Max McKinley
05-11-2010, 08:48 PM
It is no secret how much I enjoy this forum and how much I consider it a blessing. Oftentimes, I am intimidated by the high quality of writing and how well ideas and concepts are communicated, so I just soak up the information. Daily, I learn something new. That said, I want to share a few thoughts that have been going through my mind lately.
I just spoke to John a little bit ago. Over the past few years, I can say that John is a good friend. Many of you know that he will take time out of his busy schedule to visit with you. He is a tremendous encourager and reflects the love of God in every conversation. He is genuine, honest, and passionate about his calling, faithful to that path, and diligent to put his hand to the plow and work the ground God has given him to work.
I attended Oral Roberts University over 20 years ago. I say that not to start a debate or discussion on the merits or flaws of the man. I want to point out simply, his mission and vision. His stated purpose was to raise up men and women to hear the voice of God and send them into every man’s world. The idea behind that is to send Doctors, business people, artists (music, theater, etc.), teachers, and yes, preachers of the Gospel to the world. Additionally, the way this would be accomplished would be to educate the whole man, body, mind, and spirit. While attending, every student was required to keep records of their exercise and report it using the Kenneth Cooper point system. We were required to pass fitness tests every semester. In fact, Oral himself was an avid runner well into his later years. He stressed not just spiritual growth and maturity in Christ, but encouraged us to pursue academic and physical excellence as well.
In the nineties, Promise Keepers became a prominent movement to motivate Christian men to be, well, men ... to man up. I felt this was a good thing that hopefully motivated men to get out of their apathy and reengage as the godly leaders they should be.
Why do I share all of this? In speaking with John, watching the evolution of this forum, and hearing his vision, I am convinced that there are men that God is raising up to take even further the missions and visions of previous ministries. I am not suggesting that other ministers or ministries will be replaced. I am suggesting that we are a part of a move of God here on this forum. No, it’s not a “Christian” forum per se. It is a forum founded by a Christian and populated by many who are Christians. Much of what is communicated here is simply health and fitness related. But realize that there is a strong biblical perspective (world view) at work in what is communicated here. In fact, if you search through the archives and read the thorough history sections of John’s books, you will find that John has encouraged everyone to improve in all facets of their lives – body, mind, and spirit.
In my humble opinion, I truly believe this forum will have a hand in the impact that John, Mike, Joe, and Greg are able to take on the road to their seminars. Is John or any of the other men mentioned perfect? By no means. They are fallible men. I have no illusions to the contrary. But they are men called to carry on a message for such a time as this.
Thank you, gentlemen.
I just spoke to John a little bit ago. Over the past few years, I can say that John is a good friend. Many of you know that he will take time out of his busy schedule to visit with you. He is a tremendous encourager and reflects the love of God in every conversation. He is genuine, honest, and passionate about his calling, faithful to that path, and diligent to put his hand to the plow and work the ground God has given him to work.
I attended Oral Roberts University over 20 years ago. I say that not to start a debate or discussion on the merits or flaws of the man. I want to point out simply, his mission and vision. His stated purpose was to raise up men and women to hear the voice of God and send them into every man’s world. The idea behind that is to send Doctors, business people, artists (music, theater, etc.), teachers, and yes, preachers of the Gospel to the world. Additionally, the way this would be accomplished would be to educate the whole man, body, mind, and spirit. While attending, every student was required to keep records of their exercise and report it using the Kenneth Cooper point system. We were required to pass fitness tests every semester. In fact, Oral himself was an avid runner well into his later years. He stressed not just spiritual growth and maturity in Christ, but encouraged us to pursue academic and physical excellence as well.
In the nineties, Promise Keepers became a prominent movement to motivate Christian men to be, well, men ... to man up. I felt this was a good thing that hopefully motivated men to get out of their apathy and reengage as the godly leaders they should be.
Why do I share all of this? In speaking with John, watching the evolution of this forum, and hearing his vision, I am convinced that there are men that God is raising up to take even further the missions and visions of previous ministries. I am not suggesting that other ministers or ministries will be replaced. I am suggesting that we are a part of a move of God here on this forum. No, it’s not a “Christian” forum per se. It is a forum founded by a Christian and populated by many who are Christians. Much of what is communicated here is simply health and fitness related. But realize that there is a strong biblical perspective (world view) at work in what is communicated here. In fact, if you search through the archives and read the thorough history sections of John’s books, you will find that John has encouraged everyone to improve in all facets of their lives – body, mind, and spirit.
In my humble opinion, I truly believe this forum will have a hand in the impact that John, Mike, Joe, and Greg are able to take on the road to their seminars. Is John or any of the other men mentioned perfect? By no means. They are fallible men. I have no illusions to the contrary. But they are men called to carry on a message for such a time as this.
Thank you, gentlemen.