Men Under Construction: successful retreat marks major stride in revamping KYTN’s men’s ministries

In an effort to strengthen and centralize men’s ministry for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN), lay men and pastors stepped up to plan the first conference-wide men’s retreat in years. From October 27 to October 29, more than 50 KYTN men came together to Indian Creek Camp (ICC) for the retreat, "Men Under Construction."

For years, many local churches have had their own lay-led men's ministries, but since COVID-19 there had been no conference-wide events for men. However, an impromptu men's retreat occurred this past March 31 to April 2, attracting 35 attendees. Marty Miller, president for the Ooltewah-based ministry, Blueprint for Men, was the guest speaker.

“When the Elder’s Retreat was cancelled this year, that opened up a weekend at ICC,” said pastor Marius Serban, of the Middletown District. “[Miller] was supposed to be a guest speaker at the Centerville Church, but we asked him if he could come to ICC instead.”

At the impromptu retreat, Serban saw the necessity to provide spiritual support for men and stepped forward, volunteering to lead as the Men's Ministry Coordinator for the conference. According to Serban, the goal is not only to strengthen the faith of individual men but to provide them with the tools and inspiration needed to take on leadership roles within their respective churches and communities.

“I think it's important to have strong men in our conference,” Serban said. “What I mean by this is that we need to have good men in our churches and communities, and to have strong fathers and husbands who will be loving leaders.”

The "Men Under Construction" retreat, in line with the Blueprint for Men's strategy, focused on personal growth, development, and embracing God's plans. 

With the success of the retreat, the KYTN’s Men’s Ministry aims to establish annual, if not bi-annual, men's retreats. Serban adds that they also want to provide continuous pastoral support as well as professional counseling to help men navigate the challenges of their spiritual journeys and personal lives. One of the main long-term goals is to ensure that every church, regardless of its size, has a thriving men's ministry that positively impacts the lives of its members.

“We want a program where men can get together, network together, pray together and support each other,” Serban said. “The goal is that no men will be left behind. Every man has the opportunity to be empowered in their faith and become a pillar of strength for those around them.”