Act Like Men

#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:  [email protected] 

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/

#82 – Survive and Thrive  

Beyond Your Divorce 

Guest:  Dr. Dale Brown

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Every week there are 15,000 divorces in America. Divorce affects everyone in the equation. Since more than 70% of divorces are filed by the wives, it affects men differently. This statistic tells us divorce is an epidemic today, in and out of the church. Culturally we see that relationships are throw away and the impact has generational consequences. If there was ever a time to support men going through and following a divorce, the time is now.

While divorce is not God’s design for marriage, given the statistics today, supporting men going through or learning to live after a divorce is critical. That is where ministries like the one our guest leads today come into play.  It is also very important that our local churches step into this and provide support and direction for the men of the church.

Our guest today is Dr. Dale Brown. He is the founder of Men’s Divorce Recovery: https://www.mensdivorcerecovery.org

As you will hear when you listen, Dr. Brown has some tremendous insights that are both practical and thoughts we may not be able to think of at the time.

Here are just a handful of things to consider in the divorce:

1. Know that this too shall pass – you will get through this.
2. Don’t give in to what you are feeling – lasting impacts come from foolish decisions when you are trying to avoid the pain.  It is easy to medicate, react, and blame.  None of that has any long-term benefit and in most cases has negative short and long-term impacts.
3. Build a healthy team around you – a counselor, an attorney, financial advisor, medical doctor, and a couple of impartial friends whose only job is to be present.
4. Protect the kids – they will automatically believe it is their fault. Do not speak ill of your spouse (their mother).  They cannot get caught in the middle.
5. Don’t give up – Back to #1 – you will come out on the other side.  Do what you have to do to come out healthy and able to move forward.

Men – you are not alone, but you will have to take the initiative to reach out and ensure you are getting the support and help you need to work through this while protecting children who may be caught in the middle.

God loves you and will not leave you during this challenge. No matter what you have done or not done to create what you are walking through – He will not leave you.

Dr. Brown has a devotional book that you can order from his website listed below:  The Daily Survival Guide for Divorced Men. We encourage you to order one for yourself, perhaps several to give out to men who are experiencing divorce in your local church.

To reach out to our guest, Dr. Dale Brown you can:

1. Reach Dale or his team directly:  [email protected]
2. Find resources and help on his website, as well as order his devotional book:  Daily Survival Guide for Divorced Men https://www.mensdivorcerecovery.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/

#81 – More Than A Fisherman

A Call to Discipling Men 

Guest:  Dr. Jim Grassi 

Our guest today is Dr. Jim Grassi.  Jim is a Hall of Fame fisherman, a top 10 record bow hunter, as well as the Founder and President of Men’s Ministry Catalyst.  He has been married for 60 years, two adult boys (men) who are in full-time ministry. Those men are married with children and grandchildren.  

Spiritual Mentoring, or discipleship, is a relational process that requires people to become actively involved in their faith.  Authentic discipleship is about developing a caring concern and a genuine love for others through modeling Christlike attitudes and behavior in the context of relationships.  

Our guest today, Dr. Jim Grassi, founded this ministry in 1981 and has been actively focused on impacting men through a discipleship process since it began.  In addition, all of the resources that he has produced since the beginning are focused on either discipling those who read it, as well as those who are focused on using these materials to disciple others.  

Peter Marshall, a long-time chaplain of the US Senate, says this:  fishing for fish is pulling fish from life to death while fishing for men is pulling men from death to life.  What a great focus as we are thinking about sharing our faith story with others.  

BTW:  8 of the 12 Apostles, were fishermen.  Jesus has so many stories on the water, by the water, or from a boat.  He recognized how the fishermen brought life and existence to the villages they supported.  How much more for us to fish for men, who unlike the fish are not alive spiritually without God in their life.   

In Chapter 5, Jim talks about the formula he used in fishing.  It is F + L + P = Fishing Success.  What does that stand for and how does it apply to fishing for men?   “Fish + Location + Presentation = Fishing Success”   For us to catch men, we have to understand deeply and be involved with who it is we are trying to impact.  In addition, we are focused on the environment where these men are and what is the best way to connect with these men in genuine love. The third element is what is the best way to approach these men we are trying to impact.  Every man is unique and responds differently to various people and various situations.   In genuine love and desire to impact men for Christ, it is important to understand how God may want to use your life.    

Many of you may be asking yourself, what characteristics make a great fisher of men?   In chapter 8, Jim speaks to this with four great characteristics we can all strive to achieve.   1. Attitude – this is a genuine focused desire to make a difference. 2.  Perseverance – this is the highest calling I can have to impact others, and I will never give up. 3. Passion – this is what fuels our focus and perseverance.  4.  Patience – working with people is not a project.  It is knowing God wants to impact these men and He works in their timing to bring them to Himself.  God’s timing matters – not ours.    

Jim makes it clear that “it all starts with individual relationships.  We must see one-on-one discipleship as the primary object to begin another spiritual revolution.   

We pray you will join Jim, MMC, Dale, and me to pray for and work towards this spiritual revolution.  

To order one More Than a Fisherman, or any of Dr. Grassi’s books or resources, go to:     Home - Men's Ministry Catalyst

To read Dr. Jim Grassi or invite him to speak to your group, please email: [email protected]. 

#80 Easter – How to Impact Your Family 

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

EASTER – The most important Christian truth – also known as the Super Bowl for Christians.  It does not get bigger, more important, and more meaningful for Christians.  This is the event that Jesus chose to do for us, which not only gives us forgiveness for sin by his death but also gives us hope as it provides proof that we will live eternally - There is life after death!! 

Please take the time to read the Easter Story for yourself:  Luke 24:1-9

What did Jesus say about Himself: 

I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they did.  And whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  John 11:25-26. 

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me.  Because I live, you also will live  John 14:19

What did the Apostle Paul Say: 

And God raised Jesus  and will also raise us by His power:  I Corinthians 6:14

What does all this mean?  Some thoughts. What are your thoughts?

1. The Ultimate Hope of Life After death is found in the resurrection of Jesus. 
2. Eternal Life – Not just making the most of this life, but we are really living for the next one. 
3. The biggest impact on our family is our example as men.  How am I using my example to show the impact of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? 
4. The greatest gift we can give our wives, children, and friends is to lead them in confidence to Jesus so they will have eternal life. 
5. The Bible is clear that the mantel falls on us as men to be the spiritual leader of our home.  That only means we take initiative in spiritual things with our family.   

Questions: 

1. Where can I get help in learning how to love and lead my family in understanding this highest of all priorities?  The local church, Men’s small group, 1/1 discipling – take initiative and make it happen. 
2. What is one thing I can do to show intentionality as Easter Approaches?  

Make sure you are talking about the Easter Story, take them to church, and talk about it afterward

1. Who can I partner with to help me in my accountability in representing Easter as the highest of all opportunities?  Find a mentor 

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/

#79 -  “What You Gonna Do With What You Got”

A Man of God is a Good Steward 

Guest:  Dan Lagerborg 

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Today is an invaluable topic that too many men are not effectively dealing with.   God calls us to be good managers/stewards of what He gives us.   A steward is a responsible manager of the “things” entrusted to us by God.  Titus 1:7 tells us an overseer (steward) must be above reproach, self-controlled, and disciplined.   The Bible has at least 148 verses on Stewardship.  That same Bible has over 2,000 verses on money.

Our guest today started his financial planning/investment company more than 20 years ago and has some key  learnings. 

Some men feel they are too young to start planning for their financial future.  Some men feel they are too old, and it is too late.  Dan uses the story of:  When is the best time to plant a tree – 20 years ago. When is the second best time to plant a tree – right now?  This means that no matter where you are in your financial planning and investing journey, now is the time to get help to ensure you get where you want to go. Even pilots of sophisticated aircraft lean on air traffic controllers to land their planes correctly and safely.  

If you are a business owner, Dan has developed a clear and concise journey to be able to pass your business and your wealth onto your heirs and their heirs.   Only 7% of generational wealth passes to the following generations.   Dan has laid it out clearly in his book:  Perennial Wealth, available on Amazon.  

Men – one of the greatest opportunities we have is to be stewards of what God has given to us.  Your family depends on your faithfulness in this area.  If you are 20 or 60, it is never too late to start.  

Start today:  Reach out to Dan and his team to help you.  

To check out Dan’s website go to:   https://www.lagerbordandassociates.com 

To reach Dan, his email is: [email protected] 

Phone #: 303.209.5238

 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/

#78 – The Gospel Goes To Work 

Guest:  Steve Graves

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Men’s Ministry Catalyst (MMC) is honored to have Dr. Steve Graves with us today.  He was also here on Episode 64, where he focused on making 41 Deposits into his son as a young man.  I loved what he did for him as a good model for all of us as dads.

Today we are focused on making an impact for Christ in the Workplace.   Steve outlines some great processes for our responsibility and privilege as a man of God to utilize the calling we have from Christ to make an impact on our workplace.   

He talks about our baseline also called the foundation, which is where we start: 

1. Evidence of Your Calling – proof in your life that you are a man of God.  
2. Display Character – Your character needs to stand out so your words match your behavior.   
3. Deliver Skill – Develop your craft and do your work with excellence. 
4. Model Serving – Serving is surrendering to another's agenda.  Most of us do not do this naturally, however, we can have an impact in our workplace when we are willing to do this. 

When we hear what God has called us to in Luke 3, we may think for some reason we are disqualified for any number of reasons.  Steve helps us remove our “disqualifications”:  

No Exceptions for the Gospel Going to Work 

1. It is never too early, and it is never too late to take the gospel to work. 
2. You are never too young, and you are never too old to take the gospel to work.
3. Your work is never too simple, and never too complicated to take the gospel to work.  
4. Your organization is never too small, or never too big to take the gospel to work. 
5. Your work setting is never too religious, and never too secular to take the gospel to work.  

Chuck Coleson said Christians are called to redeem entire cultures, not just individuals.  This is a Biblical premise – a humbling honor – a challenge to bring your best every day – and to realize your workplace is a missionary setting.  While you are there to make money to provide for your family, to bring a profit to the company, to find and release your God-given gifts, the higher calling is to create a relational environment where you have earned the right to share your God-given story and invite them to take the journey with you.  

Questions: 

1. It is Sunday evening.  How are you feeling – dread, excitement, already looking for Friday? How do your feelings line up with God’s calling on you to impact your workplace for Christ?
2. What one thing can you do today to begin to see your workplace as a place of making an impact for Christ?   Who can help hold you accountable to learn to approach your workplace in this manner?  

For a FREE download of Steve’s book:  The Gospel Goes to Work, go to:  https://www.stephenrgraves.com/gotowork

You can reach Dr. Steve Graves at https://www.Stephenrgraves.com    Enjoy a lot of free resources and of course a listing of all of his books.  

To reach his consulting business:  https://www.connerstoneco.com    Steve consults business leaders from CEOs of major corporations to business owners from around the globe.  Sign up for his monthly Blog.  

 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/

#77 – Character That Counts 

Guest:  Rod Handley 

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Podcast Show Notes 

Someone once said that Talent will get you only so far.  Character is what will take you home.  We are blessed today to have a man who has been focused on his character for decades.   Thank you for being open to sharing your story, which will inspire others to follow the pattern you shared.   

Rod Handley is the Founder & President of Character that Counts (CTC). Rod speaks nationwide to men, women, and teenagers about character, integrity, and accountability issues. He has written more than 35 books including "Character Counts: Who's Counting Yours?"  He served on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff, including 11 years as the COO/CFO. He has also spoken at many chapel services for several NFL, NBA, and MLB teams, including serving as team chaplain for the Kansas City Royals, and the Seattle SuperSonics, now Oklahoma City Thunder. Rod and his wife Janna live in Lee's Summit, MO and they have four children (ages 24-31) and three grandchildren.

In sharing his story, Rod talks about overcoming destructive and sinful habits and allowing God’s character to lead you.  He highlighted a word that can cause way too many of us to live life carefully, tentatively, or in shame.  That word is “secrets”. When we live life with secrets there is always the fear that at some point that secret will be revealed and it will change the direction of our life.  The truth is – it will.  We need to deal with our secrets and allow God to heal us and move us forward.   

Rod uses three words to show the path to help and wholeness in Christ. Those words are:  Character, Integrity, and Accountability.   These are great words.  While we will let Rod’s ministry define each one within their context, most of us immediately relate to them and know they are foundational to living a life of meaning in our relationships, our marketplace, and of course our life with God.  

Today: 

1.  How would you in your honest moments define your character?  What area needs to be improved?
2. How would you define your integrity?  Who are you when no one is looking?  
3. How would you define your accountability?  Many are thrilled to be accountable for our strengths.  What about those things in our life that weaken or destroy our character, or integrity?   What about those things that would destroy those closest to us?  

Find someone in your life you trust with your life and build a path towards, Godly Character, personal integrity, and deep levels of accountability.  You and everyone around you will be better for it.  

To reach out to Character That Counts:   https://characterthatcounts.org    

To reach out to Rod Handley directly:   [email protected]

   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/