 Men Serving God
That every man at First Presbyterian Church becomes a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is the mission of the Men Serving God Small Group ministry. The chief aim of this group is to bring men together, in a safe place, to help each other pack their bags for the journey of discipleship.
This goal is accomplished through sharing common life experiences, encouraging each other, study and prayer.
Men's Small Group (Men Serving God) History
Begun in October 1998, following a Promise Keepers event,
twelve men were approached and invited to continue their Promise
Keepers experience through the creation of a Men’s Small
Group at FPC. By February, 40 men were in small groups. With
a passion for enlarging the ministry, these 40 men sang at
all three worship services in order to promote the concept to
the congregation. At each service, one member shared the significance
of the Men’s Small Group experience. At the same time,
he invited the men in the congregation to come to Men’s
Small Group on the following Saturday morning.
At the next meeting, 42 new men attended and the ministry
grew to 82 members!
Over the course of the next two years, approximately 30 additional
men attended regularly. Gerry Udstuen
(former Pastor for Small Groups) developed new leaders within
each group who in turn, repeated the training process within
their own groups.
Upon retirement, Gerry’s leadership was passed to the
established leaders within the Men’s Small Group ministry
and today, the lay leadership functions as it had under Gerry’s
leadership.
God has been faithful to the Men’s Small Group ministry.
He has changed the hearts of the men who attend these small
groups. Men have experienced the freedom of giving their lives
to Christ impacting people in their family, friends, and at
work. In addition, many who serve in positions of leadership
at First Presbyterian Church are active in the Men's Small Group ministry ...spiritual
leaders seem to be an output of this ministry!
In terms of service, the Men’s Small Group has performed
faithfully. For example, a member required heavy remodeling
of his home in order to make his house handicap accessible.
He did not have the resources to do it himself. Over the course
of four months, more than 40 people participated in this huge renovation
project. This type of event seems to occur on a regular basis.
Our ministry revolves around our bi-weekly (every two weeks)
Saturday meetings. Gathering as a large group in Holland Hall
between 7–7:30 a.m. the men are able to socialize and hear
announcements and a devotion. Between 7:30-8:30 a.m. the larger
group breaks into 11 small groups for study, sharing and prayer.
In addition, this group plans one annual retreat each year
in the fall. Other events sponsored by the Men's Small Group ministry include
(but are not limited to):
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a Speaking/Breakfast event once a year open
to the congregation (past speakers have included Chan
Gailey — Football Coach at GA Tech, Charles Collins
— Chaplain of the Atlanta Falcons); |
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and hosting two to three events a year for the men in the congregation
such as a Braves game, Friday night concert on the Square,
and work/service events. |
If you are unable to make it to a Saturday morning small
group or if you’d like additional fellowship and study
time, there are three splinter small groups that meet during
the week. These groups meet weekly:
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Thursday’s from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
at Bentley, Bentley, & Bentley Law Firm. |
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Wednesday mornings from 6:30–7:30 a.m. at Denny’s
Restaurant located at Loehmann’s Plaza. |
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Monday mornings from 11 a.m.–12 noon at FPC Marietta. |
Men Serving God welcome all men (18 years and older
or out of high school) in our congregation and are also thankful
for our non-FPC friends from surrounding churches and metro
Marietta residents. There is no need to register or call ahead.
Just show up; no previous experience is necessary!
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