Men’s retreat shifts to virtual

By Jessica Brodie

The men’s ministry retreat is going virtual and shifting to a different day.

Organizers had wanted badly to hold this year’s spiritual retreat in person after a virtual event last year, but between rising COVID-19 numbers and the challenge of social distancing with such a large group, they decided to take the gathering online.

Instead of being held all day Saturday, Feb. 26, at Mount Horeb United Methodist Church, Lexington, the event will now shift to Sunday, Feb. 27, from 6-8 p.m., and be free.

“We envision it’ll be a lot like last year, two hours, where many of the churches will host get-togethers for the broadcast and smaller groups can all participate there together,” said Men N Ministry President Marvin Horton.

For those eager for in-person fellowship, the men’s oyster roast will still be held at Mount Horeb UMC Friday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. There will be a $10 cost for the meal.

And earlier that day, the Men N Ministry Golf Tournament will be held at Indian River Golf Course, West Columbia, with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. and a tournament cost of $80 per person.

The Sunday night retreat will feature keynote speaker Jerrad Lopes, author, speaker and founder of Dad Tired, a ministry focused on equipping men to lead their family well. He hosts the weekly Dad Tired Podcast, downloaded more than 3 million times by men from around the world. He and his wife, Leila, live in Portland, Oregon, with their four children, and he is passionate about motivating men with the gospel, not merely what he calls “behavior modification.”

“Millennial men are the least engaged demographic in the church. And yet, I can assure you that they have not given up on Jesus,” Lopes said, calling himself a “broken dude who has been saved, is being saved and will be saved by Jesus.”

Horton said he’s excited about Lopes as the speaker.

“I’ve listened to some of his stuff, and his ministry is directed toward men and growing men in Jesus, and that’s why we like his message,” Horton said. “He’ll speak to us about being resilient but from a men’s perspective.”

The event will also feature South Carolina Resident Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and other men’s ministry leaders. Last year, they estimate about 700 people participated in the virtual gathering, and organizers are hoping this year for that many and maybe even more.

Learn more about Lopes at www.jerradlopes.com. To register for the men’s retreat or learn more about the retreat, oyster roast or golf tournament, visit https://mennministrysc.org/ or contact Horton at [email protected].