Isolationism: the greatest danger to a man’s spiritual journey

Nearly 25 years ago, I moved to New Jersey to pastor a congregation that had begun a few years earlier.  Before accepting the call, I’d preached a handful of messages, but had never performed a baptism, funeral, or wedding. I’m grateful the congregation was understanding with such a newbie.  I bumped a man’s head on the baptismal tank, bumbled a funeral or two, and once forgot to have the groom kiss the bride (she reminded me of course).  When I look back there are a number of things I would have done differently, but one thing I’m forever grateful that I did do was to consistently meet with a small group of men. After three years of doing it alone, I could feel the dangers of isolationism settling in. So I made a  decision to start meeting with men.  Over the years, the men have aged, the names have changed, and even some of the diners have closed, but the meetings have remained persistent.

Most Christian men tend to drift towards isolationism and pastors are no exception. Meeting weekly with a small group of guys has helped curb that danger. The brotherhood, accountability and encouragement have helped guard my heart and fended off discouragement. Aside from my wife’s faithfulness and encouragement, no other influence has had a more sustaining effect on my ministry.  The Christian man who attempts to go it alone is more susceptible to Satan’s lies, and when he falls there is no one to help him back up.

A few years ago, I realized that there was no way I was going to connect with all of the men in our church, so I took the lessons I learned in my past men’s groups and compiled them into a 13-week study. The video teaching is brief, intended to “set the table” for the discussion that will follow. But, the relationships that are fostered will carry your guys through the week and beyond. We call it 4M Training and its a small group study for the average guy who wants to grow but doesn’t know where to start. I invite you to view these resources and the free videos at 4mtraining.com. If you would like to view a copy of the 4M Training Manual and verse pack, we will send you a copy at no charge. Simply send an email with your mailing address to pmoser@biblicalstrategies.com, and let us know of your request. There is no charge for the manual or for shipping, and we will not request any financial information. We trust this resource will be a blessing to you as it has been to many others.