Steve Kerby | Montgomery Apprentice Small Groups Director
It must have been 9:30 or 10:00pm. Thelma and I had pretty much finished up for the day and were catching "Without a Trace" on the tube. Caller ID said it was our son, Dan, calling from Boston. He doesn't usually call that late or my cell phone. I've had those "late night phone calls" that you don't want to get. My heart didn't want to pick up. My mind forced my hand. "Hello!"
"I had to talk to you!" You could hear the excitement in his voice. "We just started our first brand new small group tonight and I had to give you a call!" My heart was now totally involved! "This is a blast! The stories from the new people about how they found out about Reunion Church, their past church experiences, what they are hoping for in a small group and their desire to know/find out about God!" he had me now 100%!! "This is what it's all about, isn't it? Making a difference in people's lives." Tears were now in my eyes (as they are as I'm writing this). "Yes," I said, "there is nothing that matches this. Dan, I'm so proud of you for taking a risk and letting God work in your life this way!" His reply? "It's you and mom who me showed me the way. Thank you!" More talk but I'm sure you get the drift.
I gave the phone to his mom and could tell they were going over the entire story again. Her smile said exactly what was on my heart. Then, I thought of the book my friend Bob had loaned me to read. "Why Men Hate Going to Church." I contrasted that with the conversation I had just had with Dan. He loves church. I love church. I think we're about as "manly" as they come! Football, basketball, baseball, cheeseburgers and don't ask for directions!!! What's the difference? Why, if the author is correct, do men hate going to church? Do we not see a mission? A vision? Do we need a project or a plan? Do we hesitate to admit we can't do "stuff" on our own? Too "manly" to say we need help?
Dan joined a small group in college for the first time. He and his wife have been in one ever since. He has caught the mission and vision of God. He has learned God's plan and admitted the need for God in his life. He has a purpose. He has a dream/vision. He has partnered up with God to "help people find their way back to Him."
Small Groups. A difference maker for a man.
