Journeying with Jesus

Journeying withJesusBY PASTOR RON GARNER

Keeping the “Love Boat”

Several years ago, a generous ministry that supports and encourages pastors sent my wife and me on an all- expense paid cruise. Up to this point, my only point of reference regarding cruising came from the 70s-era dramedy The Love Boat. If you don’t have any idea of what I am talking about, consider yourself blessed and move on. No offense to any The Love Boat aficionados, but I think I would prefer to be waterboarded than to have to watch an episode of that again. Here is the plot of every show, in case you are among the fortunate. A couple on the verge of splitsville makes one last-ditch effort to salvage their relationship by going on The Love Boat cruise. After many tense moments along with some comedic relief provided by “Gopher” (who surprised us all by becoming a United States Congressman…no kidding) comes to realize that their relationship is worth fighting for and… roll the credits. Seriously, that was the plot of every episode, with only slight variations.

Back to my cruise, which wasn’t on The Love Boat. This was evidenced by the fact we had a couple in the next cabin that fought the entire time, with no happy wrap-up at the end. How do I know? Because the walls were thin, and we heard every harsh word. It definitely dampened the vibe. But it does raise the question, especially this month as we celebrate romantic love, how do we keep our “Love Boats” afloat? I know, cheesier than a Hallmark card, but just go with it! One thought comes directly from the Scripture, which offers among many things the master class on maintaining healthy relationships. The author of Hebrews in general and in 10:24-25 specifically writes about the importance of community. Community is vital in all our relationships, including our romantic/ marital ones. What I mean here is that too often when we are going through a difficult season in our marriage, we tend to keep it to ourselves. Or worse, we share our frustrations and disappointments with someone who takes our side only. But we keep mum with those that can offer us objective wise counsel that actually might help mend the relationship.

But we might think, “Well, it is not any of their business!” The truth? If we are Christians, it actually is. It is kind of like this: imagine we are all on a cruise. We are all doing our own thing. I am the top deck shooting skeet and you are on one of the promenade decks eating your 8th meal of the day. Now even though we might be apart, our actions impact the other, especially if I decide to start shooting holes in the bottom of our boat or you polish off all the chocolate cake. My actions impact your life and vice versa. Likewise, as we “cruise through life” together, if I end my marriage, it won’t only affect me, but all those around me, especially my church family, in significant ways. So, we don’t need each other only to help stay afloat, we need each other to stay afloat for the good of all.

Back to The Love Boat dramedy. There was always someone sticking their nose into the feuding couple’s business, unintended or not. Sometimes it was the captain, other times, the bartender, ship doctor or the cruise director (evidently, we were not on the same cruise line, because none of the employees on our boat had any time to “busybody”). Regardless, they always offered objective critical advice when it was needed the most...leading to a saved marriage. As hokey as the series was, I believe they got this part right. When going through a “stormy” (sorry, couldn’t resist) season in our marriage, we need outside help. If you are a Christian, go talk to your pastor, a Christian counselor/ therapist, or even a mature Jesus-following couple. Will it be embarrassing, awkward, even humbling to share your “dirty laundry” with someone else? Maybe, but first, believe me, they will have have heard it all before. Second, isn’t a little embarrassment worth keeping your love boat afloat? Not only for your own good, but the good of the whole “ship” (family, church, community)?

tCALLoDUTY

A Christian Men’s Conference

BY DENISE HEIDEL

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your

Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

In recent years, surveys have shown that if a child becomes a Christian in a non-Christian home—there is a 3.5% chance that everyone in the household will follow. That number grows to 17% if the mother is the first in a family to become a Christian. But if a father accepts Christ—the likelihood of the household following increases to 93%. That data is tremendous and cannot be ignored. In fact—the role of “father” is so important, the Bible mentions that title more than 1100 times.

However, with an ongoing decline in church attendance and 25% of children living in fatherless homes—the role of men in a position of spiritual leadership is on the decline. But whether a man is a father or not, the Bible specifically speaks about men and their responsibilities as their call to duty as Christians…as well as the role of men as spiritual leaders of their homes. Michael Hansley, a local father, entrepreneur, and most importantly—a Christian—knows too well the challenges men face. “Men struggle with so many issues, and our goal is to awaken men to their responsibilities to be the spiritual leader in their homes. We take the Bible very seriously and believe it is the authentic Truth—the inerrant Word of God. The mission of Call to Duty will be to challenge men—and equip them—with the tools they need to honor their God-given responsibilities to their families, and mostly—to their Creator.”

Ministry partner Steve Buffkin agreed. “In my 40+ years of ministry, I have watched men battle issues with marriages, families, pornography, alcohol, substance abuse, and more. But these are not things we talk about –at least, not the way women talk with each other about their challenges. Men are trained to be independent; to admit shortcomings is to admit failure. In short—men today don’t always know what it means to be a man as God called us to be.”

“That’s what this conference is designed to do,” Michael chimed in. “We want to provide men with a new view of themselves, the world, their relationships, and understand what it means to be a godly man. We want those who, like me, come from fatherless homes to understand that they can be chain breakers—and make new choices and establish new patterns for the next generation. We want to disciple them and teach them about biblical manhood and developing a kingdom perspective through the Truth of God’s Word.”

Steve added, “Michael’s vision for this conference is deeply rooted in his tremendous love for Jesus and his prayer for others. While this is a tremendously ambitious conference, we believe that all things are possible with God. The conference is not affiliated with any specific church or denomination, but it’s Biblically-based and volunteer-led. Every breakout session will be facilitated by someone with personal experience who has had personal victory over that issue. We have the program structure—and we have the speakers and volunteers. What we need are the sponsors—the individuals and organizations who believe in the vision and who want to help make an impact in mens’ lives.”

Call To Duty is in the process of being established as a non-profit and needs generous supporters who share their mission. If that is you or your organization—please contact Michael Hansley at 336.932.7119 to learn how you can make a difference—even an eternal investment –in the lives of men in our community.

Call To Duty Mens’ Conference will be held May 6th – 7th, 2022, at the Village Inn Event Center in Clemmons. Learn more at CallToDuty.world. To become an event sponsor, contact Michael Hansley at 336.932.7119. The Call to Duty 501(c)(3) is pending, and questions about tax-deductible contributions should be directed to Michael.

RESOURCES: 25 Facts on the Importance of Fathers, TheGospelCoalition.org

Promise Keepers at Work, FocusOnTheFamily.org 45 Single Parent Statistics You Can’t Ignore: 2021 Gender, Race & Challenges,

FinancesOnline.com

Father Absence Statistics, Fatherhood.org