Men of the Church,
As you know, Josh Gong is getting married soon. And as is our tradition, on Thursday the 12th at 6pm, the men of JPBC will gather for MATGM (“Man About To Get Married”) to share a meal, encourage Josh as he prepares for marriage.
We want to continue to make these times as beneficial as possible—for Josh, of course, but also for the building up in Christ of all of the married and single men, young and old in our body.
As MATGM matures and based on feedback, here are several ways that we are seeking to add structure to it starting the 12th:
Our time will begin with planned sharing: 3 men will share a 5 minute devotional each on a virtue that is essential for a godly marriage.
As normal, after those devotionals we will have an open time of sharing. Different from the past, the advice will not be spontaneous. Instead we are asking that only those who have considered what you might share before MATGM starts share. That means we invite you, even now, to consider what wisdom you might share. Keep the following in mind as you reflect and prepare. Wisdom you share should be:
Scripturally rooted. Consider what God’s word says about marriage. Share wisdom from the word, usually including quoting scripture.
Broadly applicable. Refrain from sharing advice that is particularly situational to you, and instead think about wisdom that is beneficial for most or all marriages, or specific to Josh.
Appropriate for the context. This is not the place for your hot takes. Also consider that we invite fathers to bring their young boys.
Concise. This should not be another 5 minute devotional. Share from your heart for 1-2 minutes max. Consider bringing a few notes or ideas jotted down with you.
Given generously. Please do share, especially if you have been married for a long time. This can be a tremendous blessing to Josh as well as the other men of the church.
We encourage all men to attend: single, newly married, and marriage veterans. If you are single or have been married for less than 5 years, we ask for you to see this time as a time to receive wisdom rather than give it. God has blessed our body with mature and maturing marriages. What a gift that we can learn from one another in that!
In addition to sharing wisdom, we will also add a time of affirmation. This is a time open to anyone who would like to offer encouragement and affirmation of Josh. Note that this is different from offering marriage advice/wisdom. It is instead focused on affirming where you see God cultivating godly character and competency in Josh.
Our time of prayer will be extended and open to any and all who wish to pray blessings over Josh in these last days leading up to his wedding.
Please reach out if you have any questions about any of these changes.
We look forward to this time and pray that God will use it to encourage all of the men in our body – especially Josh.