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October 2006
The Arrow
Volume I, Issue 1
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Arrow, Bullseye Ministries' monthly newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with a word of insight and encouragement and to let you know how this ministry is progressing. You are receiving this because you have expressed interest in what we are doing. We solicit your prayers and support as we continue to seek God's will and favor in pursuing the twin goals of developing leaders and motivating and mobilizing men for ministry.
Special Shoutout To my co-workers on the Katrina Work Team from the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA.
THE SHOT
The Call to Follow
In His initial overture to future disciples, Jesus simply said “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. This call to follow extends to each of us today, and involves at least three commitments.
First, the call to follow is a call to action. One cannot follow and remain stationary. A decision to follow involves a decision to go, to move, to alter, to shift, to change direction, to change locations. Further, the One who extends this call is patently unsatisfied with the ordinary, the normal, the customary; His desire is to upset the present state of affairs. One who would follow Him must be prepared to take action even if it involves upsetting the status quo.
Second, the call to follow is a call to obedience. One cannot follow another and at the same time follow his own path. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. He who would follow Jesus must set aside his own agenda, his own schedule, and adopt those of the One he is following. He must accept the prerequisite set out in Jesus' expanded call to follow - “Let a man deny himself.” Matthew 16:24.
Third, the call to follow is a call to sacrifice and suffering. Sacrifice is implicit in the call in that it requires the follower to abandon his own priorities and adopt those of the One to be followed. Suffering is implicit in the nature of the One extending the call. Sacrifice and suffering are made explicit in the second prerequisite Jesus sets out in the expanded call - that a man must “take up his cross”. Matthew 16:24. Make no mistake; to actually follow Jesus means to sign up for some sacrifice and for some suffering.
Are you prepared for action? Are you willing to be obedient? Are you ready to sacrifice and suffer? Only when we understand and accept these commitments can we truthfully and rightfully join in that great hymn of the church “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”
WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON?
September provided two opportunities for ministry. At the Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc, held in Dallas, Texas, we again taught the class Organizing and Enhancing a Local Church Men's Ministry. Fifty-six men representing churches from around the country studied the techniques outlined in the book Motivating and Mobilizing Men for Ministry. At the conclusion of the week-long session, one student commented that he had studied how to put together a men's group for fifteen years, but that the concepts taught in this class were clear and easily applied, and the most insightful techniques to which he had ever been exposed. Also, several students indicated a desire to bring this class to their church and/or region for further instruction.
On September 16, 2006, the ministry was invited to lead a city-wide men's conference in Payson, Arizona, a community located in the White Mountains in northern Arizona. The conference was hosted by Mountain Bible Church, an evangelical Anglo church consisting of approximately 1000 members. This opportunity provided additional evidence that God is pleases with our efforts as He continues to expand our territory. Duane Anderson and Colin Louis, two members of the Bullseye team, accompanied the founder and provide Spirit-filled testimonies on how their involvement in men's ministry had changed their lives.
WHAT'S COMING UP?
October is always a busy month for Bullseye Ministries. October 2006 will be no exception. We are scheduled to present workshops and be the men's day speaker at the Beth Eden Baptist Church, Oakland, CA, and at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We are also scheduled to be the featured facilitator at the Annual Men's Retreat of the Third New Hope Baptist Church, Detroit, MI, and to teach the class on men's ministry at the Midwest Regional Laymen's Workshop in Ft. Wayne, IN. Please continue to pray for our strength and endurance as we travel the country spreading the word that men can be motivated to actively participate in the ministry of the church.
Aiming at the Mark,
Ernest Tinsley
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