Even with the excitement of the upcoming ATG2 event rising, I still carry a burden that has become especially poignant during the planning of the first and second Awaken the Giant conferences. What I continue to find is the struggle for vitality in so many men’s ministries across our Central Coast (and from what I’ve since learned, across the country). I know I am not alone in this realization as I speak with others involved in this important ministry. The soul of men’s ministry cannot be found among breakfasts, barbecues, and ball games.

Please don’t misunderstand: Activities like these are an important part of what a healthy men’s ministry should offer. But they cannot become the sole remnant of what men need to be doing outside of Sunday service. Even now, my church–which I love dearly–is going through some challenging transition times with our men’s ministry. But I don’t write to discourage but to challenge. We, as individual men and as ministires, simply need to be honest with where we are now, where we need to be, and then be deliberate in prayer and planning about the transition.

I believe this is where Awaken the Giant can serve as an important men’s ministry tool, challenging the men of the Central Coast to become awake, aware, and ready to grow deeper. And the event provides the opportunity for men’s small-group development back at the church level. We have developed an easy-to-use tool called “Flight Plans” which, with the help of local churches and men’s ministries, will allow each man attending to get connected into his own small group. We will have detailed information on the Flight Plans project soon on our Web site. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us for more information.

Men, we can be a giant for God. It is in this amazing place called the Central Coast we have the privilege of living. Let’s continue to complete this picture of “amazing” and rise up as men of God. Fully awake. Fully alive.

Hope to see you at ATG2!