An expanding series of equipping sessions titled “Preparing the Way” is being developed by the CBMC Field Ministry Development Team. Last year, Patrick O’Neal and Paul Johnson traveled to Detroit to meet with a dozen key leaders. Out of a menu of potential topics, the Detroit men chose three sessions that addressed specific needs in their local ministry.

We had lively discussion on our Vision, Mission, and Core Values as the men explored ways to keep the CBMC Vision fresh and identified specific ways in which marketplace change has affected their efforts to win and disciple the lost over the past 15 years.

We worked through a session titled “The Next Generation: Understanding, Reaching, and Preparing Them,” using material presented by Jay McChord at two CBMC conferences. Watch these messages at through these links: 2008 Washington DC Men’s Conference and CBMC 75th Anniversary. We discussed the obvious and obscure differences of the four generations and how those differences frame the way communicate and minister to one another. A key take-away was the importance of mentoring the younger generation and the need for older men to take the initiative in establishing those mentoring relationships.

In our third session, we introduced Operation Timothy 2008, the newest discipleship tool from CBMC by giving some history of how OT has changed over the years, as well as how it has remained the same. As the men left, they sensed God moving in some new ways. They believe they can trust Him for some big things in the Detroit area.

For information on offered topics and how to have members of the Field Ministry Development Team visit your city, contact Jim Chenet, jchenet@cbmc.com.

Equipping men in Detroit, Michigan

Casting the vision