An encounter with Moses was experienced September 25-27 by 28 Ardmore men as we went up the mountain and retreated at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. To our knowledge, this was the first men’s retreat in a long time (if ever) at Ardmore. We’re aware of deacon retreats that were just men a generation ago (fortunately we have women serving as deacons now). And there were men’s golf trips that took place years ago, but not as a spiritual retreat/experience. Thanks to Pastor Tankersley for sparking a movement over a year ago to get men back together in breakfast meetings and also suggesting a retreat for this fall.
Echoing what others said, one of the group wrote:
“My time at the men’s retreat was relaxing and rejuvenating both physically and spiritually. The retreat center in Blowing Rock was the perfect setting for this, and the camaraderie was amazing. Rev. Patrick led us fearlessly in his messages, and the impromptu sharing of struggles and praises from the rest of the guys made the retreat even more meaningful. I will continue to deepen my friendships with lots of the guys and depend on many of them for spiritual support and growth. When others shared about things that we all struggle with, it felt as though the fog of isolation lifted and we can see our fellow “soldiers” in Christ and know we are not alone; we have an instant brotherhood!”
So what about this encounter with Moses? This happened through the direction of our spiritual retreat leader, Patrick Tankersley who guided us to a study of Moses. More specifically, a look at Moses’ calling late in his life as an outcast, criminal and old man, called to do the will and the work of God despite his misgivings.
To borrow some lines from Ken Medemas song “Moses”
(Using the rod that Moses carried and God transformed into a snake then back into a rod:)
“With the rod of God, you can …
“Strike the rock and the water will come”
Perhaps this speaks to our reaching out on faith and forming a men’s group and retreat – the rock was struck and what followed was 28 men faithfully attending and receiving much spiritual food and water.
“Part the waters of the sea”
This retreat has the chance to open a new pathway for our men – as Patrick said, “now we’re not just guys that pass each other in the church lobby – we know each other!”
“Strike old Pharaoh dead”
If we honor the relationships and the commitments made, we have the opportunity to work together to bury some of the struggles that we, as men, often face alone. And if we can’t conquer those obstacles, at least we have the chance to fight together!
“Set the people free.”
We have a chance to be men free to be ourselves – not trying to be exclusive of women or others but recognizing that bonding as men makes us better husbands, partners, fathers, grandfathers, friends, etc.
Steve Bissette and Tyler Gallaher
