#99  Loving God versus Managing Sin  

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Avoiding Sin or Pursuing God:

A Biblical Perspective

Think about this: how valuable is your soul for Satan to pursue it tirelessly, and for the King of Kings to lay down His own life for you?  

Welcome to the Podcast:  

Dale – the age-old conflict: how do I love God and yet overcome sin?  Is it about gritting my teeth and being determined to overcome sin, or is it the focus on my relationship with God and being focused on loving Him that allows me to have victory over sin? 

Overall General Thoughts:  

As believers, we know that sin is what separates us from God  (Romans 3:23).

Let’s be clear: I have given Jesus Christ countless reasons not to love me, but none of them changed His mind.  

What God creates – Satan Corrupts 

Decide what kind of life you want, who you want to please, and say no to everything else that does not fit into this desire.  

Thoughts on Pursuing God:

1. Seek God through His Word – Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  What does this mean, and how do we do it?  Does it really make a difference – if so, why does it make a difference? 

2. Rely on Prayer and God’s Presence – Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

What does prayer and practicing God’s presence mean?  How do I do this?  How it help me overcome temptation?    

3.      Walk in the Spirit – This seems a little weird for men specifically.  What might this mean, and more importantly, how do we do it? 

• Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

•      Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith”.  

• Pursuing God means yielding to the Spirit’s guidance.

4. Fellowship with Believers

• Hebrews 10:24–25: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not giving up meeting together.”

• Community helps us stay accountable and encouraged.

Conclusion

Avoiding sin isn’t about willpower alone, but about actively pursuing God through Scripture, prayer, Spirit-led living, fellowship, and Christ-centered focus.  It is a focus and a love thing.  One of the pastors at my church said it this way: There is a major distinction between living to please God, rather than living to appease God.  Danny Erbaugh 

Be encouraged: God provides the way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

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

#98 The Impact of Men on Youth

Highlighting Youth For Christ Ministry

Guest: Ken Allen      

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Our guest on this episode is Ken Allen.  He is the Executive Director of Youth for Christ for the Denver area. When Youth for Christ started, it was with rallies, meaning the youth came to a centralized location for the ministry experience.  Now the ministry goes to the youth, in their schools,  in juvenile justice, which is inside the juvenile detention centers.  Whatever and wherever the ministry, Ken and his team focus on impacting a generation of young men and women to share with them that God loves them and they have a purpose.  

Youth For Christ has just opened a Youth Center in the most violent zip codes in the Denver area.  They are providing a safe place with activity, learning, and mentors.   Today’s youth (Alpha generation) does not have an opinion of God or of the church. They have no experience with either, so it is a blank slate.  A loving consistent

We are a ministry to men – we see the impact of fathers, or lack of fathers, in walking with their children in their walk of faith. What are you seeing in your ministry regarding this?   The very sad statistic is that 85 to 90% of the majority of the youth who are being mentored in some manner do not have a dad in their life.   Men they need us to be thein their lives who can provide what only a man can provide.   Again, it is not about qualification, it is about availability, consistency, and having a deep love for our youth. 

What are the needs of any YFC?  For all Youth For Christ ministries around the country, they need the support of the local church, volunteers who will become mentors for a young man or woman who has no mentor in their life.   It is not about qualification, it is about availability, consistency, and having a deep love for the youth we are working with.  

To reach Ken or Youth for Christ, go to:  

National Website:  https://yfc.net 

Denver Area:  https://yfcdenver.org 

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

#97 Never Just Babysit Your Grandkids

Guest: Dr. Chuck Stecker     

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Dr. Stecker has given his ministry life focusing on intergenerational ministry.  This involves bringing multiple groups together to impact each other spiritually, as well as assisting young people to move into Spiritual adulthood.   A key understanding is that grandparents are some of the most influential people in the lives of their grandchildren. 

In this episode, Dr. Stecker focuses on some key roles and some key skills to be intentional in impacting your grandkids.  

A couple of the Key Roles: 

You can connect their past to their future through your stories

Provide a safe place to talk about their challenges 

Teach your grandchildren to dream  

A couple of the Key Skills: 

Honor their parents above all 

Look for special opportunities to be with your grandchildren

If you are a grandparent, you have been given a golden opportunity you did not even have as a parent.   Parents have to deal with the day-to-day.  Grandparents have the opportunity to deal with their future.    

You can reach Dr. Stecker at:  [email protected]  

Visit the website to learn more: https://achosengeneration.org

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

#96 The Pursuit of a God Sized Dream  

Guest: Sean Rodriguez     

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

This is a podcast you will not want to pass over.   This will inspire you to grab your dream and let God bring it to reality.  Be prepared to grow through the process.  

Sean says:  God gave us purpose, so we have to LIVE on purpose.”

Few artists embody the intersection of faith, family, and purpose-driven artistry quite like Sean Rodriguez. A next-generation pastor-turned-singer-songwriter, Sean and his young family took a leap of faith in 2022, leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Colorado to plant new roots in Nashville, TN. The calling? To create Christ-centered music that not only inspires but ignites hope in the hearts of today’s generations as they journey toward God.

“I want this music and its message to encourage as many families as possible right now,” Sean shares earnestly. “But even more than that, it’s our prayer that the seeds planted today will lead to incredible growth tomorrow. How incredible it is to think that God could use music to play a part in someone’s greater story?”

That vision is resonating powerfully. Sean’s late 2024 single, "It Is Finished" (feat. Disciple), has spent ten non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the CMW Rock Chart, while the title track of his WieRok Records album debut Jesus Will EP (2025)has amassed over 2M streams on Spotify and Pandora alone within its first six months of release. Compared to all of 2024, Sean’s growing catalogue has reached over 8 million streams combined on the top five global digital streaming platforms—an undeniable testament to the impact of his music and current audience expansion.

Sean gave us several key points that any of us can use to pursue our God given dream and be in a position where God can use our lives to make an impact.    

1. You need a close advocate who has your back.  Listen to what his wife said when he told her he believed God had called them to move.  Immediate response:  “I’ll start packing”!
2. You need someone who sees your future.  He was visiting with his grandma when she said,  “You need to pray for what you are asking God for, then you need to turn around and tell God, if it does not happen, I will serve you faithfully wherever you have me”.  At that point, Sean had moved to Nashville, but was not recording or even using his music for ministry – he was just serving, waiting for God to open doors.  
   
   
   
3. Know there will be disappointments, betrayals, and very low times.  Sean’s word was that you have got to give up the pride of performance and the humility of serving.  

This podcast is full of encouragement, biblical truth, and a focus on service.   

To find Sean's music, type in any browser:  Sean Rodriguez Music, and his music will pop up.  

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

#95 Overcoming Barriers to
Intimacy In Marriage
Guest: Craig Cato
Men’s Ministry Catalyst
Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes

All marriages have challenges, but often the focus is solely on serious problems,
such as affairs or pornography. Those issues are certainly critical to address, but
often people simply apart;. The problem isn't sin, but rather a 
lack of emotional connection.  Today, we are going to look at some "barriers"
intimacy in marriage. Removing one or more of these barriers allows the initial
attraction to flourish again.
While the podcast is powerful, what Craig has gifted to you is free access to
seventeen (17) short videos he created to help people like you and me as we
make our most important relationship, our marriage.
I urge you to take the time, do the work, and allow joy to come back into your
marriage or to be accelerated. These videos are real, raw, and very practical.
https://sites.google.com/reallifeministries.com/marriage-advocate-
training/home
As a reminder, our podcasts are released on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of each month. For
additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#94 Better Men, Better World

Guest: Ron (Hoss) Hostetler   

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Ron (Hoss) Hostetler is our guest today.  You will enjoy this discussion.  He is a great storyteller and instills biblical and practical wisdom in his messages.  

Hoss went to college in Happy Valley, also known as Penn State, with the intention of playing quarterback.  Coach Paterno had brought in 7 freshman quarterbacks that year.  Having played linebacker before, he converted to this position.  After his time in Happy Valley, he was drafted by the Rams.  

Since football, Hoss has spent a great deal of time talking to and working with men, sharing many of the lessons he has learned from his time in football.   His coach (Joe Paterno) focused on Getting Better Today!  There is a lot to be learned from this.  To be able to focus intentionally on just getting better today makes a difference.   How much different could each of these areas be if we focus on intentionally being better in each of these areas: our marriage, our parenting, our job, our neighborhood, and most of all, our relationship with God?

What are some areas that you need to focus on to become better?  Think of how you would improve if you joined a team of men – a small group at church – and built the group on principles of building your faith in Jesus Christ, accountability, encouragement, honest dialogue, non-defensive discussion, and included Biblical wisdom. 

You can find Ron Hostetler at [email protected].   His website is:  www.bettermenbetterworld.com   

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

#93 – A Quick Obedience 

Guest: Ron Cool   

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Years ago, there was a book that became popular, was about a Long Obedience.  Today we are going to see “A Quick Obedience in the Right Direction”.  While it is not a book(yet), it is an encouraging story of faith and a quick “yes”, once the direction is abundantly clear.  All I can say as we listen today is – let that be true of me.    

Our guest today was working with very recognizable clients and bringing in a lot of money, providing an awesome service for them.  Let me be really clear – There is nothing wrong with making a lot of money.  In this case, for our guest today, he believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was telling him to walk away from it, as it had become his god.  And in a matter of minutes, he talked with his wife, and they did just that. 

Ron tells us that God shared three things with him that he needed to do.  The great news for Ron and his family is that he was obedient.   How about us?  If God tells us to do something that seems to us as dramatic as He told Ron, how would we respond?   I pray for me and you, that we be “a quick obedience in the right direction”.  

For Ron, it took a serious conversation with his wife, where she was clear that the marriage was dead and she had moved on.  His life was about work, work, work, and work.  Her life was about kids, kids, kids, and kids.  Thank God, Ron listened to God’s call on his life.   

When he finally listened to God, he believed God told him three things: 

1. Pause – stop the noise and the activity. 
2. Surrender – are we willing to give up the god we are worshipping? For Ron, it was work, work, work, and work.   Ron – obeyed the Lord and gave up his business immediately. 
3. Spend time with God – God is not a box to check, but a relationship to develop.  

Today, Ron is very effective in ministry with men, consulting, coaching, and mostly with his family.  He has also published a worship track that you will want to hear.   You will want to follow Ron and get connected with his tremendous, life-changing resources and coaching.  

You can find Ron Cool at:  www.newpathnewyou.com. This website will open up many ways to connect.   You will be blessed.   

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

#92 – A Life Transformed

Guest: Aaron Bennett  

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Today, you are in for a major gift of encouragement.  When God transforms a life, He does not take shortcuts; He does not pick and choose whom He transforms; He is only looking for a surrendered heart that knows that without Him, we have no hope.   

I met Aaron the first time on video.  I am blessed to attend a church that celebrates the work that God is doing in the lives of people.  I watched a video that Aaron, the tech team, had put together.  

Today, you are going to meet Aaron Bennett.  God is blessing him and his wife, Deb, in so many ways.  Our local church is so blessed to have them “All In” with our church.  

Aaron Bennett has done many things in his career: a Professional Baseball player, a construction worker, a Club Manager, and now a Sales leader.  Ultimately, none of that is important.  Today, we are going to meet a man who was far from God – brought back to Father God – and now, as hard as he was running away from God, he and his wonderful Bride, Deb, are investing deeply in the cause of Christ.  Here is what Aaron would say: I can come to Christ and be transformed; anyone can!! 

Parents, if you have children far from God, be encouraged today.  God is working in their lives – pray that they will respond to Him. 

Spouses, if you have a spouse who has wandered from God, be encouraged today.  God is working in their lives to bring them back to themselves and to you.  Pray that they will respond to the working of God in their life.  

If you have a brother or sister who is far from God, never, ever give up.  God is working to bring them back to Himself. 

What did Aaron’s mother do?  Follow her example: Pray with passion and power to release the Holy Spirit into their lives.  Love them like their eternity depends on it, for it does.  Accept them back, like the father of the prodigal son did. 

“While we were sinners, Christ died for us”, Romans 5:8  

If you want to connect with Aaron Bennett directly,  reach out to [email protected]   

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/

#91 – Creating a Spiritual Family Legacy

Guest: Don Paterson    

Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

We have all heard of families whose Christian faith points back many generations.  We as men, fathers in our families, want this to extend to our kids, their kids, and keep going to even future generations.   Psalm 78:1-7, starting in verse 5, says this: “He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them, even the children yet to be born.” 

Our guest today will walk us through what he has done to do just this with his family.   He has 3 boys and 5 grandchildren.  All of whom are Christ followers.  

Creating a Spiritual legacy for your family starts with us as men.  The basic premise is that our wives want us to be the spiritual leaders of our family.  Our wives may be more biblically literate, spend more time in prayer and Bible reading than we do, and we may feel very insecure in our spiritual journey when it comes to Spiritual leadership.  Despite any reasons why you, as a man, are insecure in this process, it is our role to simply take initiative to ensure these processes are happening in your family.   It has the potential to change your family for generations to come.  

As we think about what we, as men, can do to initiate this process, let’s look at a few practical steps: 

1. Your personal relationship with God becomes a very high priority.  
2. You and your wife should find time and ways to pray and study the Word together.
3. It is important for your family to pray together, beyond the prayer at meal time.  
4. Ask your family questions around the dinner table, like “Where did you see God working today”?
5. Tribal stories – family stories where you have seen God intervene in a spiritual context.  Tell and retell these stories to future generations.   

If you want to connect with Don Paterson directly,  reach out via email:  [email protected]   

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/

#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: 

[email protected] 

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/