For the last four years, Russ Rowland has been faithfully attending his church's weekly early morning Men's Fraternity at Christ's Church of the Valley in San Dimas, California along with almost three hundred other guys.

No one in this group dares to ever complain about the challenge of having to wake up early to attend Men's Fraternity. At least they don't after they meet Russ. 22 years ago, Russ was injured in an athletic accident which destroyed his C1 and C2 vertebrae and severed his spinal cord. Today, he is a full quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair and respirator. Yet Russ, his wife and his caregiver get up weekly at 3:00 a.m. to begin the process necessary to have Russ at his regular spot each week for Men's Fraternity.

Russ has single handily removed the "I am not a morning person" excuse from any man who might want to use it for why they don't come to Men's Fraternity. Russ says, "I never wake up in the morning and think, my God, what I am going to do today. Instead, quite often, I will go to bed at night thinking, my God, I didn't get this or that done today! I may need to get up earlier tomorrow!"

Russ has not only faithfully completed all three years of the Men's Fraternity curriculum, he is actually repeating the cycle again, taking responsibility, and inviting and bringing other men through the study. He is becoming a life coach actually mentoring half a dozen younger guys.

His wife gushes when she talks about his growth as a husband.

Climbing the Mountain of Manhood can be difficult. Russ's determination to make the journey and take others with him is far greater than the difficulty he faces.

Click HERE to watch a video about this exciting effort and hear a challenge from Robert Lewis about how you can be involved in this strategic mission.

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

MEN'S FRATERNITY DEFINES MASCULINITY AND MANHOD

BY RHONDA OWEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DERO SANFORD

The brilliant scarlet, gold and orange blaze of the Serengeti sunset outshines the flames of the campfire in Robert Lewis's favorite photograph. In it, he and his wife Sherard sit before the fire. Africa's highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, towers behind them in the distance.

It is one of dozens of photographs on the walls in the Lewis' Little Rock home. They capture almost four decades of memories from the couple's trips within the United States and to the Galapagos Islands, Australia, China, England, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, Peru, Panama.

Most depict recreational journeys. Others - a shot of Lewis driving a ski mobile during a father-son retreat in Wyoming, for instance - document his quests for knowledge, spirituality and the meaning of manhood. They are the more intangible journeys that have shaped Lewis' word view and inspired him to help others, particularly men, embark on their own journeys of self discovery.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Founder of Men's Fraternity, Robert Lewis introduced EXPLORE, his latest video training study on May 6, 2009 in Little Rock at a Men's Fraternity Conference attended by 120 pastors and men's ministry leaders from 26 states and two foreign countries.

Rick Caldwell, the Global director of Men's Fraternity said that he was excited about this new resource for three reasons.

1. Many churches who do Men's Fraternity have been asking for something like EXPLORE to help them have a more evangelistic edge. This five week training could really prepare your men to be ready to help their non-churched friends that they invite to Men's Fraternity with them, to really fully understand and respond to the gospel.

2. Since Explore is designed for both men and women this is a great opportunity for men who have completed Men's Fraternity to demonstrate leadership by inviting their wife to join them in this study.

3. Explore is a five week training experience that can help men who have completed Men's Fraternity to live out the definition of manhood that they learned in . It gives them a chance to accept responsibility for sharing Christ with their friends and courageously leading them through that process.

For purchase information about EXPLORE click here

Pastor Bryan Carter just completed teaching 24 weeks of the Quest for Authentic Manhood to over 150 men from Concord Church in Dallas. Pastor Carter presented the material live each week and Pastor Mark Porter who directs the Churches Men's Ministry served as the weekly host.

Pastor Carter said "Men's Fraternity is an extraordinary ministry that guides men to fulfilling their ultimate potential in Christ. Our church has been changed through the Men's Fraternity. Men's Fraternity has brought a manhood revolution to our church. It has given our men the tools they need to become better men. Every man wants to become better in his heart but he often doesn't know how, Men's Fraternity gives men the relationships and revelation to transcend to the next level. Robert Lewis has provided a goldmine of spiritual truth to anyone who chooses to utilize this curriculum for their men. Men's Fraternity is an answer to prayer after years of attempts we have finally found the perfect tool for our men to become better men. Men's Fraternity has changed the men of our church for the better. Men's Fraternity is truly a life changing experience...your church will never be the same!"

Myron Hardy also was thrilled with the response of the men to the material. He said "leadership and involvement in the strategic launch of the Concord Church Men's Fraternity has given me the opportunity to reflect on my life in many areas and assess myself as a man, a son, a husband, a father, preacher, pastor, and a Christian. I have seen the great need and witnessed the hunger of men to move to another level of understanding themselves and improving themselves as well. In this great ministry effort to seek authentic masculinity I was helped by God."

If you would like to contact these men to learn more of about how well this material works in an African American Church contact:

Mark Porter at 214.333.3597 or email him at  mporter@concorddallas.org

Over 15,000 Men's Fraternity groups worldwide

Men's Fraternity groups worldwide have more than doubled over the past year. In an October 11, 2007 meeting with representatives from both Lifeway and Men's Fraternity it was reported that there are currently well over 15,000 groups of men literally all over the world using the Men's Fraternity curriculum. This compares to just over 6,000 groups who were meeting this time last year.

Rick Caldwell, Global director of Men's Fraternity had just returned from a trip to Lancaster County Bible Church in Manheim Pennsylvania where he addressed a Men's Fraternity group that is currently attended by 1000 men weekly. Caldwell also stated that reports of the huge impact this curriculum is having is not only limited to the large scale meetings like the one in Pennsylvania. He says that he receives calls or emails daily from Pastors or Men's Fraternity leaders in very small gatherings who are thrilled with the way Men's Fraternity is not only transforming their men, but their entire church.

At the meeting Robert Lewis, founder of Men's Fraternity stated that he had just received word from a contact in Australia and New Zealand that since his visit there last year 200 Men's Fraternity groups have either begun or are currently in the startup stage.

Visit http://www.mensfraternity.com/videos/dungy.aspx

Air Force Pilot Bob May encouraging our fighting men in Iraq
By Jesse Florea

Bob May lives for adventure. In his career, in his home and in his walk with God, he wants life at its fullest. As a top C-130 pilot, May volunteered in 2005 to train Iraqis how to fly the four-engine, 76,000-pound transport plane. But May's training wasn't limited to passing on his knowledge about the C-130. He also taught fellow servicemen how to live for God. "Over the last couple of years as I've met with different groups of guys, I've seen they want to serve God and be good men," May says. "But there's no passion. They don't know how to experience what God intends in this adventure called life." That's why May brought "The Great Adventure"--a Men's Fraternity group study--into the Iraqi desert.

Land of Our Fathers

May first learned about Men's Fraternity during a short stint in Arkansas before being stationed in Germany for three years. "We attended Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock," May says. "And I started going to a group on Wednesday
mornings."

Robert Lewis created Men's Fraternity with about 30 guys in 1990. Today, more than 1,200 men attend the weekly 6 a.m. meetings. May returned to Arkansas during the summer of 2004 and quickly got involved in the group again. Last summer he volunteered to train pilots at Ali Base in southern Iraq for six months. Ali's location--two hours south of Baghdad--meant temperatures often surpassed 120 degrees during the day. However, the harsh conditions didn't squelch May's excitement for the area. About two miles outside the gates of Ali Base sat the ancient ruins of Ur of the Chaldeans where Abraham and his father's family were from."I always mentioned when we started in Men's Fraternity that this is sacred ground because it's where Abraham left his family and began his great adventure of following God," May explains.

Frat Boys

May worked with military chaplains to get the word out about Men's Fraternity group when he arrived in Iraq. Seven guys came to the first meeting. "I was hoping for 20 or more," May admits. "Initially I was disappointed, but then in just six weeks these seven guys really began to open up and share things. It was exciting to be part of that." A predetermined troop movement six weeks into the study meant May had to start over with a new group of men. This time nine guys walked into the initial meeting. A week later 11 showed up. "They all seemed really excited to be there, so that was fun," May said. May enjoys talking with fellow servicemen because he understands the stresses and temptations they face. Pornography, even though it's not allowed in Iraq, was a huge problem. And living in a tent with six other guys meant privacy was nonexistent. May says guys went to two different extremes: They ran to God or tried to get farther away. Early on he saw six or seven men recommit their lives to God or accept Christ for the first time
at chapel services. And many more decided to live boldly for Christ. "We're warriors and fighters," May says.  "Not just in the military, but as men. That's the way God created us. If we're fighting as warriors with a sense of an eternal purpose, then that's part of the exciting adventure that God has in store for us."

A Reluctant Volunteer

"If you knew me, you'd know I'm not one to immediately leave my family for six months to fight the war in Iraq," Air Force pilot Bob May says. But when they asked for volunteers at Little Rock Air Force Base--the largest C-130 base in the world--to train Iraqi pilots, May felt God tugging at his heart. "I knew for some reason God was calling me to take a risk, to trust Him with my family and volunteer," May says. Still, the Air Force major didn't want to make the decision alone. He knew how much stress its cause for his wife and three young children. So May went home and explained his feelings to his wife.

On Tuesday, March 15, I went to University Baptist Church near Houston, Texas and attended my first Men's Fraternity meeting. Dr. Robert Lewis was speaking at the instructional workshop that morning on "What Men Need and How the Church Can Help". During his presentation he spoke about his relationship with his dad and how difficult it had been. I really related to what he was speaking about. My own father never told me he loved me or hugged me. I could never please him or "measure up" to his expectations. As I was listening, I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. What Dr. Lewis was sharing was exactly my relationship with my dad, who is now 94-years-old and in a nursing home, and I just didn't want to "go there".

During the break time, I was at the coffee pot and met Robert Lewis. After I introduced myself to him and we exchanged greetings, I told him about my dad. Robert asked, "What are you gonna do about it?" (That statement really shocked me. I had never been asked anything like that before in my entire life.) "Well, I'm gonna pray about it," I told him. "That's fine, Buddy," Robert said, "but real men do something about it." "What should I do?" I asked him. "Go to your dad and tell him you need him to tell you that he loves you and to hug you." From that moment on, I didn't hear much of Dr. Lewis' presentation. I could not help but think about doing what he suggested. I found myself scared, confused, and doubtful. Exactly a week later, I asked Jim Laucher, a dear friend of mine, to go visit my dad with me so he could pray for me and provide moral support. As I entered my dad's apartment, I felt like a 5-year-old. After a brief "how-are-you" visit, I said to him, "Dad, I need to tell you something you might not understand. I really need you to tell me you love me." He responded, "I love everybody." I said, "Dad, no...I want you to tell me!" He hesitated and finally said in a low tone, "I love you." I quickly responded, "Dad, I want you to say it in a loud voice so I can hear it really good." I could tell this was difficult for him but he finally did. Then I said, "Dad, I need for you to hug me!" I made him stand up and he gave me a brief, sideways hug with one arm. I responded, "Dad, I need a real hug. Put your arms around me and hug me." He did and immediately said, "I have to go." Before he turned to leave though, I told him that every time I come to see him in the future I want us to do the same thing. He walked out of the room.

As Jim and I left, he was praising our Lord and slapping me on the back with "way-to-go's". I felt such relief! I have gone to see my dad many times since then. Each time gets better and better. Now when I walk into his apartment, he expects the hugs and words of love and he actually enjoys it! So do I! Finally, after all these years, my 94-year-old dad and I, his 64-year-old son, have a neat father-son relationship...just like it should be! When I bury my father, I can stand there with no regrets. Praise God!

In September of 2005 I will be the presenter for The Quest for Authentic Manhood at Sagemont Church. I not only have the head knowledge, but now that my father-wound is healed, I now have the heart knowledge as well.

Thank you, Lord, Dr. Robert Lewis, Jim Laucher and Quest.
Buddy Griffin
Associate Pastor, Education and Family Ministries
Sagemont Church | Houston, TX

By Bob Clark, Pastor

Unalaska Christian Fellowship, Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, Alaska Out on the edge of the earth, in the Aleutian islands of Alaska, you will find Dutch Harbor/Unalaska (two names but one town), the number one fishing port in America. Known as the last frontier, millions of pounds of fish are loaded and unloaded commercially each year, and the fishermen have maintained a reputation for being ruff and wild, necessary traits as crabbing in the Bearing Sea has been considered the most dangerous job in America. In the midst of this life on the edge, in a town full of "extremes"--extreme location, extreme weather, and an extremely dangerous industry--stands Unalaska Christian Fellowship, a small church with 180 in attendance. Unalaska Christian Fellowship (UCF) is a unique, multi ethnic, multi language family equally diverse in denominational backgrounds all holding together onto Jesus as their source of life. For the majority of the 4000 full time residents and up to 10,000 seasonal residents, the only purpose for being in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska is the money. 16 hour days, seven days a week is a very common work schedule. Though this may not be unique in the bush of Alaska, the result of this pursuit of money has left the men working or drinking and the women running every civic and cultural entity of the community.

The men have truly abdicated themselves from their responsibility. The community has grown as the fishing industry has changed and more families have braved the conditions to live here.  With the growth, UCF began to see the great need to encourage men to invest in their families, marriages and relationship with God even though their work can be long and intense.

In May of 2003, UCF hosted a Men's Dinner with 77 men (12 yrs and up) in attendance.  The purpose of the dinner was to discuss the need to be better connected with each other and our families. The outcome was a strong desire to do something, but at the time we didn't know what it would be. As one of the pastors, I started a search for anything that was focused on encouraging men but was more than a few weeks book study.  I was disappointed that there were so few resources available. Then, through a long list of shirt tail connections, I purchased the first DVD in The Quest for Authentic Manhood series. I truly believe it was the hand of God that directed me to Men's Fraternity. Last October, a group of 45 men gathered for a bar-b-que to view the first session. The men were excited so we stepped out in faith, purchased the series, and started meeting weekly with 43 men at three different times and settings.

I have to admit, my expectations were low as I had little experience seeing men gather in small groups for discussion.  What transpired over the next 24 weeks was the miraculous touch of God.  By the sixth week of the study not only were men engaging--they didn't even wait for the discussion questions but just jumped into deep interaction-but tears were flowing freely and unashamedly.

In January, the worst weather but the busiest fishing and work season was on us. Our 43 dropped to 23 as work limited attendance but not interest. By the second half of the series, tears had ebbed, but the determination and hunger was spiked.  Week after week the light bulbs kept turning on in men's hearts as we all saw things that finally made sense. What a blessing this study has been for us.  For the first time in the history of this congregation, the men not only have the desire to pursue so much more but are committed to doing so TOGETHER!

Since its conception in Little Rock, Arkansas in the late 1980's, Men's Fraternity continues to forge out its niche among today's leading men's ministry curriculums. With rapid growth and increasing popularity come new needs, including thorough and hands-on training that will enable leaders to effectively "win" with their men using the curriculum.

The first of these training opportunities took place in 2001 at the annual Irresistible Influence (i 2 ) Church Conference held at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock (Men's Fraternity's "home church"). It was so well attended that the following year it became a 3-hour, pre-conference session with more than 200 pastors attending. The news of the workshop spread and requests for regional workshops began to pour in.

In 2004, Men's Fraternity partnered with LifeWay, the well-known Southern Baptist publishing house, which immediately saw the benefit and need for more Men's Fraternity Workshops around the country. To date, Men's Fraternity Workshops, led by either Robert Lewis, the creator of Men's Fraternity, or Rick Caldwell, Director of Men's Fraternity Resources, have been held in six different regions (excluding those in Little Rock): Denver, Houston, Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Each workshop consists of three major components:

1. The Why's and How's of Men's Fraternity--Robert and/or Rick share the philosophy of Men's Fraternity, explaining why the curriculum connects so radically with the deep needs of men.
2. Instruction Time--Robert and/or Rick run through the practical "nuts and bolts" of Men's Fraternity, showing participants how to prepare for a launch at their own sites.
3. Q & A--Robert and/or Rick answer questions regarding any aspect of Men's Fraternity.

Workshops are free and include a complimentary breakfast. They begin at 6:00 a.m. with an actual session of Men's Fraternity in the host church and end at 11:00 a.m. (Please note, if you cannot attend a live workshop presentation, a 2- hour Training Workshop DVD is available for purchase at www.mensfraternity.com.)

The success of the Men's Fraternity Workshops is best affirmed by its participants. Buddy Griffin, Associate Pastor at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas, recently reconciled with his aging father due to the material presented at the workshop in Houston. According to Buddy, "The workshop was great! It gave me the basic 'how to' information I needed to initiate the Quest ministry at our church. It was well presentedin an orderly fashion, and the Q&A session was invaluable."

Future workshops will be held in San Antonio, TX; Chattanooga, TN; Toronto, Canada; Greenville, SC; Hartford, CT; Boston, MA; Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand. Be sure to visit www.mensfraternity.com for workshop dates and additional information.

Although most men in the United States are perhaps all too familiar with the nature and symbolism of a "fraternity", for men in Australia it is not a well-known term. Yet, no matter what the geographic area, the heart of Men's Fraternity remains the same. Its message cuts at the core of men all around the world as Craig Porter and his "Aussie blokes" have discovered.

This Australian ministry team kept the Men's Fraternity curriculum intact but gave it a new name: Mates and Mentors. Like its U.S. counterpart, Mates and Mentors is a call for Australian men to "step up to the starting line" and face the truth of what it means to be a man. In 2002, Craig Porter flew almost 10,000 miles from his home on the Australian Sunshine Coast to Little Rock, Arkansas to meet with Men's Fraternity founder, Robert Lewis. Upon returning home to the north side of Brisbane, Craig Porter and the leading men in his church set out to launch the first ever Men's Fraternity in Australia. The typical Aussie male responds best to personal invitations and low key events without too much fanfare, so Porter and his crew generated interest in the study with a weekend retreat. It was well received and shortly afterward, they began teaching The Quest for Authentic Manhood. The launch in Brisbane was soon followed by a second in Mackay, twelve hours north in the State of Queensland. "We have been released to do what the Father has laid on our hearts to do," Porter says, "which is mainly two things: the first is to build relationships in the community and from there to see people come to know Jesus; the other is to see men released to be the men, husbands, fathers and leaders in the community that God would have them be."

And these Aussie men are well on their way! In addition to successfully completing their second presentation of The Quest for Authentic Manhood study, they have also created a non-profit organization called Hangout Inc. to facilitate the Quest material in high schools throughout Australia.

They have also developed a high school mentoring program called Passages based on Robert Lewis' book, Raising a Modern-Day Knight. "Our dream is to get the mentoring program into every school where there is a chaplain, so that, as relationships are developed, the chaplains can give the Gospel to the kids. We believe as the Quest material is expanded throughout our State, the men will have a heart for mentoring boys in their own local community high school, as an outward expression of what they have learned." Though Mates and Mentors has touched many men in their initial runs of Men's Fraternity, there is still much work to be done. Amidst challenges, setbacks, and successes, they believe God is moving in Australia, and He is using Mates and Mentors to revolutionize the lives of Aussie men and their families.
"Aussie blokes (are being) healed up and set free, so that their marriages, children, the church and the wider community may be set free in Jesus as well. My desire," says Porter, "is to see every Australian man go through the (Mates and Mentors) course."