Iron Clad

The Mission Statement (under construction)

2007-02-25T21:05:00.000-05:00

We are a group of men devoted to three key, biblical principles to avoid stagnation and pursue fullness of life in Christ:

Accountability:
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17).
We support, encourage, and confront each other.

Fellowship:
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themsevles. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
* Round table
* No head, no foot
* Thick & thin, united purpose
* Staple for life
* Atmosphere of openness
* No judgment

Spirtual Growth:
"For where two or three come together in y name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).
Our work is not finished at the end of the meeting. The group is not confined to the time we meet. We battle for the abundance of life for each other through friendship, prayer, and ministry.

Membership

2006-10-08T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hey Fellas!

Well, it's been a while. We're at the point in the year when we offer the opportunity to walk away from this group (other committments) or to enter (making a new committment). Please feel free to contact guys involved if you would like to be a part of Iron Clad. We look forward to seeing you.

Long Time - Current Discussion

2006-05-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

Hey Fellas,

Can you believe it has been almost three years that this group has been in functioning? Most of the faces have changed, but we still have a couple who were there from the beginning. In any case, there are now several strongly planted guys in this group, and we are growing through it. It is exciting.

Here is the discussion that we are currently going through - it was supposed to be on this site about a month ago, but it is here now. We each responded to question one last week, so I'm guessing it may be a while that we are on this.

Discussion:

1. Where do you need God to meet you? In your life, what must you give up to God?
2. Joy: what is it? "...the joy of the Lord is my strength..." What is it to you, what is it to God, if it's different, why?
3. Faith: we discussed a few meetings ago that this leads to safety and trust.
4. How will your life look if you are full with joy? Will there be a change?
5. What battle can be fought for your joy (WTD)? What can we do for one another? What must you do to face the enemy (armor of God)?

It's a thick topic; just remember your answer to number one, so we can continue to discuss everything. O, and we covered number three a few weeks ago - it was sort of informally covered, but covered none-the-less.

Shalome!

2006-04-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

This Week

Hey Fellas,

Unless C.S. gives you a call, the meeting is the usual place, at the usual time: Starbucks (i.e. heavenly coffee place). With all the recent matters that seem to be coming to the surface with so many of our brothers and sisters, I think it is an important meeting to make. The tentative topic will be spiritual warfare/attack (i.e. battle).

We began this group more than two years ago for the purpose of living as men who will battle beside one another in prayer, purpose, integrity, and ministry. We said that this year we wanted to grow as an accountability group, and we wanted to begin to trust the prayerful support of one another.

I can say that I pray for my brothers and sisters daily. I know I have felt your prayers. And now, we all seem to be experiencing a similar circumstance in life. We must be doing something right to face such opposition. We must be giving glory to God, because the enemy is seriously taking notice of us. We have moved from a place of stagnancy, to refreshment, and now to contention (soon we shall receive a new anointing – a filling).

Ironically, this is all part of the process of renewal (think wine skin). It seems that we are experiencing this process as a local portion of the Body of Christ. This is good news! Let's pray that these thorns in our side bless our Creator, and let's give Him glory!

~Shalome!

2006-03-01T18:06:00.000-05:00

Last Minute Notice R-Us

Well, as you have noticed, it is Wednesday March 1, and tomorrow is Thursday, March 2 (the first Thursday of March). So, we will all see each other VERY SOON - hint, hint, cough, cough. I sure could go for some Starbucks coffee soon :)

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The previous was not (hint, hint, cough, cough) a reminder about the Iron Clad meeting Thursday, March 2, 2006.

2006-02-13T08:46:00.000-05:00

Prayer Requests

Well, our meeting is this Thursday, but there are some pressing matters that call for our prayers. First, Jason went to the ER for an issue with his throat; so he needs prayer for quick and effective healing. Second, Curt will be in Court on the 15th, and obviously court is NOT fun; he will need our prayers to effectively serve the Lord in spite of anxiety/fear. I'm sure there are more prayer requests, in addition to those of last week, so feel free to post any prayer requests you have.

2006-02-05T15:28:00.000-05:00

From One Meeting to the Next

Well, we had a great meeting on Thursday. Four of us showed, Starbucks coffee flowed, and our discussion ranged from Jeremiah to Job (Goal 4) to ninja-octopi (Goal 5... loosely). God's spirit was with us, and it was very encouraging to have fellowship, prayer, and discussion in such a public place without the faintest hindrance of the fear of man. It seemed like home away from home. And several people in the coffee house were listening intently to us, at times, but it seemed to hinder neither the Spirit nor our fellowship.

Looking forward and connecting last week's discussion, I think there is a lot to Chet Fahrmeier's teaching today (WorldView). It reminded me of The armor of God (specifically the cleats of readiness). Would anyone object to looking into Ephesians next week? Please bring on any scripture that jumps at you on that topic (Dissapointment and Discouragement vs. Eternal Perspective and The Next Generation).

Well, same time, same place, and same purpose, but on Thursday, February 16...

...Shalome!

2006-01-30T17:12:00.000-05:00

Meeting This Week

Hey fellas,

Just a quick note to say that we meet this Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Starbucks in North Olmsted. It will be great to get together again!

Shalome!

2006-01-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

A New Year, A New Season

Well, there was a lot discussed in our last meeting - so here it goes.

1. The meeting location is changing to Starbucks in North Olmsted.
2. The "official" meeting time will change to the first and third Thursday of every month, and the meeting will last from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (a list of dates can be found below the goals).
3. Meetings are still open to anyone interested in attending, but make sure to contact someone to make sure we are meeting at the default location; we are planning to have a lot of variety in meetings (locations, topics, activities, etc.).
4. We decided that we want to see the following results from the group this year, and we have established goals to reach them.

Goal 1: More frequent contact
A. meet more than 20 times this year
B. Random phone calls (call at least one person weekly)
Outcome: Accountability: We will see results in our influence on others for God and in personal growth (specifically in personal resolutions).

Goal 2: Be willing to stop the meeting for prayer needs
* Review/asses at the end of the year
Outcome: Prayer: praying together, personal growth in prayer, increased prayer, increased independent prayer, increase in the prophetic

Goal 3: Make four field trips/service projects for the year
* assess quarterly
Outcome: Application: after talking about topics, so something to act on the discussion (ex. Topic: Evangelism --> apply by evangelizing)

Goal 4: Specific Curriculum:
1 book from the Bible
1 meeting on a focused word study
1 meeting on a specific Biblical topic
* review/assess quarterly
Outcome: Reading and Growing in Knowledge of the Bible: incorporation of Biblical truth in meetings, and growth in knowledge of the word, growth in independent study, growth in meditation on the word (the prophetic)

Goal 5: Remain Current:
2 meetings on high interest topics (ex. Apologetics, current events, Biblical science/geography questions)
* review/assess at the end of the year
Outcome: Interesting Discussions to Provide Variety and Critical Thinking: By incorporating current events we also are sure to be in the world (wise about it).

DATES to mark on your calendar:

Thursday, February 2, 2006

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Thursday, April 6, 2006

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Thursday, May 18, 2006

...and so on - every 1st and 3rd thursday of the month.

2006-01-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

Important Meeting - Saturday, January 21, 2006

Hey fellas,

It is a new year, a new season, and time for us to sit down and renew committments and directions for the time to come. We will be meeting at Applebees in North Olmsted at 7:00 PM. Please let me know in advance that you are coming as I will need to call to reserve space. Please bring a pen, I'll supply everything else we need.

Shalome!
~mike

2005-11-12T23:03:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note:

Saturday, November 19, 2005 is our next meeting. Same location (unless we decide to switch it to the coffee house last minute again...lol.

We really seemed to have a great meeting last time; not a huge turn out, but Curt, Jason, and I connected and had some provoking conversation. Again, this men's group is open to anyone who is interested in accountability, scripture study, discussion of real-life issues, and growth.

Also, an important point for discussion:

In December we have two scheduled meetings: Saturday December 3rd and 17th. Should we cancel the meeting on the 17th, as it is so close to Christmas? I won't be in town that weekend, so I leave it up to the rest of you to decide if you want to get together.

2005-11-06T02:23:00.000-05:00

What Is Permissible vs. What is Beneficial II

[This is a comment left on a previous post (What is Permissible vs. What is Beneficial) that I thought should be seen by all. I've slightly modified it by editing structure but not wording and highlighting ideas I saw as central. Feel free to look at the origninal post if you wish to read it before the modifications.]

Curt said:
"Sorry folks. . . I don't normally jump into these things, but I have have a strange feeling radiating from my big toe that says I need to post. :) (could be the Holy Ghost. . . so here she goes.) I think that this topic is a prime example of how following a Christian religion can get in the way of walking alongside a loving Jesus. Plainly put, it's the difference between following the Letter of the Law like those under the old covenant and following the Spirit of the Law under the New covenant. I agree with everyone who stated previously that it's an issue of the heart, and the heart is judged by God alone, and can only be discerned through the power of the Holy Spirit, not by some systematic Christian system of checks and balances known as the Letter of the Law.

And for those of you who stated it's hinged upon the Scripture I agree with you as well. In fact, I'd challenge everyone on this blog to grab yourself a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (and a glass of wine, coffee, tea or grape juice, depending personal motives for doing so at the time :). . . ) and look up every scripture in the Bible that includes the words "strong drink, wine, drunkenness, fruit of the vine, etc." (It will take about and hour of your time) Make 3 columns on a piece of paper labeled "To Drink", "Not to Drink", and "Sometimes yes, sometimes no". (Yes, I've done this. . . thanks to personal doubt, and Christians who try to push religion on me instead of helping me see Jesus.) Interestingly, what you will find, is that all three of your columns will be about equally filled.

The only thing that is clear in Scripture is that "drunkenness" is not good and can lead to more sin. The rest is an issue of motive, not an issue of action. If this weren't the case then, I think it would be safe to assume that Jesus's first miracle would have been the "turning of water into Welch's", for FEAR that someone in the wedding party might get drunk and cause a raucous while He was trying to explain how much God loved them.

Perhaps, if alcohol is the root of the issue, then we should be convicted for taking cough syrup, because "even moderation might cause a young believer to stumble". Perhaps Jesus should have asked more politely for the money changers to leave the temple, for FEAR that any angry outburst might cause young believers to believe that all anger is okay regardless of motive. Perhaps Christians should give up eating all meat, because their are some Christians out there who refrain from eating meat because of the fact that it is so rare to find domestic livestock being treated ethically. . . we shouldn't cause them to stumble either right? The bottom line there is still a fleshly need within the Christians to follow a religion of human principles, bathed in legalism. And sadly, the world sees it, and decides that they don't want anything to do with Jesus, because they don't want anything to do with legalism and a human doctrine.

I can't say that I blame them. On a side note, We've forgotten that the first person to introduce grape juice in communion was John Wesley early in his ministry in Bristol, England. Why? Because his ministry was to a city that had one of the highest rates of alcoholism at the time in all of England. Up until that point wine was served in every church, regardless of denomination. It all comes down to motive. . .

The times in my life when I've had to much and been a bad witness. . . yes, of course, the Spirit let me know I was in the wrong. When I've raised a glass to kill pain, without caring at all about young believers and alcoholics, of course I've been convicted. However the many times I've been in edifying conversations about Jesus with believers and non-believers alike over a pint of Guinness in a pub. . . funny. . . no conviction at all. Ironically, my motives at those time were different also. Not to mention. . . the few times when I got to witness a non-believer find out that Jesus paid the penalty for everything they've ever done wrong. Does that wonderful moment gain or lose any significance in God's eyes whether there is a pint in my hand or not? The Bottom line is. . . to walk as if by following rules and "Christian" principles alone, we are somehow more pleasing to God is to trample His grace under foot, and to put oneself back under the old Law, given to prove our inability to be righteous in the first place. Rather, I choose to follow "His still small voice" rather than rules. . . a terrifying concept for those who follow a religion.

My name is Curt, and I currently attend Worldview Community Church in Cleveland. . . I'm not posting this anonymously, because I'm not afraid. . . and I too am imperfect. . . and in love with His Spirit and His Grace. Things that are "beneficial" produce good fruit.* Who are we to criticize produce, regardless whether the tree is domestic or wild. . . . and all the country folk said Amen!!! Jesus was a friend of who? sinners? Every Christian should ask themselves this question? Are sinners attracted to the Jesus in me like they were attracted to the Jesus that walked the earth in the first century? If they aren't, then something in me has to change. . . maybe my religion. Think about it. Love ya all. "

[In case you are not familiar with it, I just wanted to note that the reference to "good fruit," comes from the concept of the "Fruit of the Spirit," but also the concept of "good fruit" in this case deals with later results of our actions (if I plant a seed, will I later get a tree full of apples or nothing?)]

2005-10-31T19:34:00.000-05:00

Meeting this Saturday! (11-5-05)

Well, it is coming up fast, so this post is a reminder about the meeting this Saturday. As always, feel free to post prayer requests and topics that you would like to discuss on this blog. We will be taking a look at the most recent chapters of Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. It is amazing how simple things really are so out of wack in my life, and I am interested in hearing about how the book is influencing others. I hope to make the time I spend matter, and I really like the perspective the book gives.

Well, I will look forward to meeting you gentlemen on Saturday!

2005-10-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

Gilly - Prayers Will Be Answered!

A recent visitor, Gilly, has made an important point that I thought it would be a shame to ignore. This post is for you Gilly:

I think it is very interesting, as you point out Gilly, that there are many people who misrepresent Christianity. It is almost as if the word "Christian" creates a painful ringing in our ears. "Christian" today might mean any of the following: the priest who raped you, the man in the subway who tells you you are going to hell, the church leader who sees you as a number and a checkbook, the person who is sleeping with your spouse, that guy at work who always complains and puts people down but never backs up his words with his own actions, etc.

Those who are doing their best to follow and live in Christ's example are really not represented well with the title "Christian" anymore. This is not to say the guys who are involved with this group are perfect, but we certainly don't pretend to be something that we are not, either. I personally (~mike speaking) have a lot lacking in my personal life: I don't give my wife the attention she deserves, I lie and swear at times, I am not at the place where God is my number one focus, every day... but God is real in my life.

Gilly, I can only ask those who are involved with commenting on this blog to pray for your situation. I believe, 100%, with all of my heart, that God is faithful to those who honestly seek him. He will bless you, if we pray. If you join us in prayer, I can tell you without the shadow of a doubt that he will deliver your relief - financially, emotionally, or in any way you are in need. He has created miracles in my life, and in the lives of others that I know and love.

Gilly, will you please let us know your specific prayer needs, and give us updates as God answers them?

2005-10-02T17:25:00.000-05:00

Waking the Dead

Well, most of the men involved with this group are reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge, already. This group is not scheduled to take on another book until November, but it is logical that, since we are reading the book, we begin to discuss the principles within the book. We should not pick up books just for the sake of the fuzzy feeling, they should be to change us. So, let's make this our focus for Iron Clad.

First Chapter:
Jesus promised us LIFE, and life to the full. We must fight for life.

Second Chapter:
Three important Principles:
1. Things are not what they seem
2. We are at war
3. Our role is to give God glory

Third Chapter:
It's all about the heart. The analogy is to the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz (specifically the book). We know the Tin man has sacrificed his humnity (his heart) in order to be efficient, thus giving up his ability to love. He, therefore, will ask the Wizard for a heart.

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Please comment as you will on any of the above chapters/topics.

2005-09-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Nature vs. Nurture

Well, you may have heard something of this debate in a psychology class or science class. However, let's bring it into the Church. We have discussed our environment, in terms of the media - the influence that the popular culture has on our mindsets. The way we think and act is heavily nurtured, by culture, to be self-centered, materialistic, jaded, etc... Now, we must look through the opposite end of the microscope:

If our mindsets are not what popular culture dictates, then what are we supposed to base our decisions on? How are we supposed to think? What qualifies a man as a man and a woman as a woman?

Obviously "the Bible" is the textbook, right answer. However, there is more to it than this simple answer. What does the Bible actually say? We are not just in the circumstance of having behavioral problems that we need to correct. We have fatal flaws in our nature that must be healed over time and were already justified by Christ's death. So, what do we do now?

Four points of interest with this subject:

1. We were created as beings in the IMAGE OF GOD! - what does this mean?
2. We are supposed to be living dead before salvation, if we accept that salvation is new life. - say what?
3. We need other Christians to live as the Bible dictates. - why can't we do it alone?
4. There is always new life in Christ. - so do you continually go back to the living dead and get re-saved? when do we know that we are at "the place" we are supposed to be at? What level is good enough?

2005-09-17T23:31:00.000-05:00

Well, as the topics are fresh in my mind, here is the account of the evening:

We shared food and drink, discussed present life blessings and crises, requested prayer for various reasons, and shared our views on God, His works, and temptations we are facing.

I would not call it a night of sin, although the meeting took place in a bar. And Jacob's Field had a fireworks show after the game - a bonus - this shot shows the way you can see it through the window of Flannery's!

2005-09-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

Reminder for SATURDAY!!!

Don't forget, Flannery's this Saturday - 7:30 PM sharp.

We'll be near the door to begin with, but we'll make our way to some section of the pub where there are sort of walled in tables - as Curt discribed.

If you wish to cover any particular topics, feel free to share your opinion in the blog.

We will be transitioning to a book in November - so any suggestions for books are also welcome. Last time we went through The Purpose Driven Life, but the expectation was to read outside of the group. This time, since we have three months to cover one book, I am thinking that we will even read portions of the book in the meeting. This way, we are all (literally) on the same page.

2005-09-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

What is Permissible vs. What is Beneficial

Well, we have hit the subject in our little chat about sin and freedom, in a roundabout way. Since we are saved by Christ's blood, everything is permissible (Paul talks about everything from NOT getting circumsized to eating meat sacrificed to idols - today that would include hanging out at bars like Jesus hung out with Matthew and his pals). Then there is the flip side - not everything is beneficial.

If it comes down to the fact that we won't go to hell for going to a bar (it is permissible), this may encourage some to hit bars regularly (as this group will do next Saturday). However, if one makes it a regular habit to hang around a bar, it may not be beneficial... Alcoholism is NOT one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Here is the issue to discuss: is there anything that is so un-beneficial that it really should not be done at all? Why, if EVERYTHING is permissible?

2005-09-05T02:28:00.000-05:00

An interesting point came up in our last meeting:

Commonly we expect Christians to have this elevated status of purity, faithfulness, and so on. We expect that, because we claim Christ's blood, we definately display the fruit of the Spirit. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue that we are different from the culture in which we live. More "Christians" are divorced than non-Christians, work ethic is often worse with Christians, we cheat and use shortcuts like it is our job, we are as prone (if not more prone) to premarital sex, we steal from work, we gossip, we view pornography in our alone time instead of praying, we do all that we preach against. By no means am I insinuating that every Christian adopts all of the above behaviors, but I am saying that it is easy to find the foresaid amongst even three randomly selected Christians.

And we are NOT talking about those who have honestly repented of the above!

What then are we to do? In the past, Paul suggested leaving people with these ethics out of fellowship... but is this our method now? Do we preach condemnation? Do we continue to give grace for the sin (not the change of heart)? Do we ban such Christ "believers" (not "followers," obviously) from service in the church? Do we sit in a room and pray about it without taking action (prayer with action is normally effective...)? Or do we continue to ignore it and pretend it is not there?

Without a single statistical fact, it has been observed that Christians with these ethics last approximately less than two years in any given church or Christian social club before hopping to the next, where people will not know them, or dropping away from the Church completely. And usually there is a path of destruction left behind.

One might call this exageration, or maybe not... we're interested in hearing other opinions.

2005-09-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Good conversation on Katrina last meeting. It seemed to really impact us in a lot of different and interesting ways.

Prayer Requests:
Josh's leg
Curt's House and Work issues
Jason's next gathering - more control for the fluid flow :)

Proposal: It was suggested by a member that we meet at Flannery's (W. 9th St.) for a night-out meeting, as we did in the past in other locations. The idea is that this location would facilitate conversation well and, as with traditional Irish pubs, it is less prone to idiot-drunks. This would be the September 17th meeting. This would also provide a good oportunity to invite friends, as a bar is often less threatening to those who are less prone to attend a home group.

Comments on any of the following are welcome.

2005-09-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, we meet Tomorrow (Saturday - Curt's - 7:30 PM sharp, no pun intended).

Here is a comment space for any issues that you would like to discuss besides those outlined on this web page.

2005-08-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

At our last meeting we discussed the difference between privledges and expectations. We EXPECT the right to drive our cars: a speeding ticket is a hassle and the cop is a meany for doing his/her job. In reality, we are issued licenses to drive as a privledge of the unofficial contract that we agree to maintain safety and respect of authority while driving.

Although, rights are privledges of citizenship (we can lose our "rights" if we are no longer a citizen), our generation and the generations following tend to demand rights. Do you find yourself fitting this thought pattern? Do you expect rights? Has this been an issue in any other areas of life?

2005-08-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

High School:

The shortest time period of our adolescence often shapes the rest of our lives for better and for worse. What important high school events left a lasting impression on your life? What clubs, teams, or friends helped or held you back? What lessons did you learn then that you will never forget?

2005-08-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Hey Fellas,

REMINDER: Next meeting is this Saturday, September 3, 2005 at 7:30 PM.

We're going to add more structure to the meeting. Official end time will be 9:30 PM. Do stay as late as you desire (Curt won't mind), but feel free to take off after we "end."

7:30 - we will begin with fellowship; expect to begin discussion at 7:45 PM.

We understand that life get's in the way at times; but please TRY (with actual effort) not to be late.

Thanks!

2005-08-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

Relationships: Part II

***Important: I recently learned that divorce rates are actually higher amongst Christians than amongst non-Christians... Thus we must seriously consider what it takes to maintain a relationship. If we are able to command a mountain to move, then surely we are capable of understanding and implementing methods of sustaining a relationship. However, in both cases, we must go to lengths of honoring one above ourselves to accomplish the feat.

As we may all have a different idea as to what it means to love and be loved, let's discuss this topic: What does it mean to love someone? What does it mean to love your wife/honor your husband? What challenges stand in the way of this? What labor is involved in overcoming the challenges?

In any relationship (buddy-buddy or husband-wife), there are set expectations, and usually conflicts arise when we do not understand or express our expectations. Let's discuss this topic of love/loving. By establishing and discussing expectations involved in a relationship, we may learn how to approach and resolve conflicts so as to make love the priority and not the expectation.

2005-08-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Encouragement

Credit to Terry Moss for this idea: What encouragement have you been blessed with lately? It could be about you. It could be about promises from God. It could be about job, family, or any other part of life. What makes you feel encouraged and alive?

2005-08-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

Meeting Schedule for August and September:

Just to be super clear, I am posting our meeting schedule. We meet on the first and third Saturday of every month. Our next meetings fall on the following dates:

August 20, 2005
September 3, 2005
September 17, 2005

I'll blog the dates for October-Dec. later, this way the blog will be current with pending dates when you check it.

2005-08-16T21:32:00.000-05:00

Rebekah Gole had an excellent question on her blog... She asked married men to give advice about marriage. Well, we have a group of guys who fall into both categories of married and unmarried.

Is there questions you want to ask (singles) or advice you want to give (married fellas) regarding relationships? Let's not exclude it to marriage: are there things you would avoid while dating? What helped you to find your wife? What was it like for the married guys to sort through the dating game and what is it like now?

Let's dig into this!

2005-08-15T21:54:00.000-05:00

Hey Fellas,

Well, the reason for this forum is that we can discuss topics at our leisure, throughout the month. Please feel free to pose any questions. To begin, however, I'd like to tag onto Josh's topic of the media:

Do you feel any media pressure to conform to a facade? What is the facade? What is the pressure? What about this action, attitude, or mentality (facade) is problematic?

2005-08-14T17:33:00.000-05:00

New Structure

Well, I don't mean to compile onto the lack of consistent structure in the lives of WVCC goers, but it is time to evaluate the structure of Iron Clad. Please feel free to comment on any of the following, suggestions are welcome (we are all Iron Clad).

As it is, Iron Clad is a once enter, never exit, always on-going group. There are some problems with this structure that warrant a change: what happens with major life changes? Do those who can not attend for a week-month-year then get uprooted? What happens when new guys want to attend? Do they simply jump in head first? Do they then get trapped? What happens when a meeting is canceled? Do we re-do that meeting or cancel it?

This is the structure that I am considering instead of the current vaguely standing scaffolding:

1. Meetings still take place on 1st and 3rd Saturday of Every month, 7:30 PM at Curt's

2. Four quarters of Iron Clad, three months in each quarter

A. August-October (regular meetings re-convene)- Quarter 1: FACING CURRENT ISSUES

B. November-January - Quarter 2: SPECIFIC BOOK STUDY - PRACTICAL APPLICATION

C. February-April - Quarter 3: SPECIFIC SCRIPTURE STUDY - PRACTICAL APPLICATION

D. May-July (relational transition for summer)- Quarter 4: SCHEDULED MEETINGS GIVE WAY TO INDEPENDENT RELATIONAL ACTIVITIES

3. Specific Categories for each quarter

In this structure, we would have the ability to adjust according to the seasons we are in; however, we would not belabor a topic that has overloaded us. It would allow life transitions to occur naturally, without the awkward exit/entrance. Although we would have the same purpose, this way we establish a vehicle to accomplish this purpose.

I'm completely interested in your feedback, so please feel free to comment - be brutal if you wish.

2005-08-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Beginning

Welcome all to the Iron Clad blog. Unlike a traditional blog, this site will not be treated like one person's personal online journal. Instead, this forum will give us the opportunity to discuss issues and explore questions that we individually and corporately feel are relevant to our faith. Thus, let's be open to all that we might discuss in meetings. Anonymous postings are not only welcome but encouraged, as it is likely that lurkers and bloggers who are uninvolved with Iron Clad will be reading our postings. Let's challenge each other and really take advantage of this technology to build on the groundwork that we have already laid.