At the conclusion of the Gospel of Luke (24:48) and the beginning of the book of Acts (1:8), Jesus uses one term to characterize his followers: witnesses. A witness is someone who has seen and experienced something specific, and so, is able to tell others about what he’s seen. These are the two aspects that make someone a witness, like two sides of one coin. Jesus reveals himself to us only so that we may know him (side one) and be able to share him with the world that does not know him (side two). This, according to Jesus as attested in Luke and Acts, is what it means to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, His disciple.
Men’s ministry exists to build-up, strengthen, and encourage both sides of this coin in the men connected to ORB. This is not for their own good, or even for the good of the church, but for the good of the world whose eyes have not yet been enlightened to so great a salvation (Heb. 2:3). Men’s ministry aims to facilitate this growth of witness in the men of ORB in a handful of ways.
The first is through “Men’s Nights,” which are gatherings intended to connect men in the community to one another so that through one another, we might come to know Christ better and the callings to which we have been called. Here, we also practice our faith in terms of studying scripture, praying with and for one another, worshipping, and talking about our experience of Jesus Christ together. These nights will happen every 6-8 weeks going forward. Check the calendar or the home page for announcements about these nights.
Another way that men’s ministry aims to facilitate growth is through the creation and facilitation of small groups, which are aimed at growing and forming disciples. Small groups are regular gatherings (usually weekly) of a small number of men who share their lives, faiths, struggles, victories, and hopes together. These aim at mutual edification and upbuilding, but also at accountability for the decisions made in regard to God and neighbor. Further, it is hoped that through experience and time spent in these groups, gifts and callings will be made known and realized in the world. If you want to get involved in such a group, come to a men’s night and find out more, or, contact Matt Agresti.
Men’s ministry aims to get other ideas off of the back burner and, well, onto the table as well. Some of these are mentorships and intentional ‘discipling’ relationships which are meant to build up individuals to take up their cross and follow Christ, acts and works of service in the ORB community as well as in the larger Red Bank and Monmouth County areas, and more. This is a new and burgeoning ministry at ORB – one that hopes to grow and bear new and good fruit for the world. Contact Matt Agresti if you have questions, interest in participating in some way, or anything else.
