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The Promise Keepers Movement has brought new life in Christ to thousands of men across the nation, but first men had to be willing to confess that they couldn't go it alone. Once having taken that step in honesty and humility, they are ready for more direction when they return to their homes and the daily grind of work. They need some basic study and that mutual support they experienced at a conference.
One of the best series dealing with men's situations, case by case, is Lifeskills for Men. Bethany House Publishers began publishing this series last August and they now have a total of eight titles available. The series includes basics like How a Man Stands Up for Christ by Jim Gilbert, founder of the Nehemiah Project. With humor and street-savvy, he helped men know what to say when they had an opportunity to share their faith -- whether they were talking to New Agers or atheists.
The series also has titles that address more specific situations: How a Man Faces Adversity, How a Man Prepares His Daughters for Life, How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life, How a Man Prays for His Family, and How a Man Handles Conflict at Work.
This series is good in several ways. The authors, all men, are experienced pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders. They usually have additional qualifications. Michael Farris who wrote How a Man Prepares His Daughters for Life has six daughters himself. Robert Hicks who wrote the book on Adversity is a longtime counselor and is not surprised that men show higher rates of crime, suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, and have shorter life spans than women.
The two newest titles just released are How a Man Measures Success by Jim Smoke and How a Man Overcomes Disappointment and Burnout by David Hawkins and Ross Tunnell. These two books address opposite ends of the emotional seesaw for men. On one hand, men who are on the "make-it-to-the-top" ladder may discover it's really a merry-go-round. They need to take a new look at what success means and try to avoid unattainable ideas -- just be what they feel God is leading them to be.
But in this age of downsizing and divorce, many men need help getting back on their feet. Others are just plain used up -- in need of rest and redirection. They will find real help here from Hawkins and Tunnell, who both have counseling and theological degrees.
Regardless of how a man feels, he can find gut-honest help in this series. This series may be the answer if your men's group has lagging attendance -- and if they are willing to lower the barrier and learn some real Lifeskills for Men.
Roger Fanslow is a reviewer in Portland, OR.
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