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There are now three men's groups in the church. "We didn't want new people to join the initial group because we were protective of the relationships there. And we didn't want to split it up, so we arranged a curry night and used this to tell men all about what we were doing and encouraged them to form their own groups."
Going forward, Dave has challenged his group to lead a family service, traditionally the domain of gifted women in St John's. He is also incorporating a seminar on discipleship in the workplace within his series on evangelism in the autumn. There are plans for a retreat to Iona, which will involve some six days away from home. And Dave is hoping to encourage more male role models in the church.
"We look to people who are about five years ahead of us in their journey to encourage and inspire us. We should be urging men to see that Christianity is more than being 'good boys', but that it is living the adventure of their faith.
"In a service following our 24 for 24 retreat I asked some of the men to describe their experience to the congregation. A number of them stood up and talked at length, and quite deeply and boldly.
"Jesus was with 12 men and he left his work to them. Where is the equivalent today? Where are the men who are going to change the world? It is time for men to wake up and step out of their comfort zone."
Catherine Larner is a freelance journalist
Men's Stories 1 : Mike Simpson >
Men's Stories 2 : Martin Roberts >