MOI Teen Discipleship Program 6th -12th Grade

The MOI Vision

Building Spiritual Men of Influence

The CORE of the MOI vision is to acknowledge the masculine heart and challenge young men in 6^th through 12^th grade to be fiercely devoted to the faith and courage needed to step forward and be Christian examples that others can follow “in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Age should not be an obstacle or used as an excuse. Experience has proven that most of these young men are willing and able to step up to this great mission if properly challenged.

The objective of MOI is to build a moral warehouse within these young men to enable them to successfully navigate the times and influences of the world in a way that sets a positive example for others to follow.

As a discipleship program, MOI is not about curriculum or just showing up to fill an hour on Sunday in the name of “Christian education.” Through progressive levels of advancement with a battle theme that inspires the warrior within, MOI provides the opportunity to take spiritual development beyond a weekly group meeting. Mentoring, special assignments, memory work, visual reminders, incentive awards, honors ceremonies, field exercises, and peer accountability all work together to provide the motivation and encouragement that the young men need to become men of influence and stand firm as Men of Issachar.

MOI is committed to developing opportunities God gives us to lead men into becoming faithful and mature followers of Jesus Christ.

Core commitments of the MOI vision

In the MOI vision statement are critical core commitments that must be understood to be effective in ministry of building up young men. These are structured around the words of the vision statement: “Building Spiritual Men of Influence.”

Building

ü MOI is a discipleship program and therefore a progressive process that requires perseverance and commitment.

Building is a process. Looking for an immediate outcome lacks the perseverance and long term commitment to the strategic goal of developing spiritual men of influence. MOI is not about a curriculum, but about discipleship. Building trust and mentor relationships requires time and is based on the understanding that it is the Lord that builds a spiritual man. There must be a collective commitment to this end.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Spiritual

ü By developing an understanding and commitment to apply the MOI core values to their lives, MOI is establishing a moral foundation in the hearts of young men.

Our purpose is to glorify God by growing these young men in their understanding of the unconditional truth, unbounded love, and unlimited power and presence of God. Young men need a moral warehouse of standards they can draw from when the enemy attacks. They need the strength that comes from the camaraderie of brothers who share their commitments. They need to be held accountable to their commitments by fellow comrades and mentors who love them and in whom they can have total confidence and trust. They need to know the fullness of life Christ brings to the masculine heart. They need the freedom to express their masculine spirit.

Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Men

ü MOI is about building men. This requires acknowledging the masculine heart, understanding God’s expectations of a man, and acting upon them.

Men have been created for a unique purpose by God. MOI is committed to developing the character qualities and responsibilities that scripture calls men to pursue. Living life as God intended us to live brings a confidence that reflects in our speech, life, love, faith, and purity. We need to be men of courage, of faith, of strength, of love.

Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Influence

ü MOI is about influence. Influence comes not from a title or position, but from example and action.

Influence is leadership. Authority can be exercised through title or position, but the leadership that inspires others to follow arises out of personal example and action. Meaningful influence comes when there is conformity between conviction and action. Character, honor, and integrity in our example and actions as leaders are essential. As Ops Officers, we will have the greatest influence through the way we live, not in telling others how to live.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:6-8

Core focus

Special events, retreats, programs for dads, etc. will all be directed toward supporting the MOI Mission. In an effort to maintain the integrity of God’s vision for these young men, it is important to clearly communicate, understand, and acknowledge the core focus: 6th–12th grade men.

Any decision pertaining to curriculum development, parallel ministry, events, promotion, and recruiting should be made with an understanding of how they will positively impact the core. If is done successfully, we should have a fully developed program that is supported by curriculum, staffing, promotion, training, and equipping in a way that can be duplicated and that will support God’s Vision for generations.