“Since the beginning of 2012, our Big MO ministry, which stands for ‘men only,’ has used the ‘Courageous’ movie as a guide. Now it’s time to celebrate and recognize men and fathers who have stepped up to the call of being resolved as the authentic foundation of their homes,” Murray said.
“Courageous” is a 2011 independent Christian drama about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children in a way that honors God.
“When I first watched the movie, I was emotionally impacted. I was not alone when I found myself multiple times laughing, crying and then cheering. Most guys wish to believe they are pretty good providers, decent fathers and average husbands. We’ve discovered that God requires us to be more than average but extraordinary,” Perry said.
The call has gone out, and the inspiration of this movie has been heard in this ministry.
“Our culture has been unfriendly to masculinity. We are to be pro-men but not anti-women. With the gender confusion, our aim is to help rediscover what the word actually says what a man really is and helps them discover the central anchor in their character to hold them, then make a resolution. Simply, this ceremony is an ‘announcement’ of this need in our culture while giving thanks for the ministry of reconciliation,” Murray said.
The discussion of this film and with these church leaders raises the following questions and calls to action:
A Call to Resolution: Charging men to have the courage to change. Change only occurs when the pain to stay the same exceeds the pain to change. People only change for good reasons. Everyone needs to change because our culture needs a transformation.
Focus on the Non-Negotiable: Focusing on the right things, surrounding yourself with good things that reinforce your commitment, and determining that fatigue will not get the best of you.
Power of Partnership: We need each other. The need to have quality friends in our lives. Destiny and purpose is forged through influential friends. People who sharpen you and add character to your life.
Getting Past Your Past: How do get free from the wounds incurred from your fathers, how to pass blessings on to the next generation, and not be a curse to them.
The Call to Family: We must define man's key role and what that means to him.
Courage and Initiative: The ability to get started, the ability to do the things that you know are right, doing what you to know to do.
“We are grateful for the vision our senior pastor has charted for us. Daily he demonstrates his love for God and his people and inspires us to be better men who lead strong families, impact our communities and influence our society. Like the men in the movie, our guys want to finish well,” Perry said.
The Living Word Church, 926 East National Road, Vandalia, will celebrate close to 70 men on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m.
For more information, visit www.dlwc.org.
About the Author