No Smoke Machines: The Real Work of Proelium.

Last month, we ran our yearly conference for men. It was our seventh year, and we named the conference ‘Proelium’, which is Latin for ‘the battle’. As we gathered, we heard from local pastors about the very real and specific battles raging for the minds and hearts of this and future generations. The clarion call to men of Christ was clear and comprehensive. The culture wants to make men impotent. Some men within this secularized culture respond with unbiblical and unethical worldviews. Some men capitulate and emasculate their God given responsibilities. Yet, God calls men everywhere to repent and follow the one man who displayed both courage and compassion without compromise. We were exhorted to attempt great things for God as we expect great things from God.

The main session topics covered issues like ‘Engaging Secularism’, ‘Reasonable Faith: The convergence between faith and science’, ‘Battling Sexual Temptation’, and ‘The Desert Life: pushing back isolationism’. Several breakout sessions were also conducted, which focused on topics from the main sessions. There was also a breakout session on dealing with anxiety and depression in men.

We didn’t hold back, and the conference continued in its vision and mission of equipping men to become change agents for Christ. Gauging from the feedback, it was mission accomplished.

Throughout the conference's development, I have had several thoughts. The bulk of them usually arrive a couple of weeks out from the conference start date. I think about whether what we are doing is making any difference. Are we truly equipping these men, or are we merely providing another distraction from the hard work of growing in the knowledge and praxis of our Lord Jesus Christ? Then I find myself becoming too distracted by the details of the event. Making sure that my lists are checked off before the doors open is important for me. Planning and execution are important, yet both of these are, in their own way, their own battleground. Worry and distraction are effective tools in the hands of an enemy. Worry and distraction can easily take our eyes off the reason, and the joy, of hosting such an event.

But as the conference progressed, after the speakers’ presentations and the breakouts took place, I looked around the conference spaces and saw men holding conversations with each other, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and having fun. Then the realization hits like a thunderbolt. They need this. They desire this kind of event. They are hungry for the Word rightly taught and thoughtfully applied, and they are hungry for fellowship.

I am thankful for each one of those men who show up for this conference. There are so many things they could have committed their time towards, but they chose to come to this event. We don’t crush cars, we don’t have team games, we don’t do large smoke house meals, we don’t have smoke machines or fancy stage props, or high profile speakers. What we do have are local pastors, who lead local congregations, who come and teach from God’s word. We give away great books. We have men who come and lead breakout sessions designed to dig deeper and provide tools for the work of building Godly character and virtue.

Over the years, when it’s all said and done and the kitchen is cleaned up, the auditoriums and sanctuary tidied, bathrooms organized, chairs are reset for Saturday and Sunday services, and garbage is ready to go to the dump, I sit in my truck and have new thoughts. I think through all the hugs, handshakes, gracious and kind comments, and I give glory to God. He is the one who makes it all happen. He is the one who providentially weaves together the main sessions, the breakouts, the meals, the coffee breaks, and all the conversations into a meaningful experience. It is His Spirit who is building these men. It is His Spirit who uses this event to challenge and equip the men who come. It is the Spirit who reminds me of the fact that this conference matters. Indeed, for the ten-plus hours this conference is in session, these men leave refreshed, encouraged, and are prayerfully ready and more equipped to face into the wind of their next battle. May they experience great things from God, as they attempt great things for God.

Soli Deo Gloria!