Men’s Ministries’ Report

Dr. Samuel Huddleston

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus is a story about a devout Muslim and how he encounters Jesus. Growing up in a Muslim community he knew the religion well. Then one day he met a man named David. They became friends in college. I mean real friends, David was like Nabeel who was solid in his Muslim belief and was rooted and grounded in his faith in Jesus.

David was not trying to simply win Nabeel to faith in Jesus, he just became his friend and they began to do life together. They argued, disagreed, and even came to impasses as they did life together and discussed their different beliefs. This they did for years. 

Listen to these words from Nabeel’s book, “Our argument over Paul was not the only time David and I butted heads. Our emotions often got heated as we spoke about our core beliefs…but it didn’t matter how rough our relationship got, because WE WERE DOING LIFE TOGETHER…This is only one of the reasons why a strong friendship is critical. A surface-level relationship might snap under the tension of disagreement, but by living lives together, we were forced to RECONCILE.”

That is the core purpose of men’s ministry. Not to see how many men we can get under one roof. Not to hear a group of men singing worship songs together. Even though I’d rather sing with 100 men than with one. Not just to bring men to a place of recognizing they are lost without the savior. But, to help men realize how important it is to do life together. It is only as we learn to disagree about our differences and yet accept each other as we journey together as recorded in Hebrews 11:10 to a city built by God himself.

You will read in this report of men gathering together throughout our district with one purpose, helping men to build relationships that can and will withstand the test of time. Learning to love Jesus more and each other. It is those types of relationships that will change our homes, our communities, our churches, our state, and our nation. 

One day Nabeel said to David, “But if it was true that all sins are so devastating that they lead to hell, what chance did I have?” Listen to David’s reply as he smiled reassuringly. “Only the grace of God.” As you read the few words and see the pictures below, may you remember it is only by His grace and your support can any of these gatherings happen.

Men’s Conference Eureka & Bay Area

Neither of these conferences happened in 2024. Why? Life. The Pastors/ leaders were overwhelmed by major things In their churches and communities. You see when Pastors come to me asking if can they have men’s gatherings in their area, I say, “Yes, how can we assist you from a district level?” At that point, they communicate with my office on how we can help as they lead the gathering because they are the ones doing life in that area. That is why when credentialed minister and Men’s Ministry Team member, Rev. Joe Cordeiro, asked if they could have such a gathering in Reno, we said yes. He has such a big heart for the men in that area. He is doing life with them.

Men’s Gathering - Reno, Nevada

Men’s Conference - Sacramento, California

Thanks again Pastor Greg Farmington and his Men’s Ministry Director and member of the District Men’s Ministry Team, Pastor Davin Johnson, for allowing us to have another successful Men’s gathering at Destiny. What a wonderful place to have a gathering of men learning to love Jesus and do life together. Thank you to our communicators,  Superintendent Bret Allen, Rev. Justin Blattel, Chaplain Earl Smith Of the SF 49ers & Warriors, Gordon Houston, National 360Equip Director from Springfield, and our very special guest also from Springfield, our General Council Theologian, Dr. Allen Tennison. 

My favorite moment of the day was when I asked the question of the gathering, ‘How many of you thought I had lost my mind when I invited a Theologian to speak?” There was clapping and laughter all over the room. Dr. Tennison hit a home run as he shared scripture and his personal journey of how to do life together. 

It was a very special God-breathed gathering as men gathered at the altar praying together. I love seeing that every year. Tears flowing, repentance expressed as men come to grips with who they are when left to their own vices. 

Our upcoming 2025 Men’s Conference is at Destiny at their Sacramento campus this year. As much as we have loved being at their Rocklin campus, we are very excited to be in Sacramento. Our speakers will be Dave Dravecky, former pitcher of the SF Giants, Pastor Dan Vera, and back by great demand of the men, Jamie Winship. Jamie will have three sessions on Friday. 

Special Thank You from Dr. Sam

Please remember these gatherings are not possible without the support of you Superintendent Allen, the District Presbytery, and all of you Pastors. You are the ones doing life with the men in your churches, Sections, and Regions. We just give them events to come together that enable us to come alongside to encourage YOUR men and hopefully you as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consistent support.  

Thank you, Natalie Aspenlind, my Executive Administrative Assistant for all you do to make these gatherings a success. May God give you the strength to continue doing what you do in our office. 

I am privileged to be able to lead our men with the help of our great Men’s Ministry Team: Isaiah Vi, Papa Greg Crabtree, Davin Johnson, A.J. (Arthell) Jones, Jim Uhey, Jeff Green, Joe Cordeiro, Jordan Foster, Michael Stoutmire, Nelson Vega Jr, and Natalie Aspenlind.

Men remember these closing words between David and his Muslim friend Nabeel:

“But why would He/God give His grace?”

“Because He loves you.”

“Why would he love me, a sinner.”

“Because He’s your father.”

Let’s continue to direct men to the Heavenly Father who is full of both Grace and Mercy.