Podcast Show Notes 

As the New Year comes around, we realize we have been here before – just a year ago – and two years ago.  When we look back, for many of us, each year rolls around about the same year over year with very little intentional change.   On this episode, we want to encourage all listeners to determine that in 2025, we will have gotten out of our rut and made some lasting impacts on those important areas of our lives.      

 God put that desire within each of us and does expect that of us.  The Bible says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10 

Let’s jump into a few principles that can help us stay focused.  

Four Principles to Guide Us Forward: 

1. Commit to the change – Research shows that those who fully commit to the change have much better chances of success than those who never fully commit, but only wish for something different.  
2. Go Public – this becomes positive self-pressure.   Most of us do not want to let people down or embarrass ourselves, so we are hesitant to go public.  The second piece that makes a big difference, is to ensure you have accountability in conjunction with this.  A trusted individual that will check in and see how you are doing.   Men, depending on the topic, it is most likely not you wife.  Men need to hold other men accountable.  
3. Focus on behavior rather than results – most of us who are results-oriented key right in on our results.  Early on in the goal pursuit, there are few results, and can become very discouraging.  Take the long view and stay focused on the daily behavior that moves you forward.  
4. Remove distractions –  What are some of these distractions that can sidetrack us:  busyness, discouragement,  interruptions, other priorities that crash in, perceived shortcuts,  

Now that we understand some of the key principles, what are safegards we will do well to put in place.  

1. Remove temptation – similar to distractions, temptation usually involves something very significant and will pull us off of the road altogether. It is so easy to fall back into behavior or thinking that can drag you back down and make you want to give up or give in.  Keep it clear away from you – have an accountability partner help you with this. 
2. Create a new routine that leads to success – most of us live the majority of our lives on our routines.  You all know the definition of insanity right?  Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.  
3. Track the progress – depending on the objective as to how you do that, but find a way to track your activity/progress.  Do not focus on the results, only the journey to your results. 
4. Reward progress – rewards give you the intermediate feeling of success on your way to your larger goal.  The reward is for consistent progress, not results.    
5. If you mess up – give yourself grace on the mess up and get moving again quickly.   Keep in mind that you will mess up – no process is flawless or without holes.   Be kind to yourself and get going again. 

Paul talks about our Christian life as if we are running a race – “Like a person running a race, I try hard to reach the line so that I will receive the prize.”   I would never put our human  goals in the realm with reaching the end of life having run an excellent race towards heaven, or even crawling across the line beaten and bruised, but having finished the Christian life in God’s favor.  Many of the goals we set are often subsets of completing the Christian life God has for us – because they are calling us to excellence in whatever we do.   

Israel and Hamas – A Human Approach

Guest: Dr. Austin Knuppe  

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

As Dr. Knuppe thinks about this event as an expert in the region and as a Christian, his prayer moves from politics to grief and lament – how do we mourn with those who mourn, love our neighbor well, whether they are Israeli Jews or Arab Palestinians.    

This is a conflict that is not 5,000 years old, as many think, but the roots of the current conflict are less than 75 years old.  Fundamentally this is not a religious conflict according to Dr. Knuppe, as important as our religious beliefs and identities are.  Dr. Knuppe walks us through many of the inner movements on what is a very small piece of land and strong beliefs and desires 

In reviewing these kinds of situations, Dr. Knuppe talks about three different individuals who are needed to fully understand a conflict process like this one: 

1. Interpreters:  help you understand and create the ability for conversation.  An interpreter is an intermediary between two or more parties.  

Beyond this situation, there are many times an interpreter is needed when any two parties are not connecting.  I have had times in my life when I needed an interpreter to help me navigate a delicate situation.  

1. Translators:  someone who creates text or language that others can read and understand in their language and context.   This one rings true as well even with the same language, but perhaps cultural differences that need to be translated correctly rather than assumed.   
2. Fixers:  This can be comparable to a tour guide, but one that is more directive to help you navigate difficult or misunderstood situations.  They give you insights into situations that you may not understand, help you avoid difficulty by being prepared, or even help get you out of trouble.   

How can pray for the Middle East at this time?  We can pray for the political aspects of the region.  Given what is going on, it is very important to learn how to grieve and lament what is going on as a major prayer supported in scripture is to mourn with those who mourn.  We should also pray for the oppressed, which was the heart of Jesus throughout much of the Gospels.  This is not only for their deliverance but to also pray for justice.   We see this throughout scripture.  

While we are not personally often in a Middle Eastern type of conflict, how can we take what we have learned today and apply the principles to our own lives to better serve our families, friends, or even adversaries to help advance the Kingdom of God?  

Let us consider these three roles that Dr. Knuppe discussed: 

1. Where in your life could you use an interpreter to help you advance the kingdom of God?  Home, marketplace, community, or even church to name a few places to consider.  
2. Where in your life could you use a translator, to help you understand context, culture, or even a more full understanding of what others are hearing from us?
3. Where in your life could you use a fixer to help you avoid deeper problems, understand better conflict on the horizon, or even guide you in a repair process?  
4. Who in your life could fill at least one of these roles to help you move forward in a delicate or difficult relationship today?  

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

How to Make the Holidays Count!
 
Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

The Holidays, specifically Christmas, is one of the great opportunities for you, your family, and friends to find new insight into the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us.   Since God made Christmas, He then modeled for us by giving us the best gift possible, and without whom we would not have forgiveness of sins, nor eternal life. Given all of that, it only makes sense to do what we can to find new insights, get out of our routine, and see how God might want to refresh you with a new perspective during the holiday season this year.    

Let’s take a look at some ideas through which you can be intentional and see how God wants to Bless you, your family, and those around you.   

1. Give God a special gift just from you to Him.   That gift could be the forgiveness of someone who wronged you.  It could be to commit to spending time alone with God and focus on the Christmas story and what it might mean to you.  
2. Set time to read the Christmas story with your family or friends:  Luke 1:5-56 and includes 2:1-20.  Take time to discuss this story.   How does this story impact you, your family, and any friends you speak with?   
3. Find a group to go Christmas caroling – in your neighborhood, with your Life Group, in an Assisted Living Center,  or just a carol sign with your group.    I know – men caroling??  Whether you can sing or not, those to whom you sing will be blessed and it will in turn bless you and your family.  
4. Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family, perhaps a neighbor, or members of your Life Group.    Jesus set a great example of service, especially when He washed the feet of His disciples. 
5. Attend a Christmas program together at church or a Christmas concert.  It is important to spend time discussing what you just experienced.  
6. Whatever you do, plan for it, and intentionally make the experience count for you, your family, or your friends.   Whether it is trying to add a new tradition to your holiday habits, focusing on being thankful during the season, taking time to slow down, or expanding your holiday options to enjoy the reason for the season, do it intentionally this year.  This season, like every other season, will be gone before you know it.   

Some things to think about as it pertains to the Holidays: 

1. As you think about your traditional holiday plans and processes, what one thing you are doing now that adds to the spiritual enjoyment of the holidays?  
2. As you review the list we just discussed, what one thing stands out to you that you want to incorporate into your holiday?
3. What is one of these areas that will not work for you this year, but an idea for next year?
4. The key to spiritually enjoying this Holiday season if you to start now.  

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#42   – Boys to Men

Christian Service Brigade

Guest:  Scott Haima, President

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

“It is better to build strong children than it is to repair broken men.”
— Frederick Douglas

Today we are discussing ways to do just that. Our guest, Scott Haima, the president of Christian Service Brigade (CSB), has committed his life to being involved in helping boys on their journey to manhood. In doing so he also helps men be repaired through their commitment to volunteering to build strong boys.

CSB’s mission is Building Godly Men of Today and Tomorrow. It starts with an understanding that many boys are being left behind in society in general, and school in particular.

Boys think, learn, mature, and play differently than girls. Experts tell us boys require more space and have a shorter attention spans than most girls. The traditional classroom model has proven ineffective in impacting boys and young men and mentoring them toward genuine spiritual formation.

Robert Lewis, in his book called Raising a Modern-Day Knight, talks about not only is the value to the boys, but the men involved, he calls a community of men. As we have talked many times, a boy or a man cannot go through this world alone, but needs a strong community that can encourage, hold accountable and help with raising our sons to become Godly men.

We have spoken in previous episodes about the value of multiple, trusted, Godly adults in the lives of our children. They mature more, expand their horizons, and see the value of Christian values and shared relationships.

Boys need hands-on activity, a lot of fun, and earnest, honest men who keep showing up to make a difference in their lives through planned and direction activities — all the while showing how God is involved in every detail of our lives.

CSB can help your church create a community of men to help you transform your boys to become men. They have very clear roadmaps for the men to get involved to make it easy to volunteer and lead the boys. With all of the resources available, your men can focus on the boys rather than all of the prep. Please take advantage.

Resources:
Scott Haima – President, Christian Service Brigade
To reach Scott Haima: [email protected]
To connect with the ministry: https://csbministries.org
Phone number for CSB: 800-815-5573
Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of
each month. For additional podcasts or resources go to:
https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

So many men are missing a father’s blessing. “You cannot give what you do not have” says Dr. Chuck Stecker. It has developed into a curse today resulting in fatherlessness, broken homes, and has landed our country in a place of catastrophic proportions and a massive decline in our culture.

What is the antidote that is required to be able to receive a blessing? The term came from the Old Testament when we see Esau cry out that he also wanted what the eldest son had received from his father. In the Old Testament only the eldest son could receive a blessing.

Then we move to Jesus Christ in the New Testament and what is being said to Him as he rises up out of the water of baptism: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. Since we are co-heirs with Jesus, it is now available for all of God’s children. God the Father, through earthly father’s and spiritual fathers, are the conduit of the Heavenly Fathers Blessing. We bless our sons and daughters. We are doing what God does for us — He blesses us as His son, for who He has created us to be, not for what we do or contribute to this world or to the Kingdom.

It is our job in our life to understand what the wound is in our life that causes us to medicate in some manner. In almost every case, it can be tied back to our father’s lack of a blessing. Repeating the question from the first session: What did we have to do to gain our fathers approval? When did your father tell you he was proud of you? Was it what you did, or who they are? We see our earthly father is how we view our Heavenly Father. If our dad picked at us, then we see God as a picky God. If we felt loved for who we are, we can accept God’s love.

Understand the main step is to get to the issue, rather than treating the symptoms.

Smalley and Trent in their research project and resulting book, lay out Five Key Steps to a Meaningful Blessing:

1. Meaningful Touch – a touch that says I love you
2. Spoken Word – words that foster a relationship
3. Attach High Value – assign great value and belief in the person
4. Forsee a Special Future – paint a picture of a special future
5. Commitment to That Future – demonstrate your commitment to that future

Fathers remember you cannot give what you have not received. It is never too late for you and for your children. Even if you have never received it, God still wants to bless you either directly or through a spiritual father.

Resources:

• Dr. Chuck Stecker – Men of Honor, Women of Virtue
• Ralf Garborg – The Family Blessing
• Jay Cookingham – Sonship, Restoring a Man’s Identity
• Smalley and Trent – The Blessing

To reach Chuck Stecker – [email protected]    www.achosengeneration.org

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Book:  The Family Blessing  Rolf Garborg   

Sonship: Restoring a Man's Identity by Jay Cookingham | Goodreads

“The insidious impact of the father wound in our nation is the greatest issue facing our culture right now.  It is impacting marriages; entire families and it will impact generations yet to be born.”  Dr. Chuck Stecker. 

Biblical understanding – what this wound looks like and the impact of not having it.   Jacob stole the blessing of his father.  It says that when Esau heard his fathers word, that Jacob had already stolen the blessing, he cried out with a loud and bitter cry and asked his father to bless him as well.  In the Old Testament, that was not an option.  This was before Jesus comes and now all sons and daughters can be adopted in the family of God and receive not only their fathers blessing with multiple children, but also know they can have the blessing of their heavenly father.  

Even society has identified with the alarming fatherlessness in America, the gender dysphoria that has arisen,  One Ivy League university identifies that one of four students struggle with the sexual identity.  This can all be traced back to the removal of the father from the family and the inability to bless his children due to his own struggles.  The father is responsible for affirming the identity of their children of who you are, and whose you are.   

How do you know if you believe you have received your fathers blessing?  One simple question can help you with that:  What will it take to gain the approval of your father?   Is your value fully attached to what you do (always trying to earn approval) verses who you are (adding value to those around me out of an overflow of identity – not to seek their approval).  

The danger all of this creates is how we see and relate to our earthly father; is how we see and naturally relate to our Heavenly Father.   If we have a significant father wound it is difficult to relate to loving, forgiving and Holy God, who is much different than even the best earthly Father.   We assume that God must be a certain way because my earthly father was that way.  

In our world today we see so much that is anti-manhood and labeled as toxic masculinity.   When men step into our role as a Godly man, we have the opportunity to change the world in which we live.  

MMC encourages you as man, whether you are pastor, leader of men in your church, a businessman, or a man in any role who is considering how God is calling you and wants to use your life, and to commit to being part of a group of men, who will: 

1. Connect with a small group of men who will consistently meet and encourage one another in the faith 
2. Learn to trust these men and become vulnerable with your own version of a Father wound and allow their love for you to help heal this wound
3. Allow these men to unconditionally love you and help you reframe how you see your heavenly father and how you gain your identity by knowing and accepting that you are a love child of your Heavenly Father. 
4. Be accountable to these men as they are to you to not settle for the cultural norms, but be a man who makes a difference, starting with your family.   

Gordon Dalby – The Healing of the Masculine Soul 

To reach Chuck Stecker – [email protected]    www.achosengeneration.org

For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Book:  The Healing of the Masculine Soul   Gordon Dalby     Buy this on Amazon

We have the opportunity to move from being a spectator to becoming a fulfilled participant in the game of life – specifically a Christian life.   We can and should be a participant in our faith, our family, our community, our workplace and of course our church.  God has challenged us Watchmen to start a movement, a revival, that will transform the lives of those closest to us.  

Today we are continuing our conversation we started in the last episode - #42, The Watchman Part One – on some thoughts on solutions to a participant and not letting the vocal, loud, and angry minority group continue to have total freedom to the world around us.   God has called us to make a difference.   

Today we will look at just one area of the chapters and discuss seven things we can do to Stand in the Gap for our Family, that will transform our families towards the biblical family that God desires from us.  

Seven ways we can stand in the gap for our families: 

1. Take on spiritual leadership – take initiative to ensure we are the spiritual leaders of the family and make our family a safe place, a place of spiritual conversation, and a place of allowing God to work in them and for your faith to become their own faith.   
2. Be an encourager – find ways to bless your children with encouragement.  Encourage them for who they are, not just for what they do. 
3. Intercessory prayer – men are often intimidated by prayer.  Again, take initiative, and reach out to God, even if you are not sure exactly what to say or how to say it.  God looks at the heart and desires your passion to stay in the gap and cover them with your prayer.  
4. Model a servant's heart – show that you are not too big to serve, rather than be served.  One of the ways to do that is through being generous in many ways to your family so they know they are important.  Remember God was generous and gave His one and only son so we could have eternal life.  
5. Be transparent and honest – be vulnerable with those around you, especially when you mess up.   Boys can figure out that a man does not always have it together – they will know it even if we don’t admit it.  We become a more important man in their life when we open up and show them how we are wanting to grow. 
6. Problem solving and conflict resolution – it is important to take initiative to resolve issues at home.  In this process we are best to listen to help our family learn how to solve and resolve issues.  That is what we will do as adults – so let’s learn it as 
7. Family Devotions – it gives us the opportunity to discuss how the bible speaks to our daily living.   It is good for mom and dad to share with the kids how they might be applying the bible to their daily living.  Let your kids share how they might apply these principles in their daily lives.  

This is not a behavioral modification process.  This is a biblical transformation that God desires to deliver a transformation through Biblical  men, who step into the role that God has given to us that gets us to heaven and takes as many people with us as possible.   This world is not our home.  We are preparing eternal life.  We are playing for keeps here.  What a privilege we have been given to have an eternal impact.  

Resources: 

To order the book:  The Watchman, go to our website listed below, or go to Amazon and type in the name of the book by Dr. Jim Grassi.  

To connect Men’s Ministry Catalyst:  https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org

The Watchman – The Problem  Part One

New Book Release 

Guest:  Dr. Jim Grassi, Founder, President

Men’s Ministry Catalyst 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

“Many people today are asking the question, “has our society gone mad?”  “Has our culture gone crazy?”  Many people are saying, “I never thought I would see a day like today?”

As a result of the questions above, Dr. Grassi has written a book out of his passion to address such questions, called The Watchman – referring to the Old Testament role outlined for leaders in the church of that day.   This is a clarion call for men to stand in the gap for their families, their pastors, their communities.  We need to keep intruders our of our life.  Begs the question:  Where are godly men today?   

How did a small group of people commander the overall agenda.  This has happened politically, socially, culturally,  in our schools, and in our businesses.  It seems as if you object as a majority against what is a few people with a strong and aggressive work, progressive, liberal agenda, we are labeled as haters, mad and angry group of people.  

This book has been written to speak to the root problem that needs to be addressed.  This book also provides strong, solid, biblical direction which we will address  the second episode of the two-part series.  

There are two things in culture that stand out.  The first is the failure of men to pursue and stand up for Godliness.  The second is that there is a small angry group of people whom we have allowed to define our modern culture.  

With so children growing up without a biological father, with so many children having all female teachers in elementary school, we see that ratio in many of our children’s ministries in churches – so where does a young man have a Christian male role model in their life  so they can see what biblical manhood(Kingdom Men – Tony Evans) is all about?  

We are facing a dangerous time in our culture today.  God has ordained men to be is spiritual leadership in our homes, community, workplace, and our church.   We are called to love those around us and to lead as Christ loved the church and ultimately gave his life to save us. 

In the next episode we will provide some clarity on how to move forward to be one who is active in restoring a prevailing Biblical culture in the world in which we live.   We will focus primarily on the family dynamics as that is where it has to begin.  

We pray that men will step into the God given opportunity to sound the clarion call to move back to biblical manhood and then lead the way.  

Resources: 

To order the book:  The Watchman, go to our website listed below, or go to Amazon and type in the name of the book by Dr. Jim Grassi.  

To reach Dr. Grassi:  [email protected]

To connect Men’s Ministry Catalyst:  https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#41 – Why Men Hate Going to Church
Guest David Murrow
Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast
Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes:

Everyone says the church is male-dominated, and while that may be true in
the pulpit, the pews are pink!! The average church in America is 61% female.
Where are the men? That is the question that caused David Murrow to write
the book Why Men Hate Going to Church.

In his book, David Murrow looked at this topic from a sociological space, not a
religious space or spiritual space. He is looking to focus on the environment in
which you are drawing or not drawing men to your church, and ultimately to a
drawing or not drawing your men to Christ.

How do we build a sermon for men? No longer are we living in the lecture
hall era, which is what many of our churches have been for so long. Two key
ideas to get to men quickly: Get to your point right away. Most men are
looking for a reason to stay engaged or a reason to check out. Your first few
seconds determine that outcome. Second, use a visual that gets men to draw
in. When the visual aid is visible during the sermon and men are waiting to
see what you are going to do with this. It creates interest and excitement.
The visual aid ties the concept to a visual to which men will relate, understand
the concept concretely, and are much more able to integrate it into their life.
The world is very good as this on our phones with Social media and even TV
and movies are now part of the fast-moving scene. How do we capture the
audience, especially the men, in a few seconds, on the weekend services?

A secondary issue, although no less important is how we reach our boys
today. Usually today, the children’s ministry is boy-friendly. Lots of fast-
moving activities like object lessons, and strong visuals keep the boys
attention. When we get to the student's age (teenage years), some of that
changes. Now we have long worship sets, much less visual stimulation for the
boys, now teens, so they either become uninterested or drop out. In addition,
when the boys need strong men around, there is now an influx of young
women becoming youth pastors. Male students do not relate to them as they
would a man – even a young man. Consequently, we are losing boys in many
settings like this. Take the challenge and focus on reaching our young men.

David Murrow’s website has many options to help you evaluate your church
to see how you measure up to at least be gender-neutral as opposed to a
feminine context where so many churches have been. In addition, he has a list
of Free Stuff, as well as other books, courses, and ideas to evaluate as you are
committed to reaching men in your church and community.

To reach David Murrow go to https://www.davidmurrow.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of
each month.

For additional podcasts or resources go to:
https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Book: Why Men Hate Going to Church, David Murrow
Why Men Hate Going to Church: Murrow, David: 9780785232155:
Amazon.com: Books

#40  – Help for Pastor’s 

95 Network – Guest Dale Sellers   

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

With roughly 300,000 churches in America. Of those 95% have less than 500 attending, 87% have less than 200 attending and 75% of the churches in America have less than 100 attending, pre-pandemic numbers.  The small church is the backbone of America.   

Maybe I will never pastor a large church, but as a small church pastor I thought I might have grown my church by now.   The struggle is real, the challenges are personal, and the outcome essential.   How do we best come along side these wonderful pastors and provide the support they are not getting anywhere else.   

95 Network provides support in the following ways: 

1. Content – weekly podcast, 
2. Connections – resources that can support pastors in nearly every area. 
3. Coaching – 5 Different Coaching Track; leadership, how to advance your message digitally, Discipleship, and more 
4. Consulting – Vision day with the local church  
5. Conferences – all about how to build your local church in many ways, Including a Soul Care for your practical personal life.  

https://www.95Network.org    There are two pop up surveys to provide input an and also to assess where you mage get the greatest benefit from the resources available.    The two surveys are:  Soul Care Essentials and The Healthy Church Assessment.  

This website is so practical to help you as a pastor to help you as you work through the various aspects of your church.   Knowing there is no plan B, the work of the church needs to be effective at growing up believers and reaching those who are not yet part of it.    

We know so many pastors are at their wits end with trying to build a local church. Too many want to find something else to do.  That is why this network of resources is such a vital place to help you as a pastor to find the support, encouragement, and tools you can use to keep moving forward and fulfill your God given calling.  

We love you pastors and want you to find fulfillment in building and reaching the kingdom of God.  Know so many love you, believe in you, and want to encourage you to fulfill your calling.   God made you just you are for such a time as this.   Be encouraged and reach out for help so you can move forward. 

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Book:  Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors who Thought They Would be There by Now,   Dale Sellers 

Item #01 - Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be Th – 95Network