near the end of the line. 

I think Satan is thrilled with scenarios such as this hypothetical…

Spiritual Sally is enthusiastic about her faith and attends church with great enthusiasm. She gets the kids ready on Sunday mornings and drags them and Reluctant Ralph to the local evangelical Christian church. She enjoys Sunday School, worship, women’s Bible Studies and special women’s ministry events.

She’s growing spiritually. The kids participate in Sunday School, and mid-week activities. They go to VBS in the summer and are memorizing Bible Verses. They love church…(until they become young adults). Reluctant Ralph endures it all. He goes to church with Sally to keep her happy but really isn’t engaged.

Sally is dying for some help with the spiritual development of the kids and has, through tears at the women’s events, said that she wishes her husband would lead their family. She wishes some other men would encourage him. Honestly, Ralph knows he’s not where he should be spiritually but he’s not sure how to move forward. He’s not getting much out of the pastor’s sermons and he’s tired of being asked to cut grass and paint the church.

He needs some help with his marriage and parenting. And on top of that… things are tough for the family financially. He can’t find any answers for his questions with a mulch rake in his hand. He needs help to be the husband, father, friend, employee, business owner, spiritual leader he’s pretty sure God wants him to be.

Folks, this scenario that I’ve just painted is not anyone’s particular story… but it is typical. I’ve heard all these elements before… many times. We lament the fact that our men could use some help but when there are opportunities for them to move forward in their faith journey we let them slip by while we focus on things that really are less important than equipping men to walk with Christ and lead their families.

Let’s get back to the issue at hand… Why do I do what I do? Because seeing Reluctant Ralph wake up spiritually and get some real practical instruction about what it means to be a Christ Follower and how to live as the spiritual leader of his family positively impacts more marriages and father child relationships than women’s ministry events or children’s ministry programs. And then, seeing Reluctant Ralph go after his buddies in a effort to help them find value in walking with Christ and lead their families is even more amazing.

This work is hard, challenging, frustrating and discouraging…. But I love it. Why don’t you join me and other Noble Warriors in Calling Men OUT and UP? We have two more Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences on our calendar for this season. There will not be better opportunities for men to get the encouragement and equipping they need to walk with Christ and lead their families.  

Let’s invest in the men who will lead the families that build the church… instead of building the church that must serve the families because the men are failing. 

….you cannot have a thriving church without a core of men who are true followers of Christ. If the men are dead, the church is dead. David Murrow Why Men Hate Going to Church pg. 8.

What are your thoughts? Could I challenge you to forward a link to this blog entry to some of your contacts? Better yet, think of a Reluctant Ralph who could use some help and invite him to join you for an Iron Sharpens Iron Conference.

Here’s a story many of you can identify with… I didn’t really feel like being in church last Sunday. I wasn’t feeling great. One of the bugs that are being passed around in the community caught up with me. But it was more than a cold, one of it’s manifestations was a very painful ulcer on the side of my tongue. Annoying and uncomfortable. It hurt to talk and eat. It just hurt, period. So physically, I wasn’t in great shape.

The morning hadn’t gone so well either. I normally get up early and have some quiet time… didn’t happen this day. I stayed in bed too long and then I had to get some stuff ready for church that I hadn’t completed on Saturday (because I was wiped out on the sofa all day with this cold.) I also was busy packing bags in our vehicle because we were going down to spend the night with my parents. So, no quiet time with God to start the day and rushed to get a variety of things done.  

Then, after everyone was finally ready and in the car… Stacy noticed that Hannah, (our 3-year old daughter) had on the wrong shoes with her outfit, and her hair was a mess. I think that was one of those miscommunication things, I could have monitored her more closely but I had other things to do, so did Stacy… so Hannah took matters into her own hands, which she doesn’t mind doing but the results aren’t great.

Stacy ran back into the house to get shoes, hairbrush etc. While she did that I sent Tim, our oldest son, to pick up the paper in the driveway so I could read it in the afternoon. When Stacy got back to the car, she jumped in the back seat so she could address the Hannah disaster. I placed the paper on the console between the two seats and Tim jumped in the other front seat. We were finally off to church. Late and a disheveled, but we were finally on the way.

We pulled up to an intersection where I had to drive across one lane to get into my traveling lane. As I accelerated, the paper slid off the console, I reached back to grab it. When I did, I drove right across my travel lane and Tim yelled… Watch Out Dad! I looked up to see that I was about to hit a sign post on the opposite side of the road. I was able to avoid hitting the post directly but it did clip the side-view mirror on the passenger door and shattered it. Tim, who is a bit dramatic, reacted in panic. I immediately thought of the money I just threw out the window and waited for a biting remark from Stacy.  

 Our family was in a bit of a crisis. No one was hurt, we were still on our way to church but things just weren’t going well. I told every one that we just all needed to settle down and maintain composure that we needed to collect ourselves and keep going. We arrived at church, late, and made our way inside with some other huffing and puffing. I was able to get some material in place and make a couple of connections regarding getting our guys to the upcoming Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference. As I was moving around, I overheard Tim, in a group of his peers, telling everyone about our morning.  

My reaction was not good. I summoned him to the restroom pretty abruptly and made it clear that our family challenges for the day did not need to be broadcast for the entire church. I wasn’t in the mood to hear his banter. I told him that one day it would probably be funny but it wouldn’t be funny today and he needed to keep himself in check. So, after that, our family proceeded into the sanctuary to join our brothers and sisters in worship.

Wow, I was in pretty bad shape. My mouth hurt. I was mad, frustrated, disappointed with myself, discouraged about all the stuff I hadn’t gotten done because I was sick and just generally in a rotten mood. As I stood there, not singing, I knew people would notice that I was not my normal self. I started thinking about how I didn’t want to be there… but I needed to be there. I thought about how I didn’t want to worship God… but I needed to worship. My praise was Un-Easy that day.

Then, I thought about the men, many men, who can relate to what I was feeling. Sometimes life just isn’t fun. In those times, worship isn’t easy to engage and actually being in church is a bit uncomfortable…perhaps a lot uncomfortable.

The whole exercise was good for me…not fun, but good. My life isn’t perfect, my family isn’t perfect. When life smacks us around and things don’t go so well, praise and worship don’t come easily. Walking with Christ on those days is a real challenge. Leading my family is uncomfortable at best.

So, I’m thankful that every day isn’t like last Sunday. I’m also thankful that I know how much better things can be. I’m thankful that I know the peace of Christ. I’m thankful that I’m understanding better each day what His abundant life is all about. I’m thankful that there are some men who came alongside me over the course of the week to check on me. I’m thankful that God is sovereign through all our troubles and he can help us get through the fog.

I’m also thankful for Paul’s example for us. Consider this passage: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4.  

·      Men, have you experienced any discomfort lately that made life Un-Easy?

·      Have you experienced any spiritual upheaval that may Praise Un-Easy?

·      Could I challenge you to use those opportunities to accept comfort from God…however he may send it… then, once you get back on your feet…pass your relief along by comforting others.

So, do you have a Sunday Morning Disaster story that made your praise UN-Easy? I’d love to hear it.

Proverbs 19:21 is a favorite verse of mine.  It reads, “Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  My mind is constantly churning with ideas.  I wrestle with myself and God to try and discern which of those ideas are plans of my heart and which are truly God’s purposes.  The battle is fierce.  

But, I’m convinced that the development, growth and impact of Noble Warriors are of God.  I believe Men are on God’s heart.  I also believe that God has his hand on this Ministry.  If not, we couldn’t talk about the fruit of changed lives.  I also believe God will continue to sustain and grow this ministry.  Here’s the next challenge, we can’t continue to expand services and territory in our current position.  We must also grow the infrastructure.   

Recognizing that need earlier this year, with the Board’s approval, NW hired a part-time Ministry Assistant, Belinda Deason.  Just recently we recognized the need for more space and a base of operations, so we leased a 1700SF office space which we call the Noble Warriors Leadership Zone.  And now, we are looking to bring on a second full-time Director early in 2008. 

These are huge leaps of faith that put us in a risky financial position. God has opened doors and will continue to do so.  He has proven himself faithful in many circumstances so we are prayerfully moving forward to secure the victories that He has already won.  God has  laid claim to the hearts of men that neither you nor I have met.  We must advance with faith, boldness and confidence. 

Do you remember Joshua’s words to the children of Israel? “Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land.  The lord your God is giving you for your own.”  I believe God has greater things in store for Noble Warriors but we must possess the land.  That will require resources.  We can’t continue to grow the ministry without growing our infrastructure and budget.  Perhaps God is prompting you to partner with us.   

We need your help to advance. I hope you’ll consider an end of the year gift or perhaps a monthly partnership commitment to help NW continue Calling Men OUT and UP! 

If you are inclinde to parnter with us to grow this ministry, you can make an online donation by clicking here. If you are interested in making a regular monthly contribution, click here to send an email so we can get in touch with you.

 God Bless You! and Merry Christmas!