by Christopher McRae, Discipleship Team Leader
“4th and Long…Trusting God to Move the Chains” was the theme of the annual event for men that the BCI promoted in cooperation with local churches. Football was on the minds of many as nationally, we turned our attention to the Super Bowl. That contest pits the best teams of the NFL against one another in a winner take all struggle. The game itself is sometimes overshadowed by the cultural extravaganza transcending the battle on the gridiron. At its core though, the game is a microcosm of life. The struggle to succeed in the arena of life amidst human confrontation of a very personal nature is what is at stake. The question of how a man stacks up and performs when things get tough must be addressed. The truth is that men will face difficult circumstances and seasons in their lives where disaster and failure are looming. At these challenging times, men of God must look to Jesus to “move the chains.”

The conference was held on different weekends in late January and early February in two separate locations. This was designed to maximize the potential of both involvement and impact. The early date was held at Cornerstone Community Church of Chariton, IA on January 27-28. They were excited to partner with the BCI for the 2nd year. Approximately 250 men attended the conference in Chariton with at least 4 men surrendering their lives to Christ in repentance and faith.

The main speakers included Pat Nemmers of Saylorville Church, Todd Stiles of First Family Church, and Casey Bradford of Tabernacle Baptist Church in High Point, NC. Todd Wallace and the worship team from Cornerstone Church of Ankeny led the conference in worship. Paul Robert Miller III also led through drama ministry. Breakout sessions included 4th and Long: in my marriage, in my finances, with my children, with my friends, with anger, and with sexual immorality. There was also a session on how to avoid 4th and Long. Praise God for the many decisions made to trust God on 4th and Long!

The following weekend in Ankeny at First Family Church almost 100 more men gathered to hear Mark Arbaugh of Park Street Baptist Church in Butte, Montana challenge them to answer the call, stay the course, and finish their race when faced with the trials of life. The excellent breakout sessions on similar topics as mentioned above were led by leaders from both local and statewide ministries.

In addition, there were clinics held for men with specific interest in activities such as fly-fishing, woodworking, guns and ammo, and BBQ/meat smoking to gather and learn together. Some of those are looking at the possibilities of following up the conference with further gatherings for accountability and/or fellowship. A fly-fishing trip is already in the works and a more detailed wood working group is planned.

Men taking responsibility for following God more closely in leadership at home, in their church, and on the job will more thoroughly bring a godly influence into and throughout their communities. This is the desire of the BCI as we continue to partner with local churches to see his kingdom come, his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.