Up against a cold rain and presidential primary voting, the Salt and Light Men’s Ministries Conference still packed Riverland Hills Baptist Church with hundreds of men seeking to know God and sharpen their church ministries.
Bobby Jackson, left, director of the SCBC lifestyle evangelism group, with Buddy Noonan of Sumter.The annual conference, held Jan. 19, included breakout sessions ranging from how to handle grief and anger to motorcycle ministry. The theme for this year’s conference was “Authentic Manhood: Winning at Work and Home,” the second of the highly successful Men’s Fraternity study series.
Jim Austin, South Carolina Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, in welcoming the men to the conference, painted a picture of men’s ministries in the 1920s where often 500-600 or more men would gather. Today, men’s ministries are not as prevalent but are growing.
“I pray it can be that way again,” said Austin.
In a large group session, participants heard testimonies of how Men’s Fraternity groups have transformed the work and ministry of men in many South Carolina churches.
Lee Williams first visited a Men’s Fraternity group at a church near his home after being urged by his wife to join. Though Williams did not attend the church, he found fellowship and life-changing principles in the group.
“The issues being talked about were not black or white. God is the God of all of us,” said Williams, who is African-American. “I came into the group in the flesh. I left in the same spirit as the rest of the men.”
Buddy Noonan of Sumter told participants that Men’s Fraternity can help men learn how to relate to not only their family, but friends and co-workers as well.
“If God puts it on your heart to help another man, you just can’t keep it in – everyone here knows another man who is struggling,” he said.
Ron Barker, SCBC church multiplication associate director of partnership development and main session speaker, told participants that ministry begins in their neighborhoods and businesses.
“God does not live in a box in the pastor’s office. He is scattered,” he said.
“This pretty building is not the house of God – there are plenty of places in the world that do not have pretty buildings and they are doing church well,” Barker continued.
Barker encouraged the men to build relational bridges in their own personal circle of friends and co-workers, and serve those people until they ask about faith or “turn the lights on spiritually.”
“You are the expert on your story. You know what God is doing in your life,” he said.
Compelling the men to interact with those in their communities who need to know Jesus, Barker said the responsibility is not only for church pastors but also for individuals.
“The potential for fulfilling the Great Commission in South Carolina is in the pews.”