One of the principles of St John Men is not to create just another thing that has to be done, or "ought" to be done - every one of us already has more to do than is good for us (and if you are like most of us, we all too often fail to do some important things that have lasting significance).  Come and join us when can - bring a friend, or come alone. There is no pressure when we gather. We won"t ask you to "do" anything, other than eat food, have a drink, have some conversation, and come back if something speaks to you. We hope you will have some fun. In response, what we have found over the past several years is that God uses the times that we gather together in large and small groups.

So you will learn our goal is not to create a successful program. Instead, our goal as a ministry team is that we create spaces where each of us can experience heart transformation, and grow closer to the Lord.  We especially pray that each of us will become - not by working harder - better dads, husbands, brothers and friends. We often talk about "The Longest Yard" - that distance between head knowledge and incorporating what we know into how we live and have our being - this is the stuff of heart transformation.  We look for ways to let God use our gifts and talents in service to Him. This will look different for each of us, and in some cases small ministry teams sprout-up that focus on tasks, and in other guys get together to have fun and encourage each other - all ultimately to His Glory.

Even in the church, men routinely posture, pretend and put on masks when asked, “How are you doing?” This observer goes on to say, "They are like sheep without a shepherd, and they regularly show up at church on Sunday morning looking for—what? Actually, many of them don’t really know what they’re looking for."

Why is this? Most men have been taught to exert control and to attempt to modify behaviors to be all they can be, and so they keep trying harder and harder to improve, all the while having a lingering feeling something isn’t quite right about their lives. After years of juggling career, family and fun seeking the mythical perfect balance, many men become tired, discouraged and disconnected, and come to feel as if no one really cares. For some the wheels come off in dramatic fashion and their lives, families and relationships suffer serious damage. Too often this happens when like the frog is placed in a pan of water and the temperature is increased gradually over time - once it reaches the boiling point, it’s too late; a man operates like an island and isolates himself convincing himself that no one will care or understand if he lets on "what is really going on inside."  In short, he runs from being known by men or God and is left to his own devices - a scary place indeed.

So exactly what do you mean when you say ‘disciple’?  In some circles - this has been reframed as becoming a "Christ follower." Here is how another person described a "disciple" – it’s someone called to profess faith in Jesus Christ, who is equipped in an ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation, and is sent to love, serve, and abide in Christ. So we look for ways to "call" men, "equip" men, and "send" men. Our ultimate goal is to live out our St John Vision Statement - to be passionate for the Word of God, to equip men to be followers of Christ, to encourage men to live in way that will draw their neighbors to the Savior, and to support men who are active in mission near and far.

3rd saturDay gatherings.  One recurring and regular gathering is the monthly men's time on the third Saturday of each month.  From 7:00-8:15 am (so as not to interfere with family activities/sports), this is a great entry point. It’s a great way to connect with guys you see on Sundays but don’t really know. You are encouraged to come as you are - shaving optional - and whenever you can – really. This time will encourage you. You will make or renew friendships and have a chance to digest a Biblical message along with some fresh hot Krispie Kremes and coffee. Join us. No secret handshake required. If you are a man, looking to check out "men's ministry" this event is for you!  The current theme of the messages at these gatherings is on the Ripple Effect - how is God calling us to live in response to the gospel.  Past series have focused on Leadership, Developing Genuine Friendships with Men, and 12 Ordinary Men (a look at the Disciples).

Special Events.  We have sponsored events, such as a Super Bowl Saturday breakfast, and other events designed to draw men from the community and other churches to times of fellowship and encouragement.

Men's Night Out.  When spring arrives, from April to August, St John Men will sponsor 3-4 opportunities for men of the church (young and old) and friends to attend Salem Red Sox games for a time of fun and fellowship.

Father's Day Book Give-Away.  Each year, the men's ministry team purchases and gives away popular Christian books on Father's Day as a way of encouraging the men of the church.

Men small groups.  This is where men become iron on iron sharpening each other as we explore and work out issues of faith, doubt and grow in their relationship with Christ. The friendships that form during these groups frequently lead to a true sense of a band of brothers that continue long after the formal group meetings end. There are several small groups going on at any one time - each focused on real life issues men struggle with as they seek to make sense- each group will have a different focus, meet at different times, and at different location, but all are based on Biblical principles as we encourage one another to read Scripture and grow deep in our faith. We are also beginning to explore the implementation of quad-groups where four men commit to meet for year in study of Scripture and to become accountability partners for that year.

Mission Service   We have men active in mission outside our church building, for example, in prison ministry, Stephen Ministry, Financial Peace University, Emmaus Walk, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Habitat for Humanity, and our international missions to Nicaragua & Zambia, as well as service within our own church community serving as greeters, ushers, lectors, teachers, communion assistants, counters, and Cafe St John ministry.

Recreation (CORE).  We periodically sponsor a variety of activities, softball team that plays in County/City league, open gym basketball in the Great Room, canoe trips on the James & New Rivers, hikes on the Parkway, AT, and/or uncharted areas, participating in local runs, golf outings, etc.  The men also currently help support the Upward Basketball program at our church on Saturdays in January and February.

Leadership Team:  Doug Kirtley, Alan McClellan, Charlie Ross, Dave (DJ) Williamson, Bill Horvath, Gary Metz, Tom Breene, Warren Strickland, Stan Wise, Jon Sweet, Ken Cabay, Jimmy Whitaker, Tony Mardian, Jim Forney, and David Paxton