An Event for Christian MenAn Event for Christian Men

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in their ministry so that Christ’s Kingdomis strengthened and expanded.

Against the GrainLiving Christ’s Calling

An Event for Christian Men

© 2019 CTA, Inc.1625 Larkin Williams Rd.

Fenton, MO 63026www.CTAinc.com

Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is grantedand is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, but not for resale.

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Planning Your Event

Getting Started

CTA has created this cross-generational event for men of all ages and stages in life, from young men to retirees. You can usethe material from this Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling event planner to help participants grow in faith, mature inChristlike love for each other, and put their faith into action.  This unique retreat features two components. A traditional Bible study is included, with time for fellowship and personalreflection. Also included is a service project—a chance for all of the men to use their faith in hands-on outreach.  You’ll see that this event guide outlines the basic retreat structure for you. With these main pieces already in place,you can use your time more productively as you modify the details to best suit your participants and the group’s needs,expectations, and concerns. The event in this outline is intended for groups of from 8 to 35 participants, but these materials can be adapted for largerand smaller groups. Depending on how you schedule your time, the fellowship and Bible study portion of the event can takea couple of hours. Plan the service part of the retreat based on the project you choose—take a few hours or an entire day.A sample schedule is provided, but feel free to adapt it to accommodate your participants’ needs. Don’t forget to check out the downloadable resources CTA has created for Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling.The theme art and other materials will help you create a coordinated look and feel for your retreat. They are available in theResource & Idea Center on CTA’s website. For example, you’ll find a Ministry Message with corresponding PowerPointpresentation, a program or bulletin cover, water bottle labels, and several other useful materials. Use these resources and otherAgainst the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling products to tie your event together.

When? Where? Plan this cross-generational event for a few hours on Friday evening, dedicated to fellowship and Bible study, anda few hours (or more) on Saturday morning, dedicated to your service project. Choose a time that will appeal to yourintended audience. Remember to carefully consider how much time will be required to complete your service project.  Since the fellowship and Bible study portion of the event will take only a few hours, it’s not essential that you leave yourchurch campus, but a change in scenery may be helpful. Exchange your usual meeting room for the church fellowship hall.Move from your customary classroom to another—one with a better view or one that’s closer to the kitchen. Invite everyoneto a member’s “man cave” or backyard deck. You get the idea—change things up for the sake of a fresh perspective.

Getting Started

Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling

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Once you have the time and location set for the first part of the retreat (fellowship and Bible study), consider these details:

Ask two or three prayer warriors who won’t be attending to pray for the event leader(s) and participants before,during, and after the event.

Assign a volunteer to take care of physical arrangements (for example, tables, chairs, pens or markers, and paper orwhiteboard) ahead of time so you are ready to begin when everyone has arrived.

Note: Discussion will, in most cases, work best if participants sit at tables so they can see one another. If yourgroup is relatively small (8–12 men), consider arranging rectangular tables in a horseshoe configuration. If the group is larger, you may want to form two or more groups of 5–7 men each. Round tables are ideal in that case.

Ask volunteers to research service possibilities. When choosing potential service projects for the retreat, think about:

Needs within your church familyCould you do some heavy lifting for members of your church family? Think about single moms, elderlypeople, individuals with disabilities, military families, and others who may not be able to keep up with homeand vehicle maintenance. Consider mowing lawns, repairing decks or fencing, performing basic car repairs,cleaning gutters, or painting.

Needs on your church propertyIf your church is older, think about ways to spruce up a few rooms or the sanctuary with new carpet orrefinished floors and fresh paint. Perhaps the church cemetery needs landscaping attention. Could you spreadfresh mulch on the preschool playground? Could your group enhance your property by planting a garden andputting in benches?

Needs in the communityConsider hosting a free oil change event or ask a local gas station if you can volunteer to wash windshieldsand check fluids. Clear out the vacant lots in your neighborhood. Distribute food boxes to those in need.“Adopt” a ball field or hiking trail and maintain it. Contact your local Scouting groups, hospitals, or aHabitat for Humanity office and see which projects need help.

A fundraiser eventHost a washers tournament, a pancake breakfast, or a fishing competition. Donate the money you raise to anindividual, family, or community cause in need.

Also consider:

The scope of the hands-on project: Can it be completed in a half day? one full day? The participants’ interests and abilities: Will there be opportunities for everyone to participate in ameaningful way? Equipment and tools needed to complete the project: Will you need to rent equipment or will participantsbring their own tools?

Be sure to order Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling products for the participants to take home after the event.Plan to spread these items out for display—maybe on the registration table or a table near the food. Invite participantsto take what they will use—personally or in sharing Jesus’ love with others. Order these take-home items by calling1-800-999-1874 or by going to www.CTAinc.com and typing “Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling ” in the searchbox. Here are a few products to consider, along with specific order numbers:

Getting Started

Getting Started

Against the GrainCeramic Mug with Gift Box

(#AGT19CMB or #AGT19CMBKJ) Against the GrainSoftcover Devotion Book and Pen Gift Set

(#AGT19DGS or #AGT19DGSKJ)

Against the GrainClip Flashlight(#AGT19FL)

Against the Grain 3-Way Level with Magnet

(#AGT19MTL)

Against the GrainPen and Bookmark Gift Set

(#AGT19ST or #AGT19STKJ)

Against the GrainGift Bag with Gift Tag

(#AGT19GB)

Against the GrainPocket Piece(#AGT19PC)

Against the GrainSoftcover Devotion Book

(#AGT19SC or #AGT19SCKJ)

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In addition to the products shown here, an Against the Grain Personalized Ceramic Mug is available in three versions (#240307117 or #240307118 or #240307119) as well as an Against the Grain Personalized Woodgrain Notebook with Sticky Notes, available in two versions (#170807130 or #170807137). Visit www.CTAinc.com/CustomConnections.

No matter which of the other products you order, remember to include copies of the Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling devotion book (#AGT19SC or #AGT19SCKJ, see page 5) or devotion book with pen (#AGT19DGS or #AGT19DGSKJ, see page 5) as a take-home gift for every man who attends. (Both are available in ESV and KJV translations.) This pocket-size devotion book will help each participant continue to grow spiritually in the weeks to come. Encourage participants to take one copy for themselves and an extra for a friend.  Arrange for snacks and drinks or for a light meal, depending on your setting and schedule.   Arrange for musical accompaniment during worship if you plan to include it. Arrange for musical accompaniment during worship if you plan to include it.

Against the Grain Multi-Purpose Keyring Tape Measure and Card

(#AGT19TM or #AGT19TMKJ)

Against the GrainMulti-Function Utility Tool

(#AGT19UT)

Getting Started

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Keep the schedule simple. By adjusting the suggested time frames below, you may shorten or lengthen the event to meet yourgoals and the needs of individual members of your group.

Friday Evening

6:00 Getting to Know You

6:30 Supper (think: pizza, subs, BBQ)

7:00 Bible study

8:00 Prayer time

8:45 Closing Devotion

Saturday Morning

8:00 Continental breakfast (think: fruit, bagels, granola bars, yogurt)

8:30 Prayer time

8:45 Service project overview

9:00 Project begins

12:00 Lunch

12:45 Resume project

Closing Devotion

Possible ScheduleGetting Started

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group.

Getting to Know You 30 minutes

Choose an option or two from this list. If your group is small, you may have time to do all of them. Whichever activity you use,

Option A: Mystery Build

om

nner.

Option B: Magic Wand

Provide each participant with two pieces of paper. Instruct the men to write something funny they’d like to change about the world on one paper and something serious they’d like to change about the world on the other paper. Keep it anonymous, for now. Collect the slips of paper and have a leader read the responses aloud, one by one. Participants can guess who wrote each response. When the author is made known, ask him to expand on his response a bit.

Place several objects into a large paper bag. You’ll want to have one object for each participant. If you have a larger group, divide

can of tuna, a screwdriver, a toy ball. Each participant or group should take an object from the bag and then, they have three .

During Your Event

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Getting Started

Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling

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Bible Focus: Against the GrainAbout 60 minutes

What You’ll Need Copies of the participant handout Pens Markers and chart paper or whiteboard space Bibles, at least one per group, or encourage participants to use their favorite Bible app on their smartphones

What You’ll DoForm groups of four to six men per group. Be on the lookout for participants who seem unconnected to others. Introduce them to someone they may not know and with whom they share personal, professional, or ministry commonalities. Do what you can to

Explain that the groups will have about 60 minutes to complete this activity. Ask that each group choose a discussion leader. Although he is not the “teacher,” this person will guide the group through the questions, keeping track of the time. Other group members carry responsibility for listening carefully to one another’s comments and adding thoughtful, helpful responsesthemselves.

for everyone’s attention; ask for insights, comments, or questions; and respond appropriately.

Prayer Time 15 minutes

up

A Time for Service 30 minutes

Discuss tomorrow’s hands-on outreach project:

Present your goals and expectations for the day: everyone will stay safe, enjoy the work, and get to know one another a bit better. Fully explain the project(s) your group will be doing. List the tools you need to get the job accomplished, if applicable. Note the names of people who volunteer to bring tools and equipment. Be sure all items are clearly labeled with the owner’s name or some other identifying mark. Clearly communicate the time and location where you’ll meet for a light breakfast and brief devotion in the morning. If lunch will be provided, explain the relevant details. Advise the men about appropriate gear. For example, wear work boots, a hat, sunglasses, and gloves; bring water; wear sunscreen. Post sign-up sheets detailing the individual steps necessary to complete the project and allow time for the men to sign up for the activities they want to do. (If some participants aren’t sure what job best matches their skill level, plan to partner them with more experienced workers.) Share contact information so participants know whom to call if they have additional questions.

Getting Started

Closing Worship and Prayer Time15 minutes

Read the Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling Ministry Message found in the Resource & Idea Center at www.CTAinc.com, or adapt the devotional content for your group and present it.

If a pastoral leader is present and is willing to speak a blessing over the group before you leave, by all means take advantage of this!

Remind everyone to grab an item or two from the table where you have displayed the Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling take-home items.

As participants leave, make sure everyone has a copy of the book Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling (#AGT19SC or #AGT19SCKJ) or book with a pen (#AGT19DGS or #AGT19DGSKJ). By sending this home with each participant, you will encourage the men who attend to pray for one another and for themselves day by day. As they spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, their love for Jesus and for their Christian brothers and sisters will deepen, as will their commitment to grow in service. Consider sending a second copy with participants, too, asking that they share it with a friend, brother, son, or neighbor.

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Getting Started

Against the Grain: Living Christ’s Calling

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Against the Grain: Living Christ’s CallingAbout 60 minutes

1. We tend to think of peer pressure as a challenge faced by teens and young people. However, adults experience it too. Describe the funniest or most foolish thing you’ve heard or seen someone do as a result of peer pressure. Avoid naming the individual(s) involved.

What pressures do you feel in your life currently (expectations or unwritten rules at work, at home, or in society)?

What are some ways to say no and walk away from the secular expectations of today’s culture and the pressure that tries to enforce these expectations?

2. �e reality of our Savior’s steadfast, courageous commitment to us goes against the grain of our expectations. God would want to save sinners like us? Really?! And he’d send his one and only Son to do it? Really!? Consider the Scripture passages below. Each recounts situations in which Jesus “went against the grain.” In what ways did he do that? Why did he do what he did? What do his actions show us about his commitment to his mission—and to us?

Luke 2:1–7

Matthew 3:13–17

John 2:13–22

John 11:1–44

Matthew 27:39–44

3. Revisit the passages from question two. Create two lists, together with your team. Title the �rst list: “What people thought Jesus should be or do.” Title the second list: “What Jesus actually was or did.” For example, some thought the Messiah should act like a lo�y king, but instead, Jesus came as a servant. Look back at your lists. How have people’s expectations changed—or not? What do people today expect of Jesus? How does this compare with who he actually is and what he actually does?

Continued...

Getting Started

For Discussion . . .

4. Read John 15:18–19. Wow—those words deliver a punch! Jesus promises his followers that living against the grain of society will earn us the hatred of the world—those around us who conform to society’s customs, values, and expectations.

Does the thought of being hated for Jesus’ sake give you pause? Explain.

Jesus is our chosen Savior—the One who came to live against the grain in order to save us. Why did the world hate Jesus while he walked this earth? Why do some still hate him today?

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This passage reminds us that we are not merely on an afternoon stroll as we walk through our lives here onearth. We have purpose! We are chosen! God has chosen us as his special people, sent into the world to deliver the Gospel message —to deliver it to a hurting, confused world. How could remembering this change how you live your day-to-day life at work? at home? in your community?

Sports teams draft the A+ players, but because of Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice, God chooses to field a team of former rebels. On our own, we are unqualified in every way. How is that encouraging? How does it remind you to rely on Jesus—not on yourself?

5. Living Christ’s calling is a tall order. Read 1 Peter 2:21–25. If a new Christian asked you, “How can I live Christ’s calling in my life?” how would you respond?

Reread verse 24. Peter puts things pretty simply here, using terms referring to death and life. Things are rarely as simple as Peter’s words when we live against the grain of society today. What makes this kind of death and life so challenging? What strength can you draw from the righteousness that Jesus’ won for you on the cross?

6. Living as a Christ-follower, going against the grain of the world, is the calling for every believer. Even so, following in Jesus’ footsteps can be a lonely journey. When are you most tempted to go with the grain of the world? to follow in the footsteps of would-be earthly kings?

What Christian mentors and brothers walk with you as you follow in Jesus’ steps? What guidance have they given you in the past? What support do you hope to have in the future?

Getting Started

For Discussion . . .

Wrapping UpAccording to the expectations of this world, kings live in castles and sinners are disposable. Why would God, the Creator of theuniverse, care about us? Because we are his chosen people! In love, our against-the-grain God sent us Jesus—our against-the-grainSavior. As Jesus hung to die upon that wooden cross, he defied expectations. And, when he rose again on the third day, he broughtforgiveness and life eternal to us—undeserved gifts from a King. And now, through faith, our calling is the same as that of our LordJesus—to defy expectations and smash standards. We love radically, forgive endlessly, and serve joyfully in Jesus’ name.

Before you conclude, take time to pray with and for each other—either in your small group or as you pair off to pray with oneprayer partner.

© 2019 CTA, Inc. www.CTAinc.com Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, but not for resale.

Against the Grain: Living Christ’s CallingGetting StartedBookmark 1 Peter 2:22–23; 1 Peter 2:24–25; and 1 Peter 2:21 in your Bible so you can find them quickly.

IntroductionAgainst the Grain. It’s a pet food, a rock band, a farm in Texas, a magazine, and a movie. Against the

rain is a bad way to shave and the perfect way to cut the meat for your next BBQ.

Against the grain. In general, when we use this term, we mean something like “out of the ordinary” or “counter to expectations” or “countercultural.” Often, “going against the grain” is challenging, difficult, or perhaps even dangerous.

Getting to the HeartAgainst the grain. Out of the ordinary. Unexpected.

Those terms surely describe Jesus’ saving work for us, don’t they? The apostle Peter describes our Lord in these words: (read 1 Peter 2:22–23 aloud from your Bible).

Jesus did not suffer for anything he had done. He had committed no sin, done no wrong. Even as he was ridiculed, beaten, and crucified, he patiently endured. Persistence and serenity like that calls for an explanation. “Why?” we ask. “Why did you do that, Jesus?”

Peter answers that question for us in 1 Peter 2:24–25. (Read 1 Peter 2:24–25 aloud from your Bible.)

We were straying, so Jesus came to search for us, to bring us home to the Father. We were stained through and through by sin, so Jesus died in our place that we would be cleansed. Our rebellion and misplaced priorities had made us sick. The death penalty was ours. The Bible warns that we deserve death because of our sin (Romans 6:23). So Jesus, by his suffering and death, brought us healing and life! Eternal life!

Can you think of anything more out of the ordinary? more contrary to expectations? The sinless Son of God dies for his sinful human creatures! Dies for you and for me! It went totally against the grain. In fact, it is so unexpected as to be nearly unbelievable. But it’s true! It’s all true! You can believe it.

The Holy Spirit calls us to faith. He gives us that faith as a gift. And when we believe, we follow. Like our Savior, we live extraordinary lives. We live contrary to expectations. We think and speak and act against the grain. Peter tells us: (read 1 Peter 2:21 aloud from your Bible).

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What does an against-the-grain life look like? That depends on where you find yourself in life.

For example, if you’re a dad, you are called to pray for your children. You’re called to love your wife. You’re called to serve your family. You’re called to go out of your way to do what is best for them, even when you’re tired, even when you’d rather not, even when it’s inconvenient.

If you’re a grandfather, you are called to pray for your children and grandchildren. You’re called to speak and act with patience. You’re called to live a godly life, a life of faith and self-sacrificial love, a life of obedience to God’s commands.

If you’re a brother or teacher or coach or uncle, you are called to pray for your family. You’re called to do what is best for those in your class, on your team, or in your family. Even when it’s a bother, even when you’d rather be somewhere else, even when there’s nothing in it for you—even then, you’re called to speak and act in love and faith.

As the forgiven children of God, brothers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live our lives against the grain. Our lives are extraordinary, contrary to expectations, unusually to the extreme!

To personalize Paul’s words: We’ve been called to these things because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example so that we might follow his steps! What a blessing! What an honor!

Taking It HomeIf you’re using this for Father’s Day: Today we honor the dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, coaches, teachers, and all the men of God who worship and serve in this church. Thank you for ALL you do, in Christlike love, for all of us. Your lives are lived against the grain! We’ve noticed! And we are thankful for it.

As you leave today, you will each receive (name the item you intend to distribute). I pray that it will remind you of our Savior’s sacrifice for you, of the forgiveness and eternal life he won for you. And I pray that this reminder will encourage and strengthen you to live out to an even greater extent the faithful, extraordinary lives to which Jesus calls you.

If you’re using this for retreats and other settings: While I have opportunity here today, let me thank each one of you for all you do, in Christlike love, for your families, communities, and church. Your lives are lived against the grain! Many people have noticed! And we are thankful for it—and for you!

As you leave today, you will each receive (name the item you intend to distribute). I pray that it will remind you of our Savior’s sacrifice for you, of the forgiveness and eternal life he won for you. And I pray that this reminder will encourage and strengthen you to live out to an even greater extent the faithful, extraordinary lives to which Jesus calls you.

© 2019 CTA, Inc. www.CTAinc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, but not for resale.

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