Reflection: 2019 Men’s Retreat

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tom Shin:

As usual, I had a wonderful time at the Lighthouse Men’s Retreat. I was able to meet new people, lead a small group and have some incredible fellowship. I had been looking forward to the Men’s Retreat for weeks. I was able to drive up with three other guys and we left early so we could stop at various places along the way. I had some pretty cool roommates and got to know them well over the course of the retreat. My small group was with four other men and it was interesting that each of us were at a different seasons in life. it was good to see how God was working and challenging each of them with their work, family and church. The teaching time was great and I appreciated our elders as they each brought something different to the table. I enjoyed all the messages and their applications. Some of the highlights were:

  • Jason Ho (the Gospel and Balance) – Strive to make the best use of our time. Faithfully live out the Gospel in all areas of our lives.
  • Ryan (Gospel and Finances) – Having the right perspective that everything already belongs to God and is not ours. Look to bless others (give generously).
  • Gavin (Gospel and Family) – Our role as man of the house is to be the one to set the tone where Christ is the center.
  • Kelly (Gospel and Gifting) – Serve God’s family with whatever gifts you have been given.

The free times were pretty cool with various activities to do (hiking, sports, games, resting….etc). I was able to go hiking with a bunch of guys and was able to burn some calories since we were eating all the time. I would absolutely make it a point to encourage other men to attend. the retreat is a focused time where you get to know other believers and be encouraged.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Caleb Cho:

When the weekend begins with Paul Smythe and Michael Priolo’s rendition of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s intro you know some shenanigans are about to go down. Their biblical lyrics coupled with sunglass shades and mics set the tone for what would be fun weekend filled with fun.

This years theme for the retreat was “A Greater Devotion to the Gospel.” It was a unique time of teaching as each of our elders other than Kim each shared a sermon of where men need to be devoted to the gospel in their lives. Everything from our finances (Ryan), family (Gavin), church (Kelly), and balancing all these areas faithfully (Jason).It was rich weekend of teaching and each elder killed it in their respective sermons.

On top of the teaching, I was particularly thankful for the time of small group discussion. It was really cool to spend time with older and wiser brothers. I was encouraged by their humility to challenge themselves in how they can continue to grow in their roles as husbands, fathers, and men at our church. But also thankful for their kindness to pass on wisdom and challenge the younger adults like me. God’s standard for men are high. But when we band together to exhort, encourage, and edify each other, we can (by his grace) meet that standard.

I remember Matt Chandler once saying this in a sermon, “Where men fill the purpose and design of men as the Bible has outlined it, humanity flourishes, and where men refuse to step into the space that men are called to fill, the world burns.” I’m thankful to be at a church led by such revered men who pursue Christ and His likeness. It was a “sick” retreat, and I’m definitely more devoted to the gospel because of it!

Shoutouts to the specialty coffee that was served. Only thing missing was the medium-rare steaks. What’s up with that?? jk.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”11211″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”11208″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”11209″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”11210″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”11212″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Missed out? Be sure to check out messages from last month’s Men’s Retreat made available on our website. Also, look forward to more details about Men’s Iron Sharpen Iron in the summer![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]