Christ Community

E  quipping

N  ot Ashamed of Jesus

 

Weekly Iron Men Ministries ... 

Wild at Heart Boot Camp.   Meeting on Thursday mornings from 6:15-7:30am, beginning on October 6th for 18 Thursdays, ending on March 1 (No meetings on November 24, December 22, December 29, and January 5).   This is a joint ministry of the Iron Men of Christ Community with the men's ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Greeley.  First Presbyterian Church is graciously hosting our weekly meetings in their Celebration Center.  This is a high-commitment large group with small group breakouts designed to help men recapture their integrity and role as designed by God.  The group is led by Pastor Alan Kraft and Pastor Doug Brown of First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with the men's ministries teams from both churches, with weekly video instruction by John Eldredge.   Click here to find out more, get directions to First Presbyterian Church, and to register.   

"The Men's Club" Bible Study.  An open group of men, meeting on Wednesday mornings, 6:30-7:30am, at the 15th Street campus of Christ Community in the cafe area.   Come, connect, explore God's Word, and enjoy a good cup of coffee and something light to eat.  For more information, contact Myron Berg (970.353.1497 / mmberg100@hotmail.com) for more information.

Life Transformation Groups (LTG's).  The heart of Christ Community's men's ministry is Life Transformation Groups, meeting at various times and locations throughout the week.   If you're looking to connect with other men in an LTG, you can simply show up in the south lobby / 15th Street Cafe area on the 15th Street Campus on Friday mornings at 6:30am.   Or for information in advance, you may contact Tim Paxton at 970.691.5737 / timpaxton33@gmail.com.

What’s a Life Transformation Group (LTG)?

A Life Transformation Group (LTG) is a simple way to promote spiritual growth that encourages and fuels men in their desire to follow Christ by engaging with His Word, rather than applying external pressures or study materials. It also empowers the common Christian man to become involved in the supernatural work of making and reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ.

 LTG’s are groups of 3-4 men who meet once a week for approximately one hour.

 There is no curriculum, workbook or training involved.

 There is no leader needed for the group, just a common commitment to the three tasks and four qualifications for participation (see below).

What Does a Life Transformation Group Do?

Each LTG seeks to accomplish three tasks:

1. BEING REAL WITH ONE ANOTHER: Openness in sharing sins and struggles with mutual accountability.

2. READING/DISCUSSING THE BIBLE: Blocks of Scripture are read personally in context and discussed in community.

3. FOCUSED PRAYER: Each person is specifically prayed for, and for others who have yet to come to faith in Christ.

Who Can Be In a Life Transformation Group?

There are only four qualifications for starting or joining an LTG:

1. An eagerness to grow in your relationship with Christ with 2-3 other men, and to be accountable to these men for this growth (Luke 5:29-32; Proverbs 27:17)

2. A commitment to meet weekly at an agreed-upon time, and to make this time a high priority (Hebrews 10:23-25)

3. A willingness to be yourself, and to be real about your sins and struggles in the journey of following Christ (Romans 7:14-25; )

4. Faithfulness in the process of helping one another grow in your spiritual journeys, and helping develop other LTG’s as led by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 2:2)

How Can I Begin a Life Transformation Group? (Our Recommendations)

 Think about 2-3 other men you’d like to be involved, and ask them to join you. Don’t make it high-pressure, but make sure each person is on-board with the three tasks and four qualifications (above).

 Have everyone get a copy of the One Year Bible. Each daily reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Agree together on the number of days you’ll commit to reading each week between gatherings, and that this is a high priority you will each commit to with no excuses. Highlight those things that stand out to you as you read.

 Begin each week’s meeting re-connecting and ASAP answering the following questions:

1) In what ways have you been a testimony this week to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and your actions?

2) How have you experienced God in your life this week?

3) How are you responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

4) Do you need to confess any sin?

5) How did God speak to you through this week’s Bible reading? 

 End each week’s meeting praying for one another, specifically for areas where men are struggling with sin (James 5:16). Also for people who don’t know the Lord.

 Be seeking God’s timing for beginning a new LTG or more, and what this might look like. Cooperate with His leading in following-through in birthing new LTG’s.

 If you don’t know anyone well enough to begin with, you can simply show up at Zoe's (715 10th Street in Greeley) on Friday mornings at 6:30am, or contact Tim Paxton at timpaxton33@gmail.com / 970.691.5737.

 

The Big Game Dinner ...

Each year, on the fourth Sunday evening of April, Iron Men hosts a Big Game Dinner for men in the worship center on the 15th Street campus.   Always a great spiritual challenge and outstanding meal -- usually catered by Nordy's Barbeque in Loveland -- a time to connect, and clear steps to getting more involved in community with other men.  Be sure to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale, because the place is always packed! For more information, contact Mark Polasek at dabosses@juno.com.  

 

Dangerous Man Day ...

If you still have some questions, would like more information about the Iron Men's ministry, or find out ways you can get involved, contact Dick Spitler, Team Leader, at dickspitler@comcast.net / 970.356.7662.