In the first installment of our discussion on divorce, co-host and author Chris Bolinger talks about the surprising realities of divorce in the church, and the impact it has specifically on men. As we seek to walk with our brothers through such a painful experience, it’s critical that we get a lay of the land and gain a broader perspective on how divorce impacts men.

Articles about Divorce:

• How Churches Can Better Minister to Men Struggling with Unwanted Divorce
• 9 Ways Men Can Support Christian Brothers Through Divorce
• What the Bible Says About Divorce: A Guide for Men
• 4 Critical Insights on Divorce and Its Effect on Men

Also, check out the Re|Engage Marriage Program.

Michael Batenburg found success in corporate America and entrepreneurship, but he discovered that he had spent the first 45 years of his life serving himself, his wants, and his desires. He felt lost, empty, and searching for his purpose and true happiness. Humility set in, and he started making his faith journey a priority. As he began to know God better, Michael became an ambassador to His Great Commission.

To serve others, Michael started Back2Basics Outdoor Ministry. The ministry gets people outdoors, where they get a fresh perspective on life and their Creator, and they rediscover how to use their natural gifts in pursuit of servant leadership.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn or via email.

Mike Hatch, the host of the Throwing Mountains (formerly Empowered Manhood) Podcast, shares his fence post story about how God redeemed him, and his marriage, from pornography.

Mike’s life was defined by fear and insecurity, which eventually led him to seek an escape from the pressures to perform. God graciously exposed Mike’s sin through a painful experience, and through this experience God taught Mike that he would find true freedom and the power to change only by “walking in the light.”

God provided Mike with safe places — first a CLC group and then other places at his church — to be vulnerable and honest about his sin. This led to the healing he so desperately needed and the transcendent purpose he was searching for.

Mike’s story now is captured in his book Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel.

Chris Bolinger, the co-host of the Throwing Mountains (formerly Empowered Manhood) Podcast, shares his “fence post” story of God’s redemptive work through his CLC brothers.

Chris spent most of his life avoiding male friendships, seeing other men as competition. Then, through his CLC group, Chris experienced the healing power of authentic brotherhood. This fellowship provided a solid foundation to withstand the storms of life, and led to the creation of a best-selling men’s devotional, Daily Strength for Men, that has impacted thousands of men all over the world and now is the foundation of CLC’s Getting Real program.

We talk with author, speaker, and video producer David Murrow about his best-selling book, Why Men Hate Going to Church. Most churches, including their worship services, are not designed with men in mind but have become overly feminized. As a result, they fail to retain men.

David shares from his extensive experience how pastors and other church leaders can take immediate, practical steps to make their churches more appealing to men. He also announces a new opportunity for pastors who want to make a bigger gospel impact online: the “Online Preaching Coach,” which he is launching in early 2022. Make sure you check his website for updates on that.

We interview the founder and CEO of the Better Man Event, Brian Buckley. He shares his incredible story of life change, and how God took him from being an unwilling servant to the dynamic leader of the Better Man Event which today has a global impact. Denzel Washington is headlining this year’s event on Saturday, September 18.

We discuss how the partnership between CLC and the Better Man Event has reached men all over the country. You’ll also learn about how you can join the movement and leverage this event to reach friends and family with the gospel.

In the debut episode of the Throwing Mountains (formerly Empowered Manhood) Podcast, we talk with CLC president, Dr. Craig Fry, about the re-branding of CLC. After nearly 40 years of ministry, CLC changed the name from “Christian Leadership Concepts” to “Christ Led Communities.” Learn more about the re-brand by checking out this video.

Craig also shares the powerful story of grace in his life, and how God restored him to ministry after he left the church because of a moral failure. It will become clear why God called Craig to his current position after you hear his inspirational story.