#90 – All In Marriage

Guest: Rob Thorpe

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

Rob Thorpe has spoken at dozens of ISI Men’s Conferences over the last decade, as well as the national ISI Marriage Conference. He has held dozens of marriage-related workshops, classes, and retreats for churches in multiple states. Rob counts it his greatest privilege and honor that he and his wife Billie have been married almost 50 years and couldn’t be prouder of their three awesome adult sons and their thirteen amazing grandchildren.

Rob began this ministry by having couples who were younger than them mentor them in their relationship. From there, it moved to a life group for young couples, which then moved to conferences and ultimately to several books.

Rob has several key points:

1. You cannot learn your way to a great marriage, which most of us try.
   1. It starts with walking closer and closer with God. The closer we get to God, the better we will honor and love our wives the way God intends for us to do.
   2. Getting closer to God and His word helps us to understand that Spiritual Warfare is a part of your life as a believer and even more so as a married believer. Satan attacked the first couple, and as we know, it had devastating consequences. Nothing is more important to our enemy than to attack marriages and split us apart, which impacts our children and grandchildren.
2. Marriage is God’s workshop for showing us how selfish we can be. Men, we can all be selfish by making other things more important than our marriage, or even just not being engaged fully in our marriage. Let’s make marriage the most important relationship in our lives, beyond our relationship with God.
3. Love is a verb, meaning it requires action.
   1. We need to do something to demonstrate our love for our wives every day.
   2. We need to be proactive in meeting needs, heading off incoming problems.
   3. We need to reach out for help early rather than bluff our way to divorce.

Marriage is the primary institution that God created. Men, let’s step into this and love and honor our wives and protect our marriages at all costs. God’s heart will be pleased with us as we do just that. Praying for you.

Questions to consider about your marriage:

1. Ask your wife how you are doing as a husband. What one thing can I do for you that you will appreciate and so I am able to demonstrate my love for you?
2. What challenge is in your marriage? What one thing can you do today to take initiative to resolve this challenge? Seek a marriage mentor for yourself,

If you want to connect with Rob Thorpe directly, reach out via email:

Marriagesthatmatter@gmail.com

As a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#89 – Impacting Men Deeply

Guest: Reza Zadeh

Director, Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

Great story from our guest today. Originally from Iran, he grew up as a Muslim in Southern California. It was through sports and Athletes in Action (AIA) that Reza came to know Jesus. Since Jesus impacted his life so deeply, he chose to answer the ministry call on his life to impact others through pastoring, Athletes in Action, sharing the Word in churches, camps, golf courses, and coaching.

What do many men deal with in their process of coming to Christ and maturing in their faith?

Identity – Everyone wrestles with the idea of what their identity is. We are conditioned in our society to create our own identity – after all, we are self-made men, correct? As men of God, we do want to find our identity in Christ, but we often fail to understand that our identity is not something we achieve; it is something we receive from God.

Father – How do we view our earthly father? Often, we translate that view to our heavenly Father. If we have had an absent, abusive, neglectful, or a father we were unable to please, we translate that to what we think about God our Father. It is important to see God as He is presented in the Bible, not necessarily in our human experience. Sometimes having a mentor, or close friend, that we can utilize to help build a positive and correct view of our Heavenly Father. How you see God as your Father does make a massive impact on your life.

Shame – someone said that shame is the language the enemy speaks. Lying is what the enemy does. Shame says I am bad because of what I have done. It is not conviction that leads us to make changes, it is a condition that causes us to live under the impact of thinking we are bad…no hope, with no ability to be anything other than bad. Guilt says I did something bad and is a motivator to help you make changes. The truth is, I am a child of God. I need to repent and make changes, but God loves me, can forgive me, and place the identity of a man of God within me. You are not your sin – you are a child of the living God.

Men – today, replace lies with truth. Our engagement with God and open dialogue with trusted men of God can make a massive impact in your life.

Today, live your identity in Christ and pursue the truth of God about you, found in the Word of God. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD!!

If you want to connect with Reza Zadeh directly, visit https://www.rezazadeh.co

As a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#88 – Men’s Ministry Catalyst – Our Future

Guest: Eddie Bateman

Director, Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

Our Founder and Board of Directors of Men’s Ministry Catalyst (MMC) are very excited to continue the conversation about the MMC Legacy we have discussed for years. MMC is very excited to share that this continues to move forward. One of the most important ingredients to help this move forward is the hiring of the right person. This is the person who can make this dream become a reality by leading MMC into the future.

MMC is very excited to introduce you to Eddie Bateman, Director of MMC. Let me say that it would be very beneficial for you to listen to this podcast to really get to know Eddie, his family, his background, and all that he brings to this role at this particular time. What is so thrilling to hear is the connections only God could have orchestrated to bring this all together at this time in this way. The relationships between our founder, Dr. Jim Grassi, the organization we are combining with, known as RDN (Relational Discipleship Network), as well as the local church out of which RDN was birthed and of which Dr. Grassi was and is involved.

Please listen and then welcome Eddie Bateman to the organization.

If you want to connect with Eddie Bateman directly:

eddie@mensministrycatalyst.org 208.755.9863

Just a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#87 – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Friend or Foe?

Guest: Tristan Johnson

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Today, we hear so much about Artificial Intelligence. There are strong opinions from both sides of the belief system regarding AI. Today we are going to jump into the discussion: AI – Friend or Foe??

Tristan is a devout believer, a ministry to men ministry leader, an entrepreneur, and a business leader who uses AI not only in his business, but also in his local ministry. In full disclosure, Tristan has blessed our ministry with taking some of the books that our Founder, Dr. Jim Grassi, has written, and is in the process of helping MMC create small group study guides that local churches will use with their men’s groups.

We started the conversation with Tristan on the basics. Some will remember the great Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Football coach, who started every football camp with his professional football players holding up a football and simply said: “This is a football”.

You will want to listen hear Tristan discuss what AI is and equally importantly, what AI is not. He was also very clear on the advantages of using AI and some guardrails to keep in mind as you are moving forward.

If you are considering using AI in either your business or your ministry, Tristan Johnson would certainly be someone who could help you sort through any of your questions or concerns.

Please enjoy the conversation with Tristan.

If you want to connect with Tristan Johnson directly: tristan@tristanjohnson.org

https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Just a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#86 – Building Noble Warriors

Guest: Mike Young

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

As the man goes, so goes the church. As the church goes, so goes the culture.

Our guest today is Mike Young. He is the Founder of Noble Warriors, has a passion to see men grow, serve and lead as godly men… Noble Warriors even. He especially wants to see this in his three sons and the man that he hopes his daughter will someday marry.

He is a member of the National Coalition of Ministries to Men (and served as President for 3 years), as well as a member of the Iron Sharpens Iron Network and the Fatherhood CoMission.

Mike and his beautiful wife, Stacy, have three sons (Tim, who is married to Caroline, Zach, Ben) and a daughter (Hannah).

Mike has many tools on his website that you will want to check out. We would also encourage you to review his video series on “5 Keys to Effective Discipleship” that he is making available to you at no cost.

He mentions keys like Prayer and Building a team. You will want to listen to these videos to get the details on these two and the other three keys.

Mike is offering his “5 Keys to Effective Men’s Discipleship” to anyone who would like it: 5 Keys to Effective Men’s Discipleship

If you want to connect with Mike Young, or with Noble Warriors:

https://noblewarriors.org

Just a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#84 – Wild Warrior Adventure

Guest: Jonny Benton

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

Wild Warrior Adventure(WWA) was ​started in 2018 by ​men​ who love fly fishing and have a heart for the sacrifice and service of Combat Veterans. Bonded by the significant life impact of The Wild Adventure, WWA founders give back to active-duty and retired Veterans, specifically those experiencing combat operational stress injuries. WWA Board Members are committed to the healing of emotional, moral, and spiritual wounds in combat veterans.

An invisible epidemic is plaguing our nation. It affects our loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors, and sadly, it is not a new phenomenon. It has ravaged relationships and lives throughout the centuries, and before we even knew its name, it was referenced in literary works by Homer, Shakespeare, and Dickens. Over the years, it has been called many things. Following the Civil War, we called it “Soldier’s Heart.” After the First World War, it was referred to as “Combat Fatigue” or “Shell Shock.” Today, we call it post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, and it is still wreaking havoc.

PTSD affects 8 million Americans each year, and regrettably, too many of these individuals are suffering in silence. The reality of living with PTSD is a daily struggle for a growing number of veterans and service members. However, this condition is not confined to those who have served in our military. It is also an enduring burden for our police officers, sexual assault survivors, and many others who have experienced significant trauma.

The inclusion of faith-based solutions to combating suicide and PTSD has been embraced by the highest echelons of the executive branch. In President Trump’s executive order on ending veteran suicide, he calls for the inclusion of faith-based organizations, and this acknowledgment should be lauded.

The title of this much longer article quoted prior is: Faith-Based Treatment Should be Explored as an Option for Helping Solve PTSD. (see Wild Warriors website)Rep. Vicky Hartzler R- MO

Listener, you will want to take the time to listen to this podcast. Jonny’s personal story is enough to say Thank you for your service. More importantly, to see inside the mind and heart of a man who was willing to give his life for his family, and for you and me. We also see that the residue that sticks with a man who has lived in an extended wartime environment is one that most of us will never understand. Yet despite all of his trauma, deep struggles, and a desire to end his life multiple times, Jonny would say: OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL, AND HE DOES HEAL.

I am so proud to know Warrior Jonny and even more proud of him for taking his pain and turning it into a ministry to be an instrument of healing for many others. Jonny - Bless you, your family, and the men God brings into your life for hope and healing.

To reach Jonny Benton and Wild Warrior Adventure, go to: https://www.wildwarrioradventure.org.

Just a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Many people assume Father’s Day (and Mother’s Day) is a holiday created by greeting card makers to turn a profit. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The story behind how this day became a holiday is actually a tale of determination by one woman and a decades-long fight to get fathers the recognition they deserve.

The first local Father's Day was in Spokane, WA, in 1907. It took a long time and a lot of effort, but President Johnson recognized it in 1966. However, it was in 1972 that it became a National Holiday. Mother's Day was recognized as a National Holiday in 1915.

Many fathers in the Bible teach us pieces of what it means to be a father.

Adam: the first father – his job was to be the protector and provider for Eve and his family. We see the consequences of poor choices, complexities of relationships, all of which mirror the dilemmas we all face as fathers. Lesson: We as fathers will always be caught in a dilemma that we will need to confront. If the first man struggled, let’s not give up when we struggle.

Noah: Here was a righteous father who showed us unwavering faith in the goodness of God and complete dedication to his family in a very corrupt world, which we are facing today. Lesson: Noah is an example of a father's role in protecting his family, no matter the circumstances or outcome. Protect your family's being, trust God’s commands, and trust in the goodness of God.

Father of the Prodigal Son: While this parable is not a true story, it has many lessons about fatherhood. The son had left the family, he went wild, spent his portion of the father's inheritance, and then came crawling back, repentantly, to the father. How many of us as fathers have had kids who went astray or are still astray from the family and God? This is heartbreaking! No other way to say it – heartbreaking! Lesson: What do we learn about God and about our role as a father from how this father responded to his child when he came back?

Celebrating Fathers Today: What do we celebrate about Fathers today?

1. No one has more long-term influence than a father in a child's life. We have all sorts of negative examples, of course, but we have many positive examples. If you are a dad who struggled with your dad, find a positive mentor who can help you parent in a way that you will be pleased. None of us is perfect – we all need support.
2. Every dad wants to succeed at being a good parent for his kids. Do not be afraid to reach out for support, help, and guidance. We can rarely do well what we have not experienced or witnessed in the “doing well” category.
3. Do not give up on your children. It can be very hard as kids get older, if they have fallen away from the family or God. Trust that the Holy Spirit is working in their lives to bring them to Himself, which most often leads back to you as well.

Men: what you are doing as a father is a good and Godly thing. Our children learn so much about what they think of God through their relationship with you.

1. Pray for your children every day. Love them unconditionally with Godly standards.
2. Involve yourself in their life – they know they are important because you have put aside other things to involve yourself with them.
3. Bring other Godly Men around your kids. They see the love of God in other families who are connected with you, and they learn this is the way to live, under the power and love of God Almighty!

Happy Father's Day – God has a great calling on your life, which is to represent Him to your children!!

#83 – What is the National Coalition of Ministries to Men

Guest: Scott Haima

Act Like Men - Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes Founded in 1996 at the height of the Promise Keepers movement, The National Coalition of Ministries to Men (NCMM) was created and today brings together more than 200 organizations and independent ministers who share a single objective: to connect the men who disciple men. NCMM doesn’t minister directly to men – instead, we bring together the individuals and organizations that do this vital work. The goal is to help these organizations do what none of them can do on their own. Their intent is listed in three words: Together, Building Men.

Ministry Vision
Discipleship is at the core of the Great Commission and our vision is that the Body of Christ be fully equipped to mobilize men as disciples in Christ. To “mobilize” means to assemble and put in a state of readiness for immediate active service in time of war. Our members are committed to calling forth men (assembling) and equipping them (state of readiness) for service. NCMM simply provides the platform for the members’ networking to take place for the discipleship process.

The overall strategy of NCMM is focused on four distinct phrases:

• Visibility: We will raise awareness on behalf of the members with the need to disciple and mobilize men and to develop the resources within the Body of Christ to meet that need.
• Networking / Connection: We will foster points of connection between members for leadership development, training, fellowship, and networking.
• Resources: We will facilitate faster access to member resources and sponsor the development of needed resources beyond the scope of any one member.
• Ministry Development / Incubation: We will serve as an incubation conduit to develop emerging ministries.

NCMM has several ways to support you as men’s leaders who are part of the NCMM network.

Free Resources.

Monthly Training and encouragement calls.

Books written by the leaders in the network, as well as sponsored by NCMM.

A collection of podcasts is available, including MMC podcasts being featured there.

NCMM National Conference (annual)

Leaders of Men:

1. You can go to the NCMM website to find numerous resources and speakers who are experts in areas where your men need support.
2. You can find a group of leaders who are walking through exactly the issues, challenges, and opportunities that you are also facing.
3. Know that you are not alone – reach out and get support and expertise.

For more information about the NCMM:

Website: https://ncmm.org/

To Reach Scott Haima, Executive Director: scott@ncmm.org

Just a reminder, these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/