Mission
The Tucson Christian Men’s Fellowship is an independent
organization established by Christian Churches in the
Tucson Arizona area and is governed by a board of directors
elected or appointed from the members of area churches.
The mission of Tucson Christian Men’s Fellowship is
consistent with the Bible and the shared vision for guiding
the Tucson Christian Men’s Fellowship into the Twenty-First
Century. These values are expressed within the Christian
Compact. The Tucson Christian Men’s Fellowship is an
organization established for the purpose of developing
strong Christian men and to strengthen men's ministries
within the local churches.
History
The history of the Christian Men’s
Fellowship began in 1996 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church,
located at 2403 S. Martin Avenue, Tucson AZ., the late
Pastor Clarence Griffin was the Pastor. With the help of
God, the founders of the Christian Men's Fellowship were the
late Pastor Clarence Griffin, Minister Walter Hollway,
Minister Clyde Alexander, Deacon Richard Bass, Deacon David
Sanders, the late Deacon Joe People and Brother Hareld
Craig. During the meetings at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
the development of the fellowship was established. Due to
the early start of the fellowship the host church is
responsible for a complimentary breakfast to be served
promptly at 8:00 AM. While breakfast is being served, a love
offering is taken up in special receptacles were made by
Deacon O.C. Cobb to receive the offering. A scripture was
selected for the fellowship "Behold how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"
Psalms 133:1.
The purpose of the Christian Men's
Fellowship is two-fold:
- For men to become personally
acquainted with one another.
- For men to become Christian
influences in our homes, churches, and communities
and assume our responsible role as required by God in
His Holy Scripture.
Officers were elected:
- Chairman - Brother Hareld D.
Craig of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
- Vice Chairmen - Deacon Grady
Mathis of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
- Secretary - Deacon Ray Betton of
IGS Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Next a steering committee was
organized. This committee consisted of one or more
representatives from each church to plan the annual calendar
for the churches hosting the Christian Men's Fellowship.
Also the steering committee produced a formal letter
providing in detail the procedures of how the fellowship
will flow. The letter consist of the following:
- Greeting to the Pastors
- Name of the host church and date
of the fellowship
- The host church will be
responsible for the lesson and a complimentary breakfast
to be served promptly at 8:00 AM.
- The selected theme for each
lesson is "MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD, SELF, FAMILY,
AND COMMUNITY".
- The host church selects the
teacher and location for fellowship. The fellowships are
usually held the 1st Saturday of each month from 8:00am
to 10:00am.
Also flyers are enclosed with the
letter - reproduce and distribute to all the men in your
congregation. Emphasize this announcement from the pulpit.
Throughout the year 1998 the
attendance remained constant between 40 and 50 men, who
represented a total of 29 churches.
In April 1999 a special fellowship was
started focusing on the youth. Minister Milton Robinson,
formerly of Grace Temple Baptist Church and Minster Walter
Holloway were the coordinators of this fellowship. During
this fellowship the youth were the speakers. One very
important statement was made by the youth; "We are watching
you". Telling the men we are to be good role models for the
youth. The host church for the youth fellowship is Rising
Star Missionary Baptist Church with Deacon Grady Mathis the
coordinator.
We take the time now in remembrance of
these dedicated men that contribute to establishing The
Christian Men's Fellowship. They have gone home to be with
the Lord:
- Pastor Clarence Griffin of
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
- Deacon Richard Bass of Gideon
Missionary Baptist Church
- Deacon Joe People of Pilgrim Rest
Baptist Church
- Deacon Walter Sims of Siloam
Freewill Church
- Deacon John Blakely of Siloam
Freewill Church
The Lord has richly blessed this
Christian Men's Fellowship during the past 12 years; special
tribute is due to so many outstanding people who have
dedicated themselves to this worthy cause. To each of you,
your recognition and reward will be given by God for your
services. Only through your efforts, could the seed of faith
now be cultivated. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! |
