Last week we highlighted the ladies, so this week we are going to bring some gender equality to Zonegathering and take a look at a great men’s group- ‘Christian Masculinity 2.0′ led by Jonathan Shradar and Gary Officer.
Give us an overview and a little bit about your group.
Christian Masculinity is all about bringing guys together to learn about being Christian men. We currently are working through the John MacArthur book “Twelve Ordinary Men” in which we are discussing the lives of the disciples and how God can use even us to change our world.
What was the genesis of the group, or the God-inspired idea behind starting it?
So often we can get caught up in living our lives socially and on a “scratch the surface” level. We wanted to create an environment in which we could allow guys at all different places of their faith journey be comfortable breaking the norm of casual Christianity. Relationship should be authentic and more than connecting to be friendly; we are working to create a core group that is destine to push each other to greater things and a bigger faith. Living in community without actually living in community.
What do you think God is doing within your group for those who are a part of it?
We are all pushing the limits on how we see the history of our faith playing out and what that means for us living as Christian men today. And we are finding that in pursuing this truth we are forging relationships that force us to be accountable to one another; not in a “gotcha” context but one that encourages and provides a base from which to search God’s plans for our lives unceasingly.
How do you think God is using your group to Advance His Kingdom?
That question must have come from the Baptist on staff… The group is going through a great time of finding our passions and purpose in God. Whether it is a career change or making new commitments to follow unique calls in our lives we are witnessing first hand transformation in our lives that will be lasting and effective, not only for the individual but for our community and for our God.
If you’d like to find out more about this group and/or contact Jonathan or Gary you can find the info in our online Discipleship Atlas at www.theaterchurch.com/groups
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