Bethel Church Feeds« Lessons Learned in Small Groups | Main | Celebrating the Journey: Next Leadership Briefing »
Men are from Mars,…but Growing in Small Groups
By Paul | April 11, 2007
Directing the men-specific small groups ministry at Bethel is Dick Erickson, who doubles as chairman of the elder board. With a smark-aleck tone to his voice and a twinkle in his eye, he agreed to answer some questions:
1. What is the favorite part of your job in men’s ministry?
To me a favorite part of anything is something you enjoy and see as important. I do enjoy the opportunity to relate with a lot of guys, just talking about men’s stuff. But I get encouraged when guys step up and assume a leadership role as an Ironmen Small Group leader, Special Interest Group leader, leaders of various events or other men’s ministry areas.
2. How many Ironmen small groups are currently meeting, and what is your vision for them?
We currently have 60 Ironmen Small Groups with approximately 250 guys attending a weekly time with other men. That means there are over 3000 meetings of men per year! The vision is to encourage all men to join a group, as that is where the genuine spiritual growth takes place. Praying, laughing, studying, challenging……are all part of an Ironmen Small Group.
3. If you could give one leadership tip to all the small group leaders at Bethel, to keep the main thing at the forefront, what would it be?
There are so many good ideas and methods to help leaders grow. And they should glean from the list and use them. But for me if a leader does not spend time reading and studying his/her Bible and carving out a part of the day for Jesus, then the foundation we build on is shaky. Make God’s Word a regular part of your life and He will show you what He wants you to be.
4. What are you excited about in men’s ministry in the next 6 months ahead?
Bunch of good stuff is happening:
- Two all Tri-City Men’s Breakfasts are scheduled for June and September here in the Fellowship Hall. Speaker for June 9 is Chuck Stecker, an ex-marine who will challenge us with “Becoming the Man”.
- There will be 2-3 men’s book studies, with the first beginning April 26 based on “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge.
- This summer you can join in with a special interest group in a variety of ways…..photography, hoops, motorcycles, softball, golf, hiking, fly fishing, etc. Check out the men’s page on the Bethel web site to find out more.
- We are looking at a classic car rally and BBQ later this year.
- In October we will have our annual Men’s Retreat. The details are so secret that I can’t say anything now!!!! Look for details to follow.
- Many of the Ironmen groups have individual fun and service events planned.
5. Just for fun, I know you like to eat. What would be the perfect meal for you (place, cuisine)?
OK…now let’s think about this. If you say I like to eat, then don’t you think picking one favorite meal would be rather difficult? I can tell you no lima beans, hot spicy stuff, or weird bug type food. All right….if I had to pick a meal it would be the roast, carrots, potatoes, apple pie and home make ice cream Jeanne fixes for me. Now that’s living!!
Comments are closed.