Greetings in Christ’s name!
The following is a preview of a group of pastors and laymen formed for the training of men and boys, fathers and sons, in biblical masculinity to mature manhood (Ephesians 4:13).
The name is Evanguard, the conflation of the two words evangelical—“loyal to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” and vanguard—“the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force.” Vanguard also refers to a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas. Both meanings play a defining role in the purpose and mission of Evanguard.
The Vision of Evanguard is to conduct camps where men and boys can gather together for
training, equipping, and exhorting in biblical masculinity as a disciplined lifestyle cultivated by practice in the engaging of male characteristics with manly virtues such as courage, industry, resolution, self-reliance, discipline, and honor. Activities and exercises will center on physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines for the development of the body, mind, and soul to glorify God in the body (1 Cor. 6:19–20) as godly men in service to his fellow man and creation. Such activities will include chapel/devotions, fishing, hunting, exploring and adventures, carpentry, use of life skills, problem solving, team building, self-defense, learning to shoot, archery, barbequing, singing, and many other kinds of character building exercises.
These exercises will also serve to create and strengthen lifelong bonds with other Christian men as brothers in Christ. A man needs other men, brothers, to challenge him, correct him, hold him accountable and sharpen him as “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 ESV). Boys need men to mentor and initiate them in their journey to mature manhood. Evanguard seeks to establish and strengthen these essential bonds and relationships in biblically informing, guiding, and leading men and boys in their God-given natural drives as providers, protectors, and procreators in God’s creation. Essential and core to all training and instruction is Mastering the Basics of the Christian faith as taught in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and righty expounded in the Book of Concord, 1580 (Lutheran Confessions).
There is no pretense on the Board of expertise in biblical masculinity, only men and fathers who recognize their own need to learn and grow and pass on godly manhood to their sons. We do this inviting your participation and willingness to serve, teach, and mentor as one man to sharpen another.
A focus camp has been scheduled (see flyer) and registrations have begun!
We are looking for a good cross section of men (pastors and laymen) and sons from various congregations for the broadest input we can receive in forming next year’s camps and providing helpful resources for learning and practical application.
Pastors are encouraged to attend even without a son to bring, or bring a young man in the congregation who does not have a father. We would like your input also in how Evanguard can be a blessing to you and the men and boys in your congregation.
We encourage congregations to sponsor a father or two with sons who can bring back information on Evanguard and what is planned for 2019.
Pastor Jeffrey Hemmer, author of Man Up! The Quest for Masculinity will give four presentations at the camp. Three will discuss biblical masculinity in view of history, today’s culture, and Christ. A fourth presentation will look at practical applications. Activities are being planned to build, strengthen and encourage fathers and sons doing things together and with others, along with some free time and a service project for Camp Trinity.
Please share with other pastors in your circuits!
Last day to register is September 10. See registration instructions on the attached flyer. We can accommodate up to 100 for this camp. For questions please email Pastor James Gier at [email protected]. Thanks you!
The Evanguard Board
Rev. James D. Gier Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior Springs, MO
Erik S. Preus Our Savior Lutheran Church, Pagosa Springs, CO
Rev. A. Brian Flamme Immanuel Lutheran Church, Roswell, NM
Micah Lile Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO
Rev. Brandon W. Ross Faith Lutheran Church, Johnstown, CO