Batteries Included

So, how was my first experience with the concept of Batteries? It went well. As it was proposed, it was an opportunity to share. We were able to share in what was going on in our lives. We started with the mundane, the things of this world. Then we progressed to talking about the whole concept of Mens' Group that we are trying to implement. Next we shared our prayer requests with each other. Finally we prayed together.

One of the points we discussed was the implementation of the concept of Batteries. {A small group of 3-5 men that are to meet weekly to share, pray, and hopefully build strong brotherly, Christian, relationships.} Being the folow the rules type of guy that i am, I had just thought that everyone would form into Batteries as instructed at our first weekly large group meeting. Tonight it was brought out that since we weren't assigned to a Battery, some of the men might be hesitant to form in a Battery.

So, as so often is the concern in churches, how do we get people to participate fully? Should we try to limit the duration of the first formed Batteries and then reform new Batteries? Should someone be assigned to go from Battery to Battery, participating with them all to lend guidance?

I Jn 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (NAS)

How shall we do this? Can we, here in this congregation, make this concept of a Mens' Group "with Batteries included work to help us "love our brother"?

New Concept

Nah! Not really! It is only new to me, perhaps new to the congregation where I worship. I am even sure that it has had some informal expression, but it is now being formalized. Okay, so what am I talking about?

We are instituting a Mens' group and study. The format is to be once a week meetings for the whole group. This will be an opportunity to study issues that deal with men. We are starting with a 7 week study on the importance of the role of men as leaders.
We are also forming smaller "batteries" of 3 - 5 men that will meet once a week. The purpose of these groups will be develop deeper friendships where we can share our concerns and joys about our lives. Man to man. As one of the elders said, It should provide an opportunity to confess our sins to one another in a more intimate, confidential forum.

I am looking forward to this opportunity to strengthen the brethren and myself. I am looking forward to strengthening friendships that allow me to confide to fellow male Christians. This last is very important to me, that these friends, that I hope I make more a part of me, are part of the family of God.

I don't intend to share confidences here, but I may share some of my self discoveries. I want to also share how this concept works and how it helps me with my walk as a Christian.

First Post


To start, about the title. I am blessed in so many ways by my Lord and Savior I can scarcely count them all. All the days of my life I will be counting, without the ability to earn, or deserve by my works, any and all of them. To that end, I want to be His servant, to do His work, to follow in His footsteps, and to take joy in His word. Without God, the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit I would not be who I am. Blessed Doulos is a prayer, too. I ask God to "Make me a servant, make me like You."

I do not know if I will be able to contribute anything of value or interest to the Blogoshere. Nor do I know if it will be read by many or few. This is something new to me. I have read the Blogs of others, even commmented on their postings, but to lay out my thoughts for others to examine will be new to me.

Where will I go with this? My job gives me interaction with all levels of society, some not so pretty. Most times I interact with people who are not at their best, who are frequently experiencing loss of some kind. Their are joyous moments, insprirational moments, and I will try to share them also. I may even go in some other, as yet unknown, direction!