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How The Mandate continues to encourage and enlighten men from across Britain and Ireland

Men have previously gathered in huge numbers from across Northern Ireland to pay their respects to local football legend George Best, take part in surfing competitions off the mighty Antrim coast, or cheer ice hockey aces the Belfast Giants onto victory. But last autumn, they met for a different reason.

More than 2,000 came from all over Britain and Ireland – and beyond – to attend one of Europe’s biggest men’s conferences, at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. Jointly sponsored by CARE and Evangelical Ministries, The Mandate offered worship and teaching to encourage these men ‘to live as God intended’.

UNIQUE FLAVOUR

Its unique flavour had drawn so many delegates from so many different churches and regions, that the conference had been sold out seven months before.

And as they converged on the prestigious venue – which normally plays host to acts from the Moscow State Circus to the Sugababes – they showed they had an enthusiasm for biblical truth and brotherhood. For men were arriving as early as 8.30am, even though the doors wouldn’t be opening for another hour.

‘I could sense a real hunger,’ said Stuart Noble, who attended the conference as CARE’s Northern Ireland Parliamentary and Development Officer, and part of the organising committee. ‘In this huge auditorium,’ he explained, ‘there was this living, breathing mass of men who were keen to get the day started.’

When everyone was seated, Stuart was at the front with other organisers. ‘Five minutes into the event, I turned around,’ he said, ‘and I was greeted by an awesome sight. Men are not usually known for being demonstrative in church – but there they were, worshipping in their thousands.’

Music was led by seasoned singer-songwriter Robin Mark, Director of Worship for Christian Fellowship Church (CFC), Belfast. He has led worship at The Mandate for a number of years – and ‘live’ recordings of those events have become bestselling albums. So it was a welcome return.

‘I decided that we would revisit all the great singing moments,’ said Robin, reflecting on the day. ‘That included some of the old classic hymns and a few new compositions. I stopped the band six to eight times just to let the men sing, such as on We Have An Anchor. It was a very emotional moment.’

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

An impressive line-up of speakers had been drafted in to unpack the theme Blood Brothers: Unlocking Grace In The Souls Of Men. Paul Reid, Senior Pastor of CFC, delivered three main sessions on Receivers Of Grace, Receiving Grace From Each Other and Giving Grace To Those Who Don’t Deserve It.

Paul had attended the very first Mandate, and had been ‘deeply impacted’ by that event. ‘Jesus is the ultimate role model for men,’ he said in one of his talks. Churches need to follow Jesus’ example to ‘make connecting points with men – and bring them on a spiritual journey,’ Paul added.

CARE Chairman Lyndon Bowring gave a seminar on Building Authentic Friendships. Promoting the values of ‘loyalty and kindness’, he encouraged his audience to look for practical ways in which to support one another. Men should enjoy ‘a mutual understanding and a shared identity’.

Rehab pioneer David Partington addressed the subject of Searching For Intimacy. Speaking from his own bitter experience, he warned men against the dangers of sexual temptation. ‘God believes in you or the people you want to help,’ he said. ‘God’s grace is sufficient – but there are choices to be made.’

Former practising homosexual James Parker also looked at the thorny issue of sexuality. In his seminar Dealing With Difference, he urged men to affirm one another. ‘Every man struggling with his sexuality is looking for a place where he can be vulnerable,’ said James, who works with Harvesters and Living Waters.

Challenging the age-old idea of the ‘one-man ministry’ running local church, David Millen of Evangelical Ministries offered an alternative way of pursuing pastoral care. His talk Who Cares? opened up the possibility of reshaping church as a place where everyone feels valued and significant.

CHANGED LIVES

For those men with a fear of brown envelopes and red letter bills, Stephen Cruise and Donald Eastop shared practical ways of remoulding personal finance in the seminar Does Your Plastic Need Surgery? They looked at money problems, budgeting, tithing – and helping men face the future with confidence.

Supporting the talks was the job of mime artist Steve Murray. He shared his personal story with the audience, and performed thought-provoking pieces to recorded songs. Men were visibly moved by Steve’s artistry, which has been described as ‘captivating and engaging’.

David Millen, also a Mandate committee member, said the teaching was relevant for the capacity crowd. ’Lives were being changed before our eyes. The worship became a spontaneous outpouring of hearts. As I listened to the incredible thundering sound of the many voices, everything within me was crying “glory”!’