Culture shouts that abortion is only a “women’s issue” and that men have no role in it. Care Net’s research shows us that the father of the baby is the most influential person in a woman’s decision to abort or not. God calls men to be on mission, to protect the vulnerable, and build strong families.
Thanks to powerful speakers, amazing exhibitors, and over 400 men who attended this year, we have many who are being called by God to turn their pro-life passion into Pro Abundant Life action. It’s inspiring to see men answering God’s call to provide compassion, hope, and help to women and men at risk for abortion. Here are 3 things you missed from the Called and Missioned Men’s Summit.
Called and Missioned Men’s Summit 2023 Recap
#1 You missed learning more about Making Life Disciples.
At this year’s Summit, Care Net’s Executive Director of Church Outreach and Engagement, Greg Austen, shared Care Net’s Making Life Disciples (MLD) strategy. The response was incredibly positive and encouraging. Pastors left feeling equipped and empowered to bring MLD to their own congregations. The summit helped leaders understand that abortion, at its core, is a discipleship issue, and MLD is the solution that pastors have been looking for to end abortion and rebuild families in their churches.
“There are so many voices that want to define our purpose for us, or take our purpose from us. These voices ring loud and they are distracting, because far too many men are wondering, or not exactly sure, why they're here and what they ought to be about.”—Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
But, it's clear Making Life Disciples (MLD) is not limited to pastors. The men in attendance were shown how they can also start their own ministries to walk alongside women and men considering abortion. MLD is an indispensable tool for both pastors and men looking to make a difference in the lives of those considering abortion.
Learn more about Making Life Disciples and how you can get involved, visit makinglifedisciples.com.
#2 You missed hearing about Abortion Recovery and Care (ARC)
Millions of men have been hurt by abortion. But there are few places for them to turn for the help and healing they need. Called and Missioned pointed the pregnancy center, ministry, and church leaders from across the country who attended the event, to the resources and programs in their communities that can help.
“We men got to get off the sidelines. They were wrong when they told us we couldn't say anything. You are the most influential person in the life of a young lady, if she is the one pregnant by you, or if she's your daughter. But we've been told not to speak, which means, don't care.”—Jeff Kemp, author, former NFL quarterback, and CEO of Jeff Kemp Team
At the event, Care Net launched Reclaiming Fatherhood, a brand-new Bible study for men who have experienced abortion. Reclaiming Fatherhood provides a road map to healing for men who are struggling with the emotional and spiritual fallout of abortion. This book can be the first step in a journey out of survival and into hope, purpose, and fulfillment for men’s lives. Anchored in this new resource, Care Net is encouraged to see what God will do with the seeds that were planted at Called and Missioned to help men find healing after abortion and to start ministries that will help other men find healing.
Find out how you can get involved in Care Net’s ARC program, visit abortionhealing.org.
#3 You missed learning how to engage more fathers.
Called and Missioned attendees heard from men serving in pregnancy center ministry and saw the difference it makes when dads are met with compassion and equipped to be the dads God called them to be. The Summit marked the launch of Care Net’s brand-new online Doctor Dad® Course for new and expectant fathers.
“You simply need to say, “Like Jesus, I'm not going to say or do anything the Father doesn't give me…and I'm going to trust Him to give me what I need…tonight with my wife, tomorrow with my son, the next day at work, and for the rest of my life...”—Jeff Kemp, author, former NFL quarterback, and CEO of Jeff Kemp Team
Attendees already active in pregnancy center fatherhood programs and pastors from their surrounding churches, used the event to strategize on how to partner to reach men and families in their communities.
Want to learn more and get involved in this mission? Contact our Fatherhood Team.
Watch the Recap: Called and Missioned Men's Summit
Don’t miss what our Keynote Speakers had to say
“The question on that day will not merely be, “What did you leave behind? But what did you forward ahead? What did you do in time and space that had eternal value tied to it? What did you do in history that God can celebrate you in eternity? What made your life matter for the purposes of God? You won't be asked about your income. You won't be asked about how you got in the company? You will be asked, “What did you do that had eternity tied to it?” When you fight for the safety of the life in the womb, to the dignity of life to the tomb, and you invest in the well-being of people for their existence, and for their eternity, you will have served the purposes of God.”
—Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
“You simply need to say, “I, like Jesus, I'm not going to say or do anything the Father doesn't give me…and I'm going to trust Him to give me what I need…tonight with my wife, tomorrow with my son, the next day at work, and for the rest of my life…in a cause greater than yourself…that is tied to eternity…because it's tied to the image of God…which is what humans are. If we don't protect life, we've damaged the image of God. And men are meant to be strong for others not for themselves.”
—Jeff Kemp, author, former NFL quarterback, and CEO of Jeff Kemp Team
“The reason why we're doing this conference, and the reason why men are not engaged on this issue, is because for decades we've been addressing this issue for a sanctity of life issue without a sanctity of marriage and family and therefore you don't need men. But God did. He called Joseph. So in that same way this is called and missioned for you. Because Joseph was called and missioned—husband to her—father to the child growing inside of her—to provide and to protect…one man, two missions, called and mission…sanctity of marriage and family…sanctity of life…God's designed for family. Do you see it?”
—Roland Warren, President and CEO of Care Net
Snapshot: Called and Missioned Pro-Life Men’s Summit
Where: Dallas, Texas at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
When: MARCH 3 & 4, 2023
How many: 400+ ATTENDEES
Who: Keynote Speakers were...
- Tony Evans, Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
- Jeff Kemp, author, former NFL quarterback, and CEO of Jeff Kemp Team
- Roland Warren, President and CEO of Care Net
Would you invest in Pro Abundant Life Work? Here are four (4) ways you can invest…
#1 EMERGENCY CARE: Pregnancy Decision Line (PDL) is Care Net’s free and confidential call service. Trained coaches provide immediate pregnancy decision coaching to women and men considering abortion.
#2 SHORT-TERM CARE: Care Net Supports a Network of 1,200 Affiliated Pregnancy Centers. Local pregnancy centers offer short-term care to women and men at risk for abortion by providing clients with realistic alternatives to abortion and Christ-centered support.
#3 LONG-TERM CARE: After a client leaves a pregnancy center, they are often in need of long-term care, which is best offered by the local church. Care Net’s church initiatives called Making Life Disciples and Abortion Recovery and Care equips life-affirming church partners to offer clients long-term care and discipleship.
#4 CULTURAL CHANGE: Care Net envisions a culture where women and men faced with pregnancy decisions are transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and empowered to choose life for their unborn children and abundant life for their families.
DONATE today to Care Net’s life-saving work, visit care-net.org/donate
