Dear Leader,

There are two opposing concepts that I have been encountering lately throughout Southern Indiana churches. These forces are both evident and prevalent, depending on where you find yourself.

Last month I wrote about the first one - STATUS QUO - that is, the resistance to change with the mindset of "We've always done it this way." Yet, for as much as there is a persistence in fruitless endeavors, I am also discovering its opposite force. Not only have I heard the word SYNERGY, but I am seeing this reality. There are individuals throughout Southern Indiana who have a common passion to reach and disciple men.

When I first stepped into my role as an Area Director in Southern Indiana, it kind of felt like I was all alone. Yet, the Lord continues to lead me to more and more people who are working for the kingdom to raise up godly men.

There is a synergy here that is fueled by a shared desire to create a culture of men's discipleship where lives are transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As we embrace this synergy, it is important that we recognize we are not alone in our endeavors. I am fully aware that this discipleship movement is not just happening through me or Man in the Mirror, but God is raising up men and ministries along a myriad of pathways. 

Together, we can create a powerful movement of men's discipleship by fostering collaboration and drawing on the numerous resources we all bring to the table.

May we continue to build a culture where men are transformed by the gospel, impacting not only their own lives but also their families, churches, and communities throughout Southern Indiana and beyond.

In Christ,

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DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES RELATIONSHIP
Synergy requires a shared vision - a preferred future that we are striving towards together. The problem with a vision for discipleship in many churches is that few have actually experienced the rich depths of genuine discipleship. It is true that discipleship happens in the context of relationships, therefore everything we do should be about creating environments where the Holy Spirit can inspire men to engage in life-on-life discipleship. Jesus poured himself into a few, who in turn did the same. This is the way we should go as well. There is a multiplication effect that occurs when men replicate what they have received through a deep, authentic, vulnerable relationship with someone else who truly cares about them.	The most likely way to change the world is to build long-term relationships

YOUR ACTION STEP: Be Synergistic

The idea of synergy here is simply that "two are better than one." We are not meant to do this life alone. It is extremely easy to get caught up in our own little worlds, going about our day-to-day lives. With our heads down and noses to the grindstone, if we're not careful, we may begin to isolate ourselves. There have been numerous reports and articles of late about pastors and church leaders "burning out." They're seemingly more exhausted, isolated, and frustrated than ever. Personally, I believe a big reason for this is that we are more task-oriented than we are relationship-centered. Our souls are suffering for the sake of our to-do lists. Moreover, whether intentionally or not, we can become congregationally isolated. This would look like a church or pastor that is not reaching outside of its own walls to partner with other local pastors and congregations.  When we can find common ground with other like-minded believers, when we can embrace shared visions, then we can foster unity and synergy with a greater kingdom impact. This perspective involves celebrating and supporting the work of other churches, ministries, and organizations engaged in kingdom work.  I have seen this synergy in action. Not only does it increase the effectiveness of those involved, but it also engenders a more holistic transformation in the lives of these synergistic individuals.

GO DEEPER WITH THIS POST FROM THE MAN IN THE MIRROR BLOG Why Building Long Term Relationships Is The Most Likely Way To Change The World There are many powerful forces at work in the world – money, power, beauty, brains, innovation, media, movies, music, bullets, bombs, civil disobedience, protests, governments, religion, suffering, and many more. But one force towers above all others as the singular most powerful force in the world. And that is a relationship. For example, even in... Continue Reading →

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Listen to the "Behind the Micah" Podcast

Micah Stephen serves as pastor of Odon Christian Church, and recently engaged with the men of Hillcrest Christian Church as a speaker for one of their events. This is his podcast. He's a local guy with synergy who is spreading the gospel. 

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