Camp Christian Conference Center

The Theme "Becoming Real Men for Jesus" along with some interesting film clips from Forest Gump, Harry Potter and Mr. Holland's Opus  provided the framework for both Keynote speaker Rev. Dean Phelps program and much interesting discussion at the 2010 Men's retreat.  The 2010 retreat was again held at Camp Christian Conference Center and the 36 participants from all over Georgia were greeted this year by warm and clear weather on Friday and Saturday.

Keynote: Rev. Dean Phelps is no stranger to Georgia Disciples Men. He began attending men's retreats more than 20 years ago after becoming a Disciple at First Christian Church in Marietta. He continued to participate in retreats while attending seminary at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, serving at Cherry Log Christian Church and Community Christian Church in Fayetteville, and serving on the staff of the Christian Church in Georgia as Director of Church Development. Since moving to Indianapolis in 2005, Dean has served as Minister for Church Multiplication for the Indiana Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In addition to his work with new congregations and church planters, Dean serves as the staff resource to the Indiana Men's Commission and works with communications, technology and stewardship. Music has always been a vital part of Dean's life and ministry, a gift he has shared at previous retreats and with many Georgia congregations. As a guitarist and vocalist, he performs around Indiana and the Midwest and has recorded and released three full-length CDs: Going Over Home (1997), This Old House (2006) and Give Us a Song (2008).  Learn more about Dean and his music at www.deanphelpsmusic.com

In his Keynote addresses, Rev. Phelps broke the Theme down into it's key words.  In the first session he used scripture to highlight how the young King David was "Becoming" a man and pointed out that God is always with us on that journey of becoming.  In the second Session, Dean talked about what it means to be "Real Men" using clips from the movie Harry Potter and scripture from Exodus, Isaiah and Jeremiah to talk about the choices men make in life.  The third session used 1 Samuel to ask "who were the positive role models in your life".  The fourth session focused on "for Jesus", using clips from Mr. Holland's Opus to focus on how we, as men, touch the lives of others.  It was an outstanding series of keynotes and left all those in attendance with much to consider as they Become Real Men for Jesus.

Of course the retreat was not without the usual inspired singing of hymns led by Bob Grant.  Devotions, Vespers and Sunday Worship provided the spiritual framework for the weekend.  Devotions were led by various men including Medie Still, Joe Austin, Joe Kerns and 2009 Layman of the Year Dan Anderson.

Saturday's Business session included an update on Camp Christian and other regional business by Rev. Michael Weeks.

The food, as usual at Camp Christian, was excellent in both quantity and quality!  Breakfast with fresh baked biscuits, grits, bacon or sausage and more just starts the day off right!  Included over the weekend were an Ice Cream Social on Friday night with  sugar cookies in the shape of the chalice baked by Mary Grant and hot chocolate with more cookies on Saturday night.  And the coffee is always hot.

During Saturday Afternoon free time, the men engaged in a wide range of activities.  Some performed service projects around camp, some went sightseeing in nearby towns (The Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing in Macon), some fished, hiked or enjoyed reading scripture in the outdoor chapels.

Next year, Georgia Disciple Men plan to return to Christmount Christian Assembly in N.C. for another great gathering.

To see all the photos of the 2010 Men's Retreat visit The Photo Gallery.