Men's Bible Class
Training men to serve the Lord in a public way is what the Cedar Springs Church of Christ strive to accomplish. God has placed the responsibility of leadership on the man.The men's Bible class prepares men to be leaders in the church, in the home and in the community. Its also encourages men to be elders and deacons according to the qualifications outlined in (1 Tim 3:1ff )and (Titus 1:5ff).
Leaders in the Church
Leaders are not born, they are made. When we think of Moses, he was not born a leader. There were several qualities, of leadership, that Moses lacked (Exodus 3, 4). Through proper training and submission, to God's word, he became one of God's most dedicated and faithful servants. We must properly prepare men, for the work which requires standing firm, in sound doctrine. It takes a man, to acquire, both knowledge and courage, to do that. The leadership is not a place, for the timid or those who are unsure of the authority of God's Word. The Lord's church needs strong leaders whom are governed, only, by the word of God. The work of the church leader can be difficult, at times, and it is important that we have men, in leadership who recognize what their responsibilities consists of and how they are, to perform their tasks. This class tutor men, to know, teach, and stand, for the truth, at all cost!
Men must be properly trained, to work, for the Lord's church. The men's Bible class train and teach men, to lead sacred hymns, public prayers, scripture reading and how, to administer the Lord's Table, with confidence. Also, this class instructs men, to prepare and present lessons before the congregation, thus enhancing public speaking skills, which will carry over, in the secular realm.
Leaders in the Home
Too many men have failed, in living up to their God given responsibilities, in the home. Leadership, of the man, is lacking in the majority of homes, in our society. We can see the results in our world today. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Tim 5:8). Many women are forced, to take the role, of the man and woman, in the home. If men offer correct leadership, in the home, most women would not be grieved, by their roles, as wives and mothers. It is the man's sole function, to provide, for his family. God will ultimately hold the man responsible, in the end, at the judgment.
Men must accelerate and take the challenge, of being a spiritual leader, in his home. Men are, according to God’s holy and divine word, selected as headship, of the family and must love their wives (Eph 5:25) and rear their children according the scripture (Eph 6:4). He is not to be a dictator, in the home, but he is to be a leader. His leadership must consist of leading his family both physically and spiritually. Fathers will not know all the answers but the family must believe that he is a capable student, of the scriptures, and one who seeks spiritual wisdom.
Unfortunately, too many men have passed off their family’s spiritual development to the church. While society is watching men neglect their responsibilities, God is looking for men who will take the leadership, in their homes. God is looking for men who love their families and who are willing to place the needs, of their families, over themselves. He wants men who will do more than just deliver a paycheck. Most men have never been taught what it takes, to guide a family, according to scripture. This class aspires and functions, to teach men, to be men!
Leaders in the community
The Men's training class encourages men to be leaders in the community, whether it's on the job, in school, or in residential area. This is accomplished by carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:1-4) to a lost and dying world. Jesus instructed his apostles, “to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. But he that believeth not shall be condemned (Mk 16:15, 16). We must not only carry this gospel to the lost, but we have to live this gospel day by day.
This class teaches men, to be examples of Bible teaching and having a positive influence on others. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold" (Pro 22:1). Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing and it is something we should strive for. Gideon became known as Jerubbaal (let Baal contend) and became known for his fight against the false god Baal (Judges 6:25-32), therefore, spiritual leaders should be known for their Christian conviction.
Also (3Jn 12)