On the Summit’s Horizon: Healing and Harmony Men’s Gathering
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
“I had a great time with other brothers of faith. Listening to testimonies that “lifted my spirit,” said Rev. Madison Harris, Associate Minister at Greater Mount Ararat Baptist Church.
Nygel Simms, Local Youth Leader, Minister and Community Organizer shared, “I am proud of our leadership team and our sponsors: Lasting Change, Lifeway Bible Church, New Covenant Worship Center and Ruoff Mortgage for cultivating an environment where men openly confronted their life challenges.
“We equipped the attendees with God’s word, engaged them in prayer and provided resources to help them navigate their struggles and reach their goals. On-site mental health therapists were available for immediate support and guidance.”
Dr. Joel Tudman of Dallas, Texas who is an associate pastor at The Potter’s House and author of Listen, Learn, Love, Speak; A Guide to Communicating Openly facilitated a workshop that evolved in to worship on Saturday, May 25 at New Covenant Worship Center where Pastor Luther Whitfield is the founder and visionary of the multicultural ministry.
The gathering reflected a variety of age groups and ethnicities. The Praise Team lead by New Covenant’s Young Adult Pastor, Cliff Latham sung Gospel Artist, Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s Break Every Chain and the chains fell as the men shared personal testimonies that lead to deliverance.
Tudman shares that he “went against the grain” seeking mental health. He shared his own testimony of growing up with anger issues and needing therapy. According to a Dallas WFAA Channel 8 (ABC Affiliate) interview Tudman attempted suicide by taking 20 Aleve pills. “I didn’t want to die, I just wanted someone to talk to me and tell me they loved me.” Tudman shared that faith and therapy are not mutually exclusive. The messaging across the pulpit must change. Regular conversation makes a man feel like he can talk to you.
Tudman encouraged the men to create groups that tell the truth. “Community is the best form of coping for men.” Tudman used John 16:31-17:1 as a scriptural text to assist men in times of crisis. “Everything you are going through that you can’t stand is glory. You’ve got to go through the glory which affects all of us regardless of race,” said Tudman.
Mark Buchanan, program director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana and clergy at Latter Rain Ministries in Fort Wayne shared a powerful testimony where he was inspired to contact his sister whom he had only spoken to once in the last 22 years. “After having some anxiety about her response and revisiting the past trauma of our relationship, I was delighted that she responded positively and we had a therapeutic conversation. I thank God for his grace and look forward to rebuilding my relationship with my sister and the healing that it will bring to both of us, as well as our marriages.”
“As men we can be closed off and try to deal with everything ourselves. I have seen the destructive power of men trying to handle life on their own and not seeking the wise counsel of a discipleship relationship or do it superficially,” said Buchanan.
“The significance of this gathering underscored a growing concern: nearly one in three men experience loneliness regularly. Our mission was to address this silent struggle by fostering harmony and healing, ensuring that every man in the room knew he didn’t have to face any challenges alone.” said, Simms.
“It is important for men to build meaningful relationships and have meaningful conversations with each other. Meaningful conversations are conversations of transparency and topics of struggle and victory. I have been the recipient of impactful relationships throughout my walk. I have had times when I have been closed off and it has proven to be problematic.”
Tudman left the men with these powerful words of wisdom: “A willingness to be weak and vulnerable so we can be lifted. If you don’t tell the story, they will never see the glory.”
June is Men’s Mental Health Month. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, men suffering from mental illnesses are less likely to receive mental health treatment or diagnosis, and part of this is due to the stigma about a man speaking out about it, deeming it as a weakness. (Columbus Dispatch, June 7, 2024, Muhammad, Mariyam)
• The ADAA identifies the following as signs that a male may be struggling:
• Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or on sports
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems and pain
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• Controlling, violent, or abusive behavior
• Anger, irritability, aggressiveness or inappropriate anger
• Risky behavior, such as reckless driving
• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge.