The purpose of LIFEBUILDERS MEN’S FELLOWSHIP is to bring men together so that they may be accountable to each other, develop leadership skills, become mentors to young men in the church, and reach out to unchurched men. Furthermore, LIFEBUILDERS is involved in local service projects.

Our desire is to be a group where men learn to demonstrate God's love by utilizing their skills, talents and spiritual gifts to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We also provide assistance to men in the following areas:

• developing an effective prayer life,
• providing spiritual outreach,
• promote Christian business ethics,
• develop responsible Christian citizenship, and
• service for the welfare of the community.

"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." 1 Peter 5:2

"Neither as being Lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3

The title of my first effort here, aside from being poor English, is a quote from the late Patrick Swayze from the film "Roadhouse". Patrick plays a character named Dalton who is the preeminent "cooler" (pretty much equal to a "bouncer" in a bar only more violent) in the country and is hired to clean up a particularly nasty group of thugs plaguing a small town.

Injuries are a part of the daily routine to the extent that Dalton actually stitches himself up after the nightly brawls. This brings quite a surprise to the local (female) doctor when she examines him after a very rough night. When questioned about it, Dalton replies that "Pain don't hurt." Well, that type of swaggering machismo might serve one well in this film setting but what repercussions does it bring in the real world?

From the time young boys are taught their earliest lessons regarding male behavior it is ingrained in them that they are to be tough, strong, emotionally detached, self sufficient, and proud of it. Emotions equal weakness and weakness is unmanly and unacceptable. We are able to overcome all obstacles in our way and without the help or support of anyone or anything. We are so unwilling to even appear weak or confused that we won't even ask for directions when we clearly have no idea where we are or which way we are headed. That, my brothers, is the problem!

When we hit obstacles in our spiritual lives we aren't equipped to handle them. We don't want to be weak enough to admit we need a savior but it's true. When we are lost spiritually, just as when we are lost on the road, we don't dare ask for help. We may not know which way to go but heaven forbid that we turn to someone for direction. Prayer is our lifeline but would a brother dare toss that lifeline? You can't shame a brother by suggesting that you are there to help him, can you? He couldn't consider admitting that he needs your prayers (or anything else), could he? You couldn't share a real "God moment" together in fear that a tear might be shed, right?

So, the ladies have needs and when one of them goes to the altar the rest flock around her and attack that situation like there is no tomorrow. They pray together and they overcome together as God intended. Meanwhile, two men pass each other in the back rows of the church, both heavy laden with personal burdens that they are struggling to carry. Their eyes meet. One lightly punches the other in the bicep saying, "Everything good with you?" The other replies "Yeah, great" as he slaps him on the back. That, folks, is how men handle their problems. We don't overcome alone and we are afraid to ask for the help we need, but we sure are macho! Pain don't hurt, or does it?