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Life is filled with difficulties. If you’ve been living on this earth long enough and you’re a man then you know that challenges are everywhere. As men we experience difficulty in our jobs, our relationships, our finances, and the list goes on and on. But God who is rich in love and mercy has given us a framework for dealing with the challenges that life brings. We believe that men are responsible for the people and the situations that God brings into our lives. And that by moving towards people and situations and depending on God… we win in all areas The men at grace podcast is a resource for you who desire to pursue Authentic Manhood. In each episode you'll hear from men who have faced challenges in their work, struggles in their marriage, trouble navigating midlife, questions about authority, and other relatable life issues. Listeners will hear how God’s Word and the church shaped the decision-making of each of these men and allowed them to live victoriously as Christ intended. I invite you to listen, subscribe, and share these episodes and episode resources with other men so that you can dialogue around what it looks like to be an authentic man. You can learn more by visiting (https://gracechurchsc.org/MRT). See you on the next episode!

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Brad Walbridge, along with Blake Payne, tackle the question, “how should men think about participation in the local church?” They explore the role of the local church in building community, grounding us biblically, teaching us to come under authority, and maturing us as believers. Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men by visiting: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Do you believe the church is God’s primary design for spiritual growth? Why or why not? In what ways has the local church impacted you personally? Are you aware of your need for God and the church or have you become self-reliant and distracted? In what ways are you regularly pouring yourself out and creating a void? Do you spend consistent time in Scripture? How have you seen this practice serve as a means for “transforming your mind?” What does it look like to come under authority in the local church and in your relationship with God? Are you resistant to this type of authority in your life? SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position as a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Phillipians 2:6-8 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 RESOURCES Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus by Jonathan Leeaman If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ. Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected].

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Brad Walbridge, along with Matt Kelley and Davis Craig, tackle the question, “how should men think about leading the next generation?” They explore how pouring into the lives of the next generation by giving of our time, resources, and the wisdom learned through life experiences can play a vital role in helping us mature as disciples and lead our families well. Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men by visiting: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Am I currently serving? If so, who are some people in proximity to me that God could be leading me towards? If not, how can I take a step to move towards serving? What are my biggest reservations about getting involved in someone’s life ? Am I too busy? Do I fear giving up my comforts? Who is an example of someone who has poured into my life and come alongside me? What have been the benefits of this relationship? How has this helped me move towards Christ and the church? What is one practical thing I can do this week to move towards someone God has placed in my circle of influence? SCRIPTURE REFERENCES “And now the prize awaits me- the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:1-8 RESOURCES If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ. Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected].

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Brad Walbridge, Daniel Black, Robert Andrews, and Shawn Piedrahita tackle the question, “how should men think when it comes to managing rest?” They unpack the role of personality when it comes to managing rest and share practical ways to incorporate rest into our daily lives. Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men by visiting: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Do you identify more with the tendency to overwork with limited rest or underwork with too much rest? Explain. What activities and interests allow you to feel most at rest? What stirs the creative side of your mind? Do you currently have a consistent rest plan? What does this look like? What are some changes you need to make to your schedule/routine to incorporate additional periods of rest in your life? RESOURCES Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood A Man and His Work Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/a-man-and-his-work Celebration of Discipline by: Richard Foster https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CRKXMB7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 Fight Hustle, End Hurry Podcast: John Mark Comer & Jefferson Bethke https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-hustle-end-hurry/id1480300467 Practical ideas pertaining to rest: One practical way Daniel combats the tendency to overwork is by establishing a 24-hour Sabbath. This involves shutting down his phone on Friday afternoons, giving it to his wife, and having an extended time to rest/decompress. This small act allows him to be more present with his wife and family, prepares his soul for worship on Sunday, and serves as a reminder that he is not that important. Robert incorporates rest into his daily routine through activities such as reading, sketching, writing, or anything that allows him to “step down” and move into the category of low energy impact. Shawn incorporates short periods of rest throughout the day to intentionally stop and take a break from work. This might involve leaving his office, going outside, playing guitar, playing an active game, etc. He also takes time to read alongside his wife at night, choosing a book that allows him to dive into another world and activate the creative side of his mind. If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Brad Walbridge, and Doug Peterson tackle the question, “how should men think when it comes to leading their families?” Using a boating analogy, they look at three points to consider when trying to bring purpose and intentionality to a man’s role of leader in the home.  Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men. Check out this episode's Study Questions by visiting: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace Doug shared the concept of a boat as a representation of a family. Just like learning to operate a boat on the sea, families must learn how to work together, figure out problems they encounter, and teach their children how to “navigate” life. While all of the boats are different, they are all on a similar journey. Doug shares three points and expounds on how each of these can help men think intentionally when leading their families. RESOURCES Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood Leadership Values https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/leadership-values God’s Design for Sex: https://bit.ly/3BzVnUQ Grace Church Core Values: https://corevalues.gracechurchsc.org If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

In the 15th episode of the Men at Grace podcast, Chris Rivers, Micah Williams, and Brandon Dejong, members of Grace Church’s Pelham campus, tackle the question, “what kind of man do I want to be?” or, more specifically, “what kind of man does God want me to be?”  They discuss the core identity of an authentic man and explore practical strategies for building intentionality and natural rhythms around this idea. Share, listen and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men. Episode Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace KEY POINTS In considering the question, “what type of man do I want to be?” Micah and Brandon shared their initial thoughts. Micah, a self-described “floater,” noted the absence of intentionality in certain areas of his life. He realized how his tendency to take life as it comes, without a clear strategy, was not setting him up to become the man he wanted to be. Brandon began thinking about what it might look like to be different and set apart to the people around him. He asked himself how this might play out in his connections with his friends, his interactions at work, and his relationship with his wife. The question “what type of man do I want to be?” leads us to reflect on two ideas: identity and strategy. Chris unpacked the concept of identity as it relates to authentic manhood. As men, we were created and have a Creator. We have a God-given calling to be “responsible for.” This means we move towards the people and situations God places in our lives and depend on God our Creator. In doing so, we are spurred on to good works and begin focusing on ways to accept responsibility and steward our identity in Christ. When we understand our identity, we logically move to the concept of strategy. This answers the question, “how do I move?”  In most cases, lack of strategy is the primary reason for our ineffectiveness as authentic men. Chris presented a practical framework using “lanes'' to address different areas of our lives. He encouraged listeners to take some time to evaluate these categories, develop strategies, and evaluate progress. Micah and Brandon explored these concepts in further detail during the episode.  Brad summarized three important takeaways: 1.) My desires and motivations need to align with God through process and action steps. 2.) Being on mission requires me to bring others along so they can see God moving. 3.) Community involves intentionally and repetition.  SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 28:16-20 RESOURCES Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood A Man and His Work Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/a-man-and-his-work Sample Exercise using the Four Lanes: LINK Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected].

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Taylor Hall, and Scott Beardsley discuss the desire to hide and manage sin to avoid being fully known and the freedom that comes when we expose our brokenness. Share, listen and then discuss the application, key ideas, and scripture references in a one on one conversation or with a group of men. Episode Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace KEY POINTS Taylor took a job at Grace as a worship and video director after finishing college.  Admittedly, he was not in a good place and was experiencing a season of misplaced identity. His church experiences leading up to that point, and the rigid rules-based paradigm he was exposed to, had left him jaded and confused. He grew up trying to hide his sin and the questions he had for fear of being judged or shamed. Taylor was becoming weary of trying to “manage” his sin and maintain a facade of control. The church context at Grace was different from Taylor’s previous experiences. He was immediately met with love, acceptance, and a genuine desire from others to know him. He was surprised by the level of vulnerability and honesty among the people he met.  Taylor was initially turned off by this display. He had become so used to hiding and manipulating his circumstances to create the image he wanted others to see, letting people in was difficult. As God began working in Taylor’s life, he was able to recognize the walls he had built and how they were impeding his personal and spiritual growth. He slowly began to release control and open himself up to the people around him.  With this new level of vulnerability, Taylor was able to accept corrective criticism from others. He was able to expose his weaknesses and find freedom from hiding. He joined a re:gen group where he came face to face with his sin and learned the value of trusting God over having control. Taylor’s transformation gave him a desire to help others. He wanted to have intentional conversations.  He recognized how honesty, community, and sharing with others was becoming more natural for him. He began to pray for opportunities to connect with and pour into the lives of those around him. God opened the door for Taylor to serve as a student re:gen leader. This experience allowed him to share some of his previous struggles and model honesty and vulnerability for the young men in his group. He learned the art of asking good questions and helping students identify the core issues that may be hindering growth in their lives. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.” Colossians 3:23 RESOURCES Learn more about the re:gen ministry at Grace Church by visiting: https://gracechurchsc.org/regen Join a men’s roundtable study by finding a campus near you and register for Authentic Manhood by visiting: gracechurchsc.org/mrt If you know a man that would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ. Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected]. Thanks to Scott Beardsley and Lauren Bryant for their help in producing this episode.

In the 13th episode of the Men at Grace podcast, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Paul Gaeto, a member of Grace Church’s Downtown campus, discuss the stewardship of masculine energy in retirement and explore ways to incorporate serving and discipleship opportunities in this unique season of life.  Episode # 13 Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace KEY POINTS Paul and his wife entered retirement in their fifties and moved to the Greenville area. They quickly became involved at Grace and began thinking about how they wanted to spend their retirement years.  Paul noticed how the lives of many of his Christian role models seemed to take a downward turn when they entered retirement. They often became self-indulgent, angry, bitter, and anxious. Paul knew he wanted to take a different approach.  He began to ask himself the question, “How do I structure my retirement to disciple people?” With this question in mind, Paul created a personal mission statement: Please God, serve others. Taken from the principles outlined in Matthew 22:37-39, this life motto helped Paul steward his energy towards pleasing God and serving others. The concept of stewardship--active and responsible management of God’s creation for God’s purposes-- served as a guide in Paul’s life. He identified three different ways in which men steward this energy: Deploying it positively- seeking to honor God, actively using the gifts He has given Squandering - a form of passivity, seeking comfort, no real plan or direction Deploying it negatively - defaulting to anger, anxiety, bitterness, self-soothing, sexual sin, or anything that distracts from pleasing God and serving others Paul’s desire to steward his time and energy wisely, and his involvement in a discipleship focused church, opened the door for him to serve in a number of ministries. From acting as a guardian ad litem and mentor to foster children to serving in the Jump Start prison ministry, as well as his involvement in the Bridges for a Brighter Tomorrow college mentoring program, Paul stepped outside his comfort zone and interacted with people in the margins who need to see the love of Christ. While it is important to find opportunities to serve and steward energy wisely, activity by itself is not the goal. Activity should always lead to greater devotion. Paul saw this principle firsthand through his experiences. The more he humbled himself and stepped outside of his comfort zone, the closer he felt to God and more he was able to see God at work in his life. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 RESOURCES Money Matters is a class that helps participants renew their mindset concerning personal finance, become good and faithful stewards of the resources God has given them, and bring God glory through their money as well as their lives. https://gracechurchsc.org/moneymatters If you know a man that would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ. Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected]. Thanks to Scott Beardsley and Lauren Bryant for their help in producing this episode.

In the 12th episode of the Men at Grace podcast, Chris Rivers, Ben Temple, and Alex Borges, a member of Grace Church’s Downtown campus, discuss how pride and a desire to control our circumstances often prevent us from moving and experiencing the fullness God has for our lives. Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men. Episode # 12 Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Has God ever led you to serve in a role where the details were ambiguous or unclear? Was this difficult for you?  Why or why not? What did this experience teach you about yourself? Teach you about God? What idols did it reveal in your life? What unexpected blessings did you receive from this experience? If you have not served in a role that stretched you in some way or made you aware of your need for God, what is preventing you from taking that next step? Alex mentioned two challenging questions: What am I spending my time on? Who actually depends on me? How would you answer these questions? Are you passive towards those in need around you? In what ways are you pouring yourself out for others? SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. John 12:26 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Genesis 5:13 RESOURCES Men’s Roundtable: This teaching can be found at: gracechurchsc.org/mrt Grace Church Serving Interest Form: https://my.gracechurchsc.org/InterestForm Join a Men’s Roundtable study by finding a campus near you and register for Authentic Manhood at: gracechurchsc.org/mrt If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ. Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected].

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Aman, and Chad Clint discuss “Just Serve Day,” an outreach ministry event at Grace Church.  Scott shares his involvement in this event and how it has impacted his life in a personal way.  Scott and Chad also explore the benefits of serving, in any capacity, and talk about how it can build credibility with others and open the door for gospel conversations. Share, listen and then discuss the application, key ideas, and scripture references in a one on one conversation or with a group of men. Episode # 11 Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Have you participated in “Just Serve Day” at Grace Church or another service-focused event? In what ways did your participation shape you or challenge you in some way? How has God opened doors for you to have gospel conversations while you were serving others? Where do you think you would fall on the “Me and Others” continuum Scott described? What obstacles prevent you from pouring yourself out for others? What benefits have you gained from serving others? What do you think are some of the challenges to serving? KEY POINTS “Just Serve Day” is an outreach ministry event at Grace Church. It is an opportunity for the church to band together to serve the community and strengthen local partners.  Teams from each campus take part in service projects ranging from picking up trash to lawn maintenance/beautification to other facility maintenance projects.  This event is not a “one and done” serving day.  The goal is to create a culture of service, develop credibility in the community, and ultimately lead to gospel conversations with the people served. Scott participated in “Just Serve Day” by volunteering at The Renewal Center, an addiction treatment center for women.  He admits to being hesitant, at first, but recognized this as an opportunity to use his gifts and take action. Scott watched God work through this experience and was able to see how serving opened the door to build relationships and tell people about Jesus. Scott shared a visual image of what he called “The Me and Others Continuum.” On one end of the continuum is our own self-centered thinking and desire to please self. On the other end is meeting the needs of others and striving to live like Jesus. Through his experiences, Scott began to see himself moving towards the “others” end of the continuum and starting to grasp the meaning of being “poured out.” Scott’s participation in “Just Serve Day” was beneficial in many ways. First, it helped to build camaraderie and fellowship.  As men and women worked together to accomplish a goal, they grew closer through this shared experience.  Next, it allowed participants to show their love and concern for others while being compelling to the community they served. Finally, it pushed Scott and those who served alongside him to avoid passivity and move to action. RELATED SCRIPTURES: - Romans 12:1, 2 Timothy 4:6-7 - Join a men’s roundtable study by finding a campus near you and register. This teaching can be found by visiting: gracechurchsc.org/mrt - Just Serve: gracechurchsc.org/connect/culturallyengaged Many thanks to Lauren Bryant and Scott Beardsley for helping to produce this episode. 

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Jim Taylor, and Vernon Rutland discuss the process of recovery through the re:gen ministry at Grace Church and explore how this played a role in Vernon’s story. Share, listen and then discuss the application, key ideas, and scripture references in a one on one conversation or with a group of men. Episode # 10 Study Questions: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace KEY POINTS Vernon went through a period where he was struggling in many different areas of his life. There was conflict in his marriage, tension at work, and an overall feeling of isolation. During this time, Vernon engaged in an extramarital affair.  He tried, in his own efforts, to keep it all together. However, as guilt for his actions and the pressure he was feeling continued to mount, he decided to come clean with his wife. Vernon’s wife asked him to move out and he quickly felt his world come crashing down around him. Vernon and his family had been members at Grace for 3 years when this situation took place. He was a member of a community group and had begun working through some of the Men’s Roundtable studies. While Vernon admits he was participating on a surface level and not really plugged in, he was surprised by the outpouring of love and support by his community group leader and other godly men in his life. They did not condone his sin, but rallied around him and spoke hard truths he needed to hear. Vernon made the decision to attend a re:gen recovery group at Grace Church. These groups are based on the 12-step recovery process and incorporate the Biblical concepts and language behind these ideas. Vernon originally did not want to go and entered the room on the first night with skepticism.  As he continued in the process, he became aware of his brokenness. He began to see sins of pride and self-reliance in his life and realized his need for true dependence on God. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “ Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:16-17 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Men’s Roundtable: This teaching can be found by visiting: gracechurchsc.org/mrt Learn more about the re:gen ministry at Grace Church by visiting: https://gracechurchsc.org/regen 100 Common Struggles mention: resources.gracechurchsc.org/articles/over-100-common-struggles-personal-assessment Have questions? [email protected]

In this episode, Chris Rives, Jeremy Meyer and Geoff Van De Merwe discuss Geoff’s participation in the re|engage program at Grace church and the life change that took place in his marriage, family, and walk with the Lord. Share, listen and then discuss the Episode 9 Study Questions (https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace) in a one on one conversation or with a group of men. APPLICATION What are some ways you have seen God work in your life through participation in re|engage, Re:Gen, a Men’s Roundtable study, or another ministry area of the church? What is one thing you learned about yourself through this process? What did you learn about God?  When did you first realize your need for God? What changes took place in your life after you made this decision?  What evidence do you see in your life of how God is changing you and stretching you?  How can you be “deliberate in your steps?” What would this look like on a practical level? SCRIPTURE  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 (ESV)  We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) RESOURCES MENTIONED  Learn more about the re|engage ministry at Grace Church by visiting: gracechurchsc.org/connect/pastoral-care/re-engage Unoffendable Book: LINK Have questions? Email us at: [email protected]