Churches cannot thrive if there's not a solid core of men leading them who are Gospel-driven followers of Christ. Check out Darrin Patrick's powerful video clip about the crucial role of men in the history of the church HERE.

 

If men are absent, lackadaisical or weak when it comes to God

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and the things of God, churches atrophy and eventually die. If men become ensnared in therapeutic moralism now rampant in many churches, they will become self-focused rather than living sacrificially for the sake of others. And churches will atrophy and die.

 

Among the many  qualities and characteristics of men who strive to live out their God-assigned roles and responsibilities are boldness and courage. Men of true valor are supposed to fight for their families, the gospel, for the weak, innocent and vulnerable who are being threatened or oppressed by evil and danger.

 

100 years ago - April 14th, 1912 - the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg with 2,223 people on board. In the midst of that disaster, courageous men sprang into action to ensure that women and children would be saved. Today authentic manhood seems to be sinking. This is one of the most significant issues of our time. Check out this trailer of a new film called Act Like Men - HERE  

Rick Johnson, from Gresham Oregon, is the founder and director of Better Dads, a national fathering ministry to inspire and equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children. His bestselling books include That's My Son; Better Dads Stronger Sons; How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character;and The Man Whisperer. Rick's latest is That's My Girl: How a Father's Love Protects and Empowers His Daughter.

TRIVIA QUESTION: We are pleased to offer complimentary copies of That's My Girl to the first five men to correctly answer this question: Born the daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers,  she stood 4th in line to the presidency for five years. Of her father, she says she's always been impacted by his "unconditional love" and the "remarkable tenacity and perseverance" of his faith. Email your answer to info@wacmm.org 

 

The blockbuster  film Courageous opened at No. 4 in theaters last fall and grossed $35.5 million ; its Blu-ray and DVD debuted in January at No. 1 and has sold more than a million copies so far. Its call to godly fathering has touched millions of people and now, in honor of Father's Day, churches across the country are planning activities to extend the film's vital message.

  "You must remember: Men will fire bullets but God decides where they will land." from For Greater Glory

For Greater Glory, which opens in limited release in theaters this Friday June 1, chronicles the story of the Cristeros, or "soldiers for Christ," who fought against religious persecution by the Mexican government from 1926 to 1929. Although an estimated 90,000 people died in the conflict to defend their faith, it was nearly written out of the country's national history until the 1990s.

 

Starting as organized peaceful resistance to the government's religious suppression, a grass-roots rebellion ensued soon led by former general Enrique Gorostieta, played by Andy Garcia. Gorostieta, an agnostic, steps into leadership of the peasant militia who had promised money and security for his family. Soon he's inspired by their passion and fully devotes himself to the fight for religious freedom. For Greater Glory is rated R for violence and graphic imagery. Read World Magazine's review HERE     Click HERE to view trailer.  

 

"Who are you if you don't stand up for what you believe? There is no greater glory than to give your life for Christ."  

                           - Peter O'Toole as Father Christopher

Act of Valor, starring a group of "active duty" Navy SEALs,  is unlike any movie ever made in using live munitions and depicting authentic combat missions. It was the nation's #1 movie when it was released the end of February. It has won critical reviews and grossed $70 million at the box office. On Tuesday June 5 it will be released on DVD and Blu-ray. It is a must-see flick. Rent it, buy it, show it! Follow the link to the Code of the U.S. Navy Seals, which I believe is an outward resonance of a warrior code God has hard-wired into every man's soul. READ MORE - Check out trailer HERE  

We welcome your comments and suggestions about this monthly Emale newsletter, our website (wacmm.org ) or any of our conferences and other ministry activities.