Prior to this weekend I had never been to a Men's Conference. To be honest, I never had much interest. I figured if I wanted a bunch of strange men that I have no relationship with to hug me in an awkward way and make painfully dry small talk, I would just show up at the next family reunion. But for some reason the Lord was telling me that I needed to attend Alpha Summit. Alpha Summit is the Men's Conference at Gateway Church in Southlake. I love Gateway. My wife, my kids, we all love Gateway and have been members there for about six years. But during that time I have never really connected with the men of Gateway. I have been to a few men's groups but for one reason or another I never stuck with it. Alpha Summit was a chance to change that.
It would not be easy. The conference had been marketed toward "guy's guys", I do not consider myself a "guy's guy." I don't hunt or fish. I hate to work on cars, I hate to mow the yard. I don't get excited about motorcycles or bows and arrows or even golf clubs for that matter. Maybe living in a house with three women has made me soft, I don't know. The point is I was not sure how or where I was going to fit in.
Thursday night I made absolutely no new friends. In fact I did not even talk to anybody. I did however discover at least one thing that I have in common with manly men...we like meat. Thursday night was a tailgate party in the parking lot. I have never seen such a wondrous display of carnivorous delights. Brisket, ribs, fajitas, and my favorite, the jalapeno bratwurst. All washed down with a choice of soda. I had a warm feeling in my chest, either it was the hint of kinship with my fellow men, or heartburn, I could not tell.
Friday was the day that changed everything. I started the day by volunteering as a greeter at one of the entrances. During the course of shaking about 175 hands I made a new friend, a guy named Ian who was greeting alongside me. As it would turn out my wife knows his wife and they are actually friends. This does not come as a shock since my wife knows everyone at church and seems to be friends with all of them. A tremendous lineup of speakers taught throughout the day. Bill Hybels on the importance of male friendships, a "band of brothers" if you will. Tim Ross on the life of David, how he shaped generations to come and how we have the power to do the same. Perry Noble on being passionate for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our savior Jesus Christ. Awesome stuff. Now I was starting to rethink my previous objections. Perhaps I had misjudged this whole Men's Conference thing. God was doing some amazing things in the room that night and I was glad to be a part of it.
Even the male bonding exercise of building a catapault was enjoyable. Although our catapault self-destructed after two practice launches and my only contribution was coming up with sportsy nicknames for my teamates ( like our captian Michael "Coupe" Deville) I still had a great time.
Saturday ended the conference on a high. Perry Noble spoke again. If you have not heard him you owe it to yourself to check him out. He pastors a church in South Carolina and speaks the Truth in a way only a southern born, southern bred believer can. When it was all said and done, I came away grateful that I went. Grateful for the friends I have, and the friends to come. I may not like some of the same things that "manly men" like, but I am a warrior for Christ. I am also the leader of my house, the protector of my family, and the one who is responsible for how my children grow up. Bring it on...
"I can do all things through him that gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
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