Act Like Men

#16 – The Great Shepherd   

A Psalm of Calm in a Time of Chaos

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Guest:  Founder of MMC

Dr. Jim Grassi 

The last few years have been chaos due to the pandemic and now economic instability for so many due to inflation and the cost increase of daily living.  Dr. Jim Grassi, a master storyteller, addresses our need to find a place of calm in the midst of the rushing rivers of chaos that encircles our lives.  Like he has done so effectively in other 17+ books, this short book provides truth with story so we can see ourselves in the story and becoming encouraged the more we read.  

The book as you can imagine was written off of the iconic Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd….     Jim Mentions a classic point of encouragement:   This was written by a Shepherd (David), who became a king to proclaim the King (God the Father) who became a shepherd (His son Jesus).  

This is written as a gift book.  It is nicely packaged and short, so you can read with your family, read for encouragement yourself and give as gifts to your loved ones and those going thru chaos.  While Jim usually writes to men, this book is written from a Grandfathers perspective, with compassion and encouragement that is fitting for any and all.   

The people around you depend on family and friends to be the encouragement to them that you would like them to be for you.

It is available now and would be sent to you in time for Christmas gifts or general gifts of encouragement.  You can order from our website:  www.mensminsitrycatalyst.org   It will also be available in Spanish in very early 2023 (not in time for Christmas).  

# 15 – Discouragement

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Co-hosts:  Wendell Morton and Dale Eudy 

WHAT?

Our topic today is something that inevitably every man will face at some point in his life: Discouragement.  Discouragement can be found in our job or career, our marriage, our role as a father, or it can be found in our finances or past failures or even dealing with our sin.  So, let’s begin with the $1million dollar question - Why is discouragement such an issue for many men today? 

SO WHAT?

Discouragement is often felt with an unmet expectation, a personal failure – or some perceived or real setback in our life.  The bottom line is realizing that I am not the first man to face this and I can find a way to set a new course by gaining perspective and preparing for what is next.

But where does discouragement come from?  There times men can create the perfect storm for discouragement by isolating themselves when it comes, thinking that they alone have to have the answers for every situation they will face. Men often see themselves as self-sufficient or believe they need to be.  We think that our skills and experience combined with our passion for something will certainly lead to success.

Scripture speaks about discouragement too.  Throughout both the Old and New Testaments we find the accounts of unmet expectations, loss of control and realizing we can’t fix everything, fear of the unknown, doubting ourselves, harsh treatment from others, the father wound, and unexpected tragedy can all lead to discouragement.

For example, remember in the book of Numbers 13:31-33, the 12 spies had gone into the promised land. 10 reported that there were giants in the land, and they should stay put.  Only two saw the giants and figured that with God on their side they could capture it. A minority report turned into great success when they relied on God.

The Apostle Paul challenged the church in Corinth to Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.  I Cor. 16:13-14

NOW WHAT?

So, the next time you start to feel discouragement, here is what you might think about doing: 

1. Keep the main thing the main thing by maintaining perspective.  

2. Recognize that failure can be a great lesson for your future – what can I learn at this time.

3. Check your ego. It’s not about you, it is about getting out of.

4. Find a mentor.  It is important to have men around you who have walked thru this journey before you. 

5. Chart your own course.  Your journey is your journey so decide what really matters.

6. Play by the right rules and the right rewards will come.  Focus on your actions and giving your best work.

7. Break the negative patterns and build back into your life.

Questions to think about: 

What are the kinds of things that discourage you? 

How can we focus on eternal things that bring passion and zeal into our lives? 

Greatest news of all – Jesus says: If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Rev. 3:20-21 

Excerpts from this lesson have been taken from two of Jim’s other books: Finishi

# 14 – Fear and How to Move Forward

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Co-hosts:  Wendell Morton and Dale Eudy 

INTRODUCTION 

Great Topic today that will affect every one of our listeners at one time or another.  The response to this topic can change our outcome.  The topic is a little four-letter word: FEAR!  Why do we fear – how is it some never look like they are fearful – what does God say about it – what are some examples of Great Men of Faith that demonstrated fear – what are keys to overcoming fear!  

WHAT IS FEAR?   Questions explored into today’s Podcast

What is fear and what is the basis for it? Is fear normal?  Is fear healthy?  Is fear addictive?  Is fear more prevalent with some than others? 

Do our life experiences have any bearing on our tendency towards fear?  Am I sinning/missing the mark if I experience fear?  

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?  

Men of Faith – who exhibited fear. 

Abram - Gen 15:1; Joshua - Joshua 8:1; David - Psalm18:4-6; David hid for almost 13 years from his former mentor… Saul; Jesus Followers - Matt 8:24-27; Matt 10:29-31 

Pattern:  Taking God at his Word and acting on it – act of courage, rather than surrendering to fear.   

NOW WHAT?  Where do we go from here?   What are the suggested answers or direction for the future?  

Fear Antidote: For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Tim 1:7 - The antidote for the long run - is not to run from fear, cower in fear, or step back due to fear but recognize that God has not given us the spirit of fear.  

Truth:  We will never be Fear Free – how can we shift the focus away from the fear of the future (immediate or long term), and focus on a faith response, regardless of how I am feeling. 

What would faith look like right now?   Am I acting in faith or fear? Act in faith and God will guide you thru this situation and through the fear that paralyzes.    

SOURCES:  Much of the information in this Podcast was taken from Dr. Jim Grassi’s Booklet on “Fear”.    This booklet along with many others can be found at: www.mensministrycatalyst.org/resources

# 14 – Fear and How to Move Forward

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Co-hosts:  Wendell Morton and Dale Eudy 

INTRODUCTION 

Great Topic today that will affect every one of our listeners at one time or another.  The response to this topic can change our outcome.  The topic is a little four-letter word: FEAR!  Why do we fear – how is it some never look like they are fearful – what does God say about it – what are some examples of Great Men of Faith that demonstrated fear – what are keys to overcoming fear!  

WHAT IS FEAR?   Questions explored into today’s Podcast

What is fear and what is the basis for it? Is fear normal?  Is fear healthy?  Is fear addictive?  Is fear more prevalent with some than others? 

Do our life experiences have any bearing on our tendency towards fear?  Am I sinning/missing the mark if I experience fear?  

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?  

Men of Faith – who exhibited fear. 

Abram - Gen 15:1; Joshua - Joshua 8:1; David - Psalm18:4-6; David hid for almost 13 years from his former mentor… Saul; Jesus Followers - Matt 8:24-27; Matt 10:29-31 

Pattern:  Taking God at his Word and acting on it – act of courage, rather than surrendering to fear.   

NOW WHAT?  Where do we go from here?   What are the suggested answers or direction for the future?  

Fear Antidote: For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Tim 1:7 - The antidote for the long run - is not to run from fear, cower in fear, or step back due to fear but recognize that God has not given us the spirit of fear.  

Truth:  We will never be Fear Free – how can we shift the focus away from the fear of the future (immediate or long term), and focus on a faith response, regardless of how I am feeling. 

What would faith look like right now?   Am I acting in faith or fear? Act in faith and God will guide you thru this situation and through the fear that paralyzes.    

SOURCES:  Much of the information in this Podcast was taken from Dr. Jim Grassi’s Booklet on “Fear”.    This booklet along with many others can be found at: www.mensministrycatalyst.org/resources

# 15 – Discouragement

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Co-hosts:  Wendell Morton and Dale Eudy 

Wendell, our topic today is something that inevitably every man will face at some point in his life.  Discouragement.  In fact, I’ll bet that every man listening to us has at sometime felt discouraged, or perhaps some listener is feeling it right now.  Discouragement can be found in our job or career, our marriage, our role as a father, or it can be found in our finances or past failures or even dealing with our sins.  Since it is a normal part of our journey through life, we want to help guys unpack discouragement during the next few minutes and gain understanding on what it is and how it can negatively impact our lives and relationships.  So let’s begin with the $64,000 question - Why is discouragement such an issue for many men today? 

Discouragement is often felt with an unmet expectation, a personal failure – or some perceived setback in our life.  Something that we did not plan for occurs and since we did not see it coming or have a proper response for it, we were caught off-guard.  It is at those times that we need to maintain an overcomer’s mindset.  By that I mean that we have to take on the attitude that I am going to face this discouragement and learn from this experience, and then I am going to minimize the amount of time for staying discouraged before moving on.  The bottom line is realizing that I am not the first man to face this and I am going to find a way to set a new course by gaining perspective and preparing for what is next.

But where does discouragement come from?  In all honesty, often times men can create the perfect storm for discouragement by isolating themselves, thinking that they alone have the answers for every situation they will face. Men often see themselves as self-sufficient.  We think that our skills and experience combined with our passion for something will certainly lead to success.

Just recently I learned a great lesson from watching competitive sailing.  Specially designed, expensive, high-speed catamarans were in a large bay area off the coast of Australia.  As I watched, on the television screen they were showing the speed and the direction of the wind with colored arrows.  In addition, boxes with arrows also showed the individual speed of the boats as they navigated the racecourse.  I was impressed how a 24 MPH wind could propel some boats at over 50 MPH, while other boats were slower due to crews that were not reading or adapting to the winds as they changed.  The same wind was blowing all boats but with far different results.

NOW WHAT?

So, the next time you start to feel discouragement, here is what you might think about doing: 

1. Keep the main thing the main thing by maintaining perspective.  

2. Recognize that failure can be a great lesson.

3. Check your ego. It’s not about you.

4. Find a mentor

5. Chart your own course.  Your journey is your journey.

6. Play by the right rules and the right rewards will come.  Focus on your actions and giving your best work.

7. Break the negative patterns and build back into your life.

Questions to think about: 

What are the kinds of things that discourage you? 

How can we focus on eternal things that bring passion and zeal into our lives? 

#13 - I’ve REALLY Messed up - Now What do I do?

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Script

Guest:  Craig Cato - LPC

The Reality:  If you live long enough, chances are you are going to mess up somewhere along the line.  Many people blame Adam for messing up the world, but I am here to tell you that if he had not messed it up, I would have.  With the divorce rate in America the same both inside and outside the church, with more than 50% of men struggling with pornography,  with the infidelity rate as high as it is today, with things at work happening that may cause you to lose your job, with serious health issues arising out of not taking care of ourselves over the years, and over spending, there is plenty of things that we helped create in our life that can cause us to say:  “I’ve Really Messed up – now what do I do?”  

I want to say we are not going to beat anyone up today – make anyone feel guilty about your past – men get enough abuse during the course of time as it is.  Today is all about offering a path forward for you, your men, or someone you know who has really messed up.   

We are honored to have with us:  Craig Cato - Craig Cato’s identity is disciple of Jesus. His vocation is licensed counselor, primarily focusing on marriage and family issues. Craig walked away from his computer engineering career 23 years ago to write a book on surviving depression in your spouse, something Craig experienced for 3 years in the mid 1980’s. Today Craig lives in Hayden Idaho (north of Coeur d’Alene) and is involved in his church’s marriage mentor ministry. At 68, Craig says retirement is nowhere on the horizon.

Today we are going to get real where many of us have been, or unfortunately where some men (pastor’s, men’s leaders or not) are headed right now.  We live in a fallen world, and we are prone to sin, prone to offend, tempted to take shortcuts, and we desire to be self-serving.  I am reminded in Ephesians 6:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  If we fight this battle alone without God, without friends, and without humility, we will fail at some point.   

Today, since our guest is primarily a marriage and family counselor, we will focus our time on close family relationships.  

Intro questions for Craig:  

Tell us a little more about you:  Your Family?  What motivates you?  What is your passion?  Hobbies? 

Stepping back for just a moment:  Beyond what was mentioned in our introduction, what other thoughts do you have that help us better understand why men (which is our topic) mess up?   

  Building a path forward: 

• What is the first things a guy should do if he messes up badly?
  1. Confess to God - Authentically, single mindedly, and ask God to forgive and provide a pure heart regarding this particular sin.
  2. Recommit to abiding in Christ by reading the Bible daily and being active in Christian fellowship
  3. Remember that God’s response to fully turning from the sin is to forget you ever committed the sin. Guilt after being forgiven by God is either from Satan or from ourselves
• Anything else he should do on the spiritual front?

# 12 – Six Step Ministry to Men Engagement Process

Step Five and Step Six  

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Outlined Show Notes

The Reality:   Reminder - Only 1% of men in most churches are actively engaged in the local ministry to men. In addition, ~10% of churches in America can sustain a ministry to their men over the long term.  One more stat that is a wake up call on our priority of time and resource allocation:  93% of the time, when a man comes to faith in Christ, his family will follow. 17% of the time when the woman of the home comes to faith in Christ the entire family will follow.  

The Reason:  Few churches in North America have a clear strategy and process to intentionally grow their men, and to build in processes that will sustain this ministry for the long term.   Men’s Ministry Catalyst (MMC) has a strategic Six Steps to Engagement strategy that has worked for hundreds of churches across North America.  In this podcast we will walk thru the next two steps:  Step Five: Developing Ministry Teams, that will provide tremendous leadership and support to building out a long term, growing ministry to men and Step Follow Up and Access: It is so important to create a culture of evaluation and care for all of your men by following up with any opportunities expressed by the men in this vital ministry. For the previous podcast on Steps One and Two, pull up podcast #10; and for Steps Three and Four, pull up podcast #11 on our website, :  Podcast Episodes Archive - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org) 

The Resources: If you have not taken advantage of our FREE resources available to you on our website, please take advantage of these resources.  1) The full graph on the Six Step Engagement strategy (feel free to print that off) Men's Ministry Development Process - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org);  2) Utilizing the short survey to help you and other men’s leaders determine where your ministry to men is today in your local church: Men's Ministry Assessment - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org) and 3) Connect with us for the hour long strategy consultation completely free.  For this Free Session of consulting, please reach out:  [email protected] and we will get back to your shortly to schedule our time together.  

The Result: When this simple, but not easy process is followed, you are way down the path of building an engaging ministry with your men, that will have an impact for generations yet to be born, Psalm 78:6. Our prayer is that you will be a catalyst for your local church to build out this engaging ministry within your congregation.    

Which of these Six Steps have been the most insightful for you?  

What is one small step you can take to make a difference in your local ministry to men as a result?  

How can we help you and your church ensure long term growth in your ministry to men?  Reach out:  [email protected]

# 11 – Six Step Ministry to Men Engagement Process

Step Three and Step Four 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Outlined Show Notes

The Reality:   Only 1% of men in most churches are actively engaged in the local ministry to men. In addition, ~10% of churches in America can sustain a ministry to their men over the long term.  One more stat that is a wake up call on our priority of time and resource allocation:  93% of the time, when a man comes to faith in Christ, his family will follow.   

The Reason:  Few churches in North America have a clear strategy and process to intentionally grow their men, and to build in processes that will sustain this ministry for the long term.   Men’s Ministry Catalyst (MMC) has a strategic Six Steps to Engagement strategy that has worked for hundreds of churches across North America.  In this podcast we will walk thru the next  two steps:  Step Three: Full Assessment, for all of the men in your church and Step Four: Developing an Action Plan.   For the podcast on Steps One and Two, pull up podcast #10 on our website:  Podcast Episodes Archive - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org) 

The Resources: On our website are several resources that are helpful in this journey – and they are free.   1) The full graph on the full Six Step Engagement strategy (feel free to print that off) Men's Ministry Development Process - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org);  2) Fill out a short survey to help you determine where your ministry to men is today in your local church: Men's Ministry Assessment - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org).  One more resource that MMC will make available to you.   We will offer an hour-long strategy consultation completely free; 3) For the Free Session of consulting, please reach out:  [email protected] and we will get back to your shortly to schedule our time together.  

The Result: When this simple, but not easy process is followed, you are way down the path of building an engaging ministry with your men, that will have an impact for generations yet to be born – Psalm 78:6. Our prayer is that you will be a catalyst for your local church to build out this engaging ministry within your congregation.    

In your opinion, how much difference is where the leadership thinks the men are verses where the men would say they are?  The full church assessment for men, gives the men a chance to share where they are in the spiritual journey, what they see their needs are, and what their social desires are as part of the ministry to men.  

Are you aware of a strategic plan for the ministry to men in your church?  

How can we help you and your church ensure long term growth in your ministry to men?

# 10 – Six Step Ministry to Men Engagement Process

Step One and Step Two 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Outlined Show Notes

The Reality:   Only 1% of men in most churches are actively engaged in the local ministry to men. In addition, ~10% of churches in America can sustain a ministry to their men over the long term.  One more stat that is a wake-up call on our priority of time and resource allocation:  93% of the time, when a man comes to faith in Christ, his family will follow.   

The Reason:  Few churches in North America have a clear strategy and process to intentionally grow their men, and to build in processes that will sustain this ministry for the long term.   Men’s Ministry Catalyst (MMC) has a strategic Six Steps to Engagement strategy that has worked for hundreds of churches across North America.  In this podcast we will walk thru the first two steps:  Step One:  Aligning with the Pastor’s Vision and Step Two: Developing a Men’s Council.  

The Resources: On our website are several resources that are helpful in this journey – and they are free.   1) The full graph on the full Six Step Engagement strategy (feel free to print that off) Men's Ministry Development Process - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org);  2) Fill out a short survey to help you determine where your ministry to men is today in your local church: Men's Ministry Assessment - Men's Ministry Catalyst (mensministrycatalyst.org).  3) One more resource that MMC will make available to you.   We will offer an hour-long strategy consultation completely free. For the Free Session of consulting, please reach out:  [email protected] and we will get back to your shortly to schedule our time together.  

The Result:  If you follow this simple, albeit not an easy process to follow, you will be a long way down the path of building an engaging ministry with your men, that will have an impact for generations yet to be born – Psalm 78:6. Our prayer is that you will be a catalyst for your local church to build out this engaging ministry within your congregation.    

            How would you describe the ministry to men in your local church?

Has your pastor been able to share his/her vision for the church with the Men’s Leader/Men’s Council?  

            If not already, would you be willing to get involved with your local ministry to men?

# 9 - What is Intergenerational Culture and Why does it Matter?

Guest:  Dr. Chuck Stecker

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Outlined Show Notes

The Need:  Churches today are committed to every age group and to developing programs that encourage young people especially to become believers and to stay in the faith as they progress age wise.  Why then are so many young people leaving the church when they leave home?   Studies show that when a young person has relationships with a minimum of 3 Christian adults, beyond their parents and their youth leader, then the chances of making their parents faith their own, goes up exponentially. 

The Reason:  Psalm 78: 5-7; gives a promise and a clear path on what to focus on as a family and as a church.  Parents:  How do we involve our children in multiple intergenerational relationships with adults of faith?  Local Church, how do you integrate all ages in your involvement and ministry with your young people? 

The Resources: Dr. Chuck Stecker, book Men of Honor, Women of Virtue, provides a clear pathway for men to follow to help them become involved in Spiritual Mentoring at any level with those men around us.  

Available at: www.achosengeneration.org

The Result:  A fully age integrated ministry with our young people that results in a Transformational Intergenerational Culture within the church for generations to come. 

Looking at your family, how can you intentionally involve more generations of faith in relationship with your children?

Looking at church, what generations are involved with your children and youth?  Does it need to be intentionally expanded?

What is one person, besides you and your youth leaders that you might get connected with your children or grandchildren?