November 2009
Outreach Corner - The “Roost"
Building a community of men in your ministry
All right. This is going to raise some ‘eyebrows’ out there, but if it is done well in the right setting, can result in developing great, authentic, transparent relationships in your men. It’s called “The Roost” and it’s an invitation-only, small group setting where men can be themselves and not have to spiritually perform in the presence of other men.
When I came to the Inland Northwest, I was burned-out on attending men’s groups that were comprised of men who seemed to only want an audience in which to boast about their spiritual maturity and deeds. Mind you, this was always done with great “humility” and spirit. But the message was always clear to those who were not deep in the Lord who the spiritual giants were. That’s because these guys always dominated the conversation and used themselves (again with humility) as a perfect example. It only served to shut-down the questions of those just beginning their walk with Christ and who stopped attending.
One day I was asked if I would like to attend a small men’s gathering that was held in an upper room-a loft really-above a barn. It sounded intriguing so I stopped in. What I saw and experienced caused me to continue to attend, and still do because of the intimate, transparent atmosphere of ‘The Roost.’ As I climbed the stairs to this room I was immediately struck by the fact that this was a ‘men only’ place. Hanging on the walls and from the ceiling were old banners, guns (that no longer worked), knives, and banners that wreaked of hunting and sports. A couple of guys were smoking cigars and a few were packing their pipes. This, I thought, was going to be interesting! Maybe this was just a ‘hideout’ where men could gather to do the things that their wives wouldn’t let them do!
What I discovered, however, was that there were new Christians and old in attendance and one thing was evident: there was no attitude of judgment on the part of anyone in the room. No one ‘pontificated’ or dominated the conversation. Questions-even the obvious ones-were treated with dignity and respect, and no one was made to feel inferior in their faith. There was lots of laughter and the environment was one of relaxation, with Christ at the very center. Men shared their deepest thoughts and challenges in their relationships and life. I left feeling accepted, and genuinely cared-for. It challenged my own sense of spiritual judgment, which was dealt with by the Holy Spirit on the ride home.
I was reminded of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the old English preacher who, after his Sunday sermons would meet with his elders at a local pub, pull out cigars, and discuss or argue points of theology. I called some friends back in Denver and told them about my experience. Rather than coming across as spiritual skeptics, they got excited and are actually trying to form their own ‘Roost!’
Not for everyone, ‘The Roost’ will only appeal to those who are willing to leave their spiritual prejudices at the doorstep, be willing to forsake their ideas of what true Christians do-or don’t do-and humbly meet other men where they are in life.
Read the other articles in this issue:
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