Whether we realize it or not, men are natural leaders. It probably goes back to the survival of our prehistoric ancestors. The family units that survived and thrived were able to do so because families organized and worked together just to survive. It’s even apparent in Genesis. Adam was given the task to maintain and protect the Garden and his sons become the first farmers and shepherds.
So assuming that men are in fact leaders, it presumes that there are followers as well. Clearly, some men lead other men and women through role or responsibility, but this isn’t the leadership that I’m talking about. For most of us, we serve a leadership role in the family and our first followers are our children. Jesus even refers to the Apostles as His spiritual children.
In the first year of That Man Is You the following statistics were presented:
When a father and mother both take their kids to Church, there is an 80% probability that the children will continue to go to Church as adults.
When a mother alone takes the kids to Church, the probability drops to just under 50%.
When a father alone takes the kids to Church, the probability stays close to 80%.
This data indicates is that the children are watching the father, and mimicking HIS behavior because, right or wrong, they see him as a leader.
If you look across society, think about crime, moral conviction, drug abuse, pornography, abortion. Where have the fathers been? If they were present what were they teaching? The statistics show that half of the children in this country are raised in families where the biological father is not present. It is no wonder that we see so many ills in society. Simply put, part of the problem is missing leadership and part is leadership headed in the wrong direction.
Men … people are following us… our children, our friends, our co-workers are watching us and following our lead. We are leading … we are leading people whether we realize it or not. We are leading others toward God or away from Him.
Ministry to Men and No Man Left Behind is about addressing right leadership … for our families, for our parishes, for our society. By strengthening ourselves as disciples, we become the leaders our families, our parishes and our society deserve. We become leaders that are present and that are firm in our commitment to Christ.
So ask yourself … What kind of leader am I? Am I truly present? Where am I headed? Am I moving toward Christ, away from Him or am I just standing still?
The CTFCM is searching for men who want to be leaders for Christ, if you want to learn more go to
www.centexcatholic.com and message me.