GUIDING MEN TOWARDS THE GOODNESS AND GRACE OF GOD
AUGUST 2023 - ISSUE 25
Dear Family and Friends,
We are a couple months in to our new ministry year, and October will mark five years since I embarked on this adventure with Man in the Mirror.
I am incredibly grateful for all of you who have entered into this journey with me. From your prayers and financial support, to words of encouragement, presence at our events, sharing with others about our mission...I truly could not do this without you.
Similarly, churches and men are on a journey...one that they struggle to do alone. With your help, I am able to walk with them like a mountain guide who doesn’t just point the way, but as one who knows the way and goes the way with them.
This is no easy task, and it takes time. We are not looking for a quick fix or a plug-and-play system. At it’s core, discipleship is relational, and so is the work I am doing with churches.
I am highly encouraged by the effects I am seeing from our efforts since being released into the field four years ago. We are changing mindsets about what “men’s ministry” looks like. The vision of what relational men’s discipleship can be is starting to catch on!
I hope you will stay with us for the next five years of this journey, because God is truly up to something in the hearts of men right here in Southern Indiana.
With Gratitude,
Nate Flynn
Relational discipleship is the key to vibrant life and ministry
Driving Towards the Vision
You have likely seen communications about our #SoINScramble - a month-long golf event for the purpose of raising support and synergy for our vision to see men
REFLECT HONESTLY,
PURSUE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY,
AND LIVE VIBRANTLY.
This is not simply a way to raise money, rather we are creating value to draw people into an environment where they can connect, reflect, and take steps forward in their own journeys.
It is a unique event from the traditional one-day scramble. Not only will this allow more individuals to participate on a timeframe that works for them, but it will also create extended engagement for the golfers, sponsors, and spectators alike to see what we are all about at Man in the Mirror.
Please pray with me that this event will be a SMASHING success for everyone involved!
Visit soinmensdiscipleship.com/golf
and engage with us on Facebook
THIS IS IT
In the last Partner Connect there was a photo of some men sharing their faith around a fire. That gathering of men was precipitated by a retreat they had taken to Kentucky.
Since then, the men around the fire have begun to grow. Not just in numbers, though they certainly are, but also in depth of connection and relationship with one another and the Lord.
Last week I attended their monthly men’s fire night again, and was amazed to see the number of cars lined up. The circle was so big you couldn’t even feel the fire, which was ok in the August heat!
What you could feel though was the intensity of the desire in these men to be “Built Different.” This is what they’re calling their ministry to men at Bedford Free Methodist, based on Ephesians 2:22 which says:
“And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”
There were several positive signs of health and growth, but one thing I shared with their pastor and their men’s leader is that oftentimes when I visit a men’s group at a church, I will speak briefly on what I do. Inevitably, there is at least one man who comes up to me afterward because his heart is aching for what I described and he’s not finding it.
At the end of this fire night though, the men didn’t come to me. There were mature Christian men ready, willing, and already active in the lives of younger men. This multi-generational gathering was inspiring. I told them THIS IS IT! It was a microcosm of everything we want to see Christian men aspiring to.
The Built Different men of Bedford Free Methodist are now planning a 10,000 Spiritual Fathers Orientation to equip even more mature Christian men to engage in the lives of younger men.
Annual Church Survey
Each May we send out our Annual Church Survey to evaluate how Area Directors are connecting with their churches and leaders.
Results are still being analyzed, but here are a few statements that leaders shared. I offer these simply as insight to how we are being received.
"I can't speak highly enough of Nate. He's hardworking, bright, and personable. But, most importantly, he has a deep love for and walk with Jesus. He desires to know God intellectually and experientially. He's a spiritual explorer, not a travel agent, and he leads by example."
"Nate is fantastic to work with regarding men's discipleship, and also a wonderful friend. He truly cares about others, listens well, and is willing to share his personal testimony to help others. Something that is rare in our world today."
"A true brother and cares beyond the resources he offers! Nate has been fabulous to work with."
Prayer Requests
- PRAISE for TWO churches that moved from relationship to Action Plan Status (an intentional step of commitment)
- For the SoIN Scramble to be successful at raising synergy for our vision
- The 10k Spiritual Fathers orientation in Bedford on Oct. 1
- End of Year Campaign
- Deeper Still engagement of partner churches
- Leaders to be raised up in churches
- Additional Area Directors in Indiana
- God's provision for our partners
Nate Flynn is committed to serving pastors and leaders in the communities surrounding Bedford. As a trained Man in the Mirror expert in men’s discipleship, Nate guides pastors and leaders through a comprehensive strategy to reach and disciple all of their men because every man discipled impacts a marriage, family, workplace, and community. Discipleship changes everything!
