Led by Pastor David Rim, this Group brings brothers together for the vital purpose of fostering spiritual growth through fellowship and mutual encouragement.  The Group meets on the last Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM for about an hour and a half.  At present, the men are reading and discussing John Mark Comer's "Practicing the Way."  Attendance ranges from six to twelve brothers.

Each session begins with members sharing updates on personal challenges or concerns that could benefit from the group's prayers. Members may also offer insights and encouragement regarding any issues raised. The discussion then shifts to a section of Comer’s book, with Pastor Rim guiding the conversation and addressing any questions. It’s not uncommon for the group to explore fundamental questions like "What does it mean to be a Christian?", "How can I possibly be like Jesus?", or "Am I going to heaven if I don’t come close to being a saint?" Pastor Rim leads the group through Scripture, different theological perspectives, historical developments, and practical answers—keeping the discussion focused and engaging within the session's time frame. Through these discussions, members gain valuable insights to support their spiritual journeys.

So far, the group has covered "Being with Jesus" and is now beginning "Becoming Like Him" in Comer’s book, but members are free to revisit any topics in any order. These meetings serve as a reminder that spiritual growth is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal journey, where we learn and grow together.

The Men's Retreat

As an extension of the Men's Group, a two-day, one-night retreat was held on January 31, 2025, at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, about an hour north of where most attendees are located. Nine brothers participated, taking time for personal reflection in a peaceful environment dedicated to spiritual growth and extended group discussions.

   

During the retreat, Pastor Rim introduced a framework called FDR (Fears, Desires, Resentments), which he had referenced in his February 16 sermon on addiction. Each participant shared a personal struggle for which they sought prayer and support, along with their individual goals for the retreat. Just as in the regular meetings, members offered insights, encouragement, and testimonies of God’s guidance in their lives. These discussions were so engaging that Pastor Rim had to wrap things up at 1 AM! The group reconvened the next morning for further reflection and concluded after lunch.

Many attendees found the retreat profoundly impactful and expressed eagerness for future gatherings. Brother Joel deJesus shared his experience:

"I really enjoyed our Men’s Group retreat at Bon Secours RCC. As expected, our time together provided meaningful fellowship and prayer. I feel much closer to my church brothers, realizing that we share many of the same challenges and concerns, and I was truly blessed by our group prayers.

What I didn’t expect was how fruitful the alone time would be. I was surprised by how much time Pastor David allotted for individual prayer, but the retreat center was perfect for that. Whether alone in my room, sitting in the beautiful chapel, walking through the prayer labyrinth, or hiking the trails, I spent quality time practicing solitude, reading Scripture, and walking and talking with God.

I would definitely go back and encourage anyone to attend a retreat there."

Brother Andrew Sy also shared his reflection:

"For me, the Men’s Retreat was a great opportunity to step back, take stock, and reflect. There was a quiet chapel at the venue where I spent time reflecting on my current situation—things I feel grateful for and areas in my life where I sensed God calling me to pay more attention.

Another valuable part of the retreat was the sharing sessions. We provided encouragement and support to one another as we shared concerns about our roles as providers for our families, as fathers raising and guiding our children in a godly way, and as husbands. A common theme that emerged was an acknowledgment of our shortcomings and a renewed resolve to become better husbands.

I heard that some of us spent personal time reading the Bible in our rooms, while others took prayerful walks through the woods. Overall, the venue and retreat format were excellent. If I were to make a suggestion, I think incorporating some dedicated time for reading Scripture together, along with a guided reflection on those passages, could be helpful. Personally, I sometimes struggle with spiritual discipline and find it difficult to stay focused when reading the Bible alone. A structured time for reflection could benefit those like me.

I praise God for the wonderful brothers in Christ."

Looking Ahead

As Pastor Rim continues to emphasize the importance of fostering a spiritually supportive church community, there are plans to expand these gatherings beyond the Men’s Group. Inspired by the retreat’s success, future retreats are being considered for a Women’s Group and eventually a Couples’ Group, ensuring that more members of the church can experience the power of communal spiritual growth.

Through the Men’s Group and its retreats, participants are reminded that faith is not only about personal transformation but also about growing together in a shared journey of discipleship.

 

*  ​​Special thanks to Brother John Kong for providing the introduction to the men’s group, and to Brothers Joel deJesus and Andrew Sy for sharing their insights and reflections on the men’s group retreat.