Tough talk
Worshipping the Lord at Just Men. (Photo: Craig Walker)
‘Money, Sex and Power’ was the theme of the recent Just Men conferences in Queensland and New South Wales.
Colonel Richard Munn, Chief Secretary, was special guest speaker at both locations, leading five sessions over each weekend.
“It was good for men to confront men about men’s issues,” says Salvationist Gary Raymond from Parramatta Corps, who attended the conference at The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Major Stuart Reid, South Queensland Divisional Mission and Resource Director – Corps, agreed. “The content was great and hard hitting,” he says. “It was good for men to be hear good biblical teaching, and be part of healthy discussion about Christian male sexuality.
The conferences also offered workshops on leading men to Christ, discipling men, and invigorating men’s ministry. At the conference at the Queensland Camping and Conference Centre in Mapleton, topics also included men’s health, emergency services, and evangelism.
On the Saturday evenings, Christian celebrity magician Christopher Wayne entertained the men, and also gave an invitation to those gathered to make a commitment to Christ.
“The sessions were powerful and there was plenty of time for deep and meaningful conversation,” says Malcolm Beeson, Territorial Men’s Ministry Co-ordinator.
“Many men made commitments, the response to the Holy Spirit was amazing, and a number of corps are revitalising their men’s ministry as a result.”
Almost 200 men attended the conference in NSW, and 100 in Queensland. Both conferences highlighted the diverse experience of the men involved in The Salvation Army, and the incredible network of support there for them.
“The conference gave a real perspective on the scope of the Army by talking to blokes from all over the territory and beyond,” says Mr Raymond. “This is a big Army with some very strong ‘blokey’ blokes from all walks of life.
“The conference blows out the stereotype of the Christian man you might have. To be a Christian and a man, you have to be strong, tough, courageous and resilient.
“The conference also showed the men that we are not alone or isolated in the things that tempt men, that we can have victory as others have had, and that there is a huge network of men in the Army to support us.”
In 2014, Chick Yuill will be guest speaker for the Just Men conferences. The Queensland conference will take place 18 to 20 July, and in NSW from 25 to 27 July 2014.
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