Courage, intent and responsibility must replace income, sporting prowess and sexual conquests as measuring sticks of manliness, more than 100 men were told at the “Stepping Up” Men’s Day on February 15.
The day, which was formed around a video presentation developed by US-based FamilyLife and presented by the Disciples of Jesus Community (DJC) in Osborne Park, challenged participants to reclaim God’s intended purpose for men which has been hijacked by a culture intent on undermining masculinity.
“We are aware that men today are less clear on their role and responsibility in aspects of their life, including their relationships,” DJC coordinator Reg Firth told The Record. “We wanted to reach the minds and hearts of those who attended”.
Viewers were challenged and entertained by a multitude of contemporary issues addressed throughout the DVD presentation.
By interspersing powerful speakers with real life issues and humorous skits, participants were provided with numerous issues to personally digest during times of quiet reflection as well as the opportunity to share in small groups.
Testimonies from local men punctuated the process, as they shared the struggles and joys in their own pursuit of masculine identity.
“We wanted material that was professionally presented; Christ-centred, but could also relate to men who had little or no faith,” Mr Firth said.
“Which is why we wanted a blend of information, encouragement, challenge, as well as sharing by men who have journeyed into a personal relationship with God through the Catholic Church.”
Anchoring the “Stepping Up” presentation was FamilyLife CEO Dennis Rainey, who began the series acknowledging the specific transition processes available within some cultures, which signify the moment a male steps up from boyhood to manhood.
He referred to the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu where young men leap from a tower with a rope around one ankle to signify the change.
Their mothers watch the event holding their son’s favourite toy, and once completed, throw it in the trash to confirm the transition.
There is no equivalent process available to those living in Western societies, Mr Rainey lamented, which he believes contributes to the extended period of adolescent attitudes and behaviour currently embraced by many males.
“What we have today is a bunch of biological adults but emotional children,” says Washington-based pastor, Mark Driscoll. “Boys who can shave.”
Participants were encouraged to ask themselves when they first considered themselves to be a man, triggering a deeper exploration of how society, and more specifically, a Christian should define manhood.
“Secular values are impacting, not always positively, on God’s plan for men, women, marriage, parenting, single life,” Mr Firth explained.
“God’s values give meaning and purpose to life. Courses such as ‘Stepping Up’ flesh out God’s plan and provide a way forward.”
Leading courageously, treating women with dignity and not self-desire, accepting responsibility and rejecting passivity were some of the topics raised by speakers throughout the DVD presentation, as they passionately called on men to reclaim the biblical concept of manhood that has been buried in a climate of selfishness and materialism.
A sense of purpose and the courage to step forward when everything inside you is telling you to retreat are necessary characteristics if men are to revitalise God’s plan for individuals, families, the Church and the world, the program proclaimed, but it was equally adamant that widespread and long term change would not eventuate if men were not prepared to seek help and offer assistance to one another.
Mr Firth agreed, emphasising the need for men to surround themselves with those on the same path.
“If men are to maintain their faith journey they will need the ongoing encouragement, support, and the challenge of other men,” he said.
The event drew participants of all ages with varying degrees of faith, from within and outside Perth. Glenn Ebsary made the four-hour journey from Pemberton to be a part of the day.
“I was actually reading the book written by Denis Rainey, Stepping Up – A Call to Courageous Manhood, when I received an invite to the event,” Mr Ebsary said.
“I found it very beneficial because it gave a clear understanding of what it means to be a man and the pitfalls we face, as well as providing me with knowledge I can pass onto others.”
DJC organisers were pleased with the response and will be hoping for the same enthusiasm when they begin a more comprehensive, 10-week “Stepping Up” course (one night a week) on March 13.
“We think all men are in need of stepping up”, Mr Firth stated.
“Our wives, children, mums, dads and the Church need us to step up and God invites us to step up. Today more than ever, the world needs Godly men.”
The DJC coordinator was also keen to encourage married couples to attend the Community’s Life in the Spirit seminar beginning on March 6, so that spouses are able to move ahead in their faith walk together.
For further information on the “Stepping Up” course and others offered by the Disciples of Jesus Community, contact Reg Firth on 0429 777 007 or 9202 6868 or email perth@disciplesofjesus.org