On January 15, the very first meeting of a newly formed men’s class was held in the home of Mindanao pastor Edmond Macaraeg. For lack of a better name, it was simply called Men’s Christian Leadership Class (or MCLC), a 12-week interactive series of classes attended by an average of 12-15 men from the Davao City congregation, meeting every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Mr. Macaraeg facilitates the studies with the goal to study, understand and apply the qualities of a mature Christian man as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The structure of the discussions is patterned after the book written by Dr. Gene A. Getz, The Measure of a Man, which lists 20 biblical attributes taken from Timothy and Titus. The list was compressed into 12 topics so that the series can be finished before the Spring Holy Days. The 12 topics are as follows:

1. Beyond reproach (being blameless, in and out of the Church, and in own family)
2. Moral Purity (husband of one wife, no sexual addiction, maintains clean and clear conscience)
3. Temperate (in words, actions, general life; not given to wine or any vices or excesses)
4. Prudent and just (being wise, discerning, fair; not prejudiced)
5. Respectable and loving good (good role model and love doing godly activities)
6. Hospitable (unselfishness and generosity towards others)
7. Able to teach (knowledgeable, convincing and convicting, yet sensitive and not offensive)
8. Not self-willed (or self-centered, quick-tempered, contentious, domineering, or pugnacious)
9. Gentle (sensitive, loving, kind, courteous; easy to get along with)
10. Not materialistic (free from the love of money, prestige, power, influence, politics)
11. Manages household well (good husband, father, and own children reflects good qualities)
12. Devout and mature (track record of holiness and righteousness, not a new convert)

As of this writing (February 22), we have finished six classes with six more to go. We hope and pray this series of Bible studies will yield good fruit and challenge more men to grow into more godly and mature Christians, husbands, fathers, and mentors to other men—equipped to serve their families and the Church of God as He wills and directs.

—Reported by Daniel Roy Macaraeg, Davao City

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas