Good Morning Brother Shepherds,

This morning I was rereading a piece by Patrick Morley (from Man in the Mirror Ministries) on what he considers his ministry's central foundations. I was reminded of my book, Foundations for Godly Manhood, which focuses on something similar. We may cut the pie into different size pieces, etc., but it's still essentially the same pie. Morley started off with this great quote, which I wish I had known of when I wrote m book.

"Christian writer J.C. Ryle wrote, 'He must dig down very low if he would build high.' The potential height of a building is limited to the actual depth of its foundation."

I thought I would share with you the five central foundations Morley listed in his article and then comment on them individually over the next few weeks. His five central foundations for ministering to men are...

1. The Centrality of Christ
2. The Centrality of the Heart
3. The Centrality of Leadership
4. The Centrality of Discipleship Through Relationships
5. The Centrality of God's Word

1. The Centrality of Christ

If our ministry is not pointing men to Christ and introducing them to him in every study we do, every conversation we have, every prayer we pray, we are missing priceless opportunities for the Lord. Jesus is the only Savior, and so men must know him if they would become new creatures in Christ and receive eternal life. Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth and so men must surrender and submit to his rule and reign in their lives if they would truly love and obey him... truly align their wills to his and live according to his agenda.

Of course, we know that none of this can or will happen without the Holy Spirit working in and through our ministry and the men to whom we minister. Thus, we must always be intentional in seeking his power, direction, and intercession as we minister to our men in the name of Christ.

Brothers, how can we more faithfully point our men to Christ in our studies, small groups, as well as the relationships we have with other men in our various spheres of influence? And... are we leading by example? Are we modeling for our men that we know, love, and follow Christ in our own lives? 

I would love your wisdom on this. And, as always, if I can minister to you as you seek to minister to the men God has entrusted to your care, please never hesitate to ask.

Bothers, I give praise to God for each of  you. Thank you for your ministry to our men.

Your Brother in Christ,
Dale