HIS Barn

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” –Prov 27:17 (NASB)

 

Today’s writing is about paying tribute to a ministry in Byron Center, MI known as “His Barn”.  It is in this place that my ministry “A Father’s Walk” was birthed.  His Barn was founded by Scott Baker, who owns the property and pole barn the group is located in.  It was in early of 2008 that Scott began a small group of 12 men (I wonder where he got that number from?), of whom I was a part.  From the beginning, the barn has had a sense of God’s presence about it.  Men were free to come and go as they wished, and always welcomed just as they were.  The older (I didn’t say old) men poured into us younger ones and the first thoughts that led to where I am today with the single dad ministry stemmed from the very simple question, “What are you working on that is BIG for the Kingdom?” 

Over the years, the group has changed in attendance and size, as I suppose anything in life is bound to due to work, family, and circumstances.  Through the course of it all, the original core group of Scott, Todd, Greg, James, Mark, and “Double Nickel” has opened doors for new leaders such as Clutch, Curt, and Doug.  The ministry even has connections to other organizations and their heads across the US.  It has hosted Right of Passages, couples’ nights, and over the past five years- a revival just for men.  The revival is by far the highlight of every year at the barn.  What began as 80 men congregating in a pasture five years ago has now grown to over 500.  Speakers have come from every walk of life and denomination, but all have one purpose in mind: to create a generation of men equipped as soldiers of Christ and able to pour into the lives of other men.  As men, we are called to be the head, leaders, warriors, and protectors of our households- all while often laying our own pleasures and wants down for the good of our wives and kids.  My prayer is the reach of the barn and its mission will be yet another vessel that the Lord uses for His purposes. 

I am truly grateful for my experience of being part of His Barn.  I am also so blessed that Scott took a chance on a young convert and allowed this group of modern day disciples to invest in me.  Although I have moved on in my life in regards to attending the barn, the passion, examples, and gifts ingrained into me will forever be a part of my ministry.  I challenge every man reading this to pick up his cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ in sharpening other men.  Whether you are in a pasture or an arena, a barn, a home, or on a street corner, one thing will always remain: our commission to go and make disciples of all the nations. 

 

For more information on the barn and the revival, visit www.barnrevival.org.