Men’s Conference Sees Scores of Decisions for Christ
Photos by Caleb Orr
Three hundred men gathered in April to learn how to be better husbands, fathers, and men at Watersprings Church, a Calvary Chapel in Idaho Falls, ID. “Once again, the Holy Spirit did His amazing work. Several men prayed to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, and scores of guys prayed to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, dedicating themselves to be men of dignity, integrity, and fidelity,” according to Watersprings’ Assistant Pastor Dave Coleman.
Many men at the Resolve Men’s Conference respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be better husbands, fathers, and men. Several received Jesus as Savior and more rededicated their lives to Him. The conference was sponsored by Watersprings Church in Idaho Falls, ID.
This was the second Resolve Men’s Conference. Featured speakers included CC pastors Raul Ries of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, CA; Ryan Ries of The Whosoevers movement; Carl Palinkas of Church on the Rock in Florence, OR; and, Tony Clark of Calvary Chapel Newport News, VA. Music was provided by Christian country musician Clifton Jansky of San Antonio, TX.
Raul Ries, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, CA, led the conference with a teaching on “The Crucified Christ” from Galatians 2:20.
Encouragement from God’s Word
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Pastor Raul Ries kicked off the morning with a teaching entitled “The Crucified Christ” from Galatians 2:20, simply bringing the men back to the cross of Calvary. Ryan Ries picked it up in Session 2, teaching on “The All-Knowing God” from John 13:18-20, and the necessity of personally appropriating the crucifixion, and confessing and repenting of sin. Nearly 100 men responded to the invitation to make a public declaration of their commitment to dedicate their lives to Christ. Over the next hour, in the lobby, Ryan laid hands on and prayed over dozens of young men desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Watersprings’ altar call ministry team distributed several New Believer’s Bibles as well as over 70 copies of Greg Laurie’s New Believer Growth Book to men who were rededicating their lives to Christ.
Ryan Ries, co-founder of The Whosoevers movement, teaches on “The All-Knowing God” from John 13:18-20, urging confession and repentance of sin.
Carl Palinkas shared the work and vision of Zechariah’s Hope in northern Israel. Over 100 men visited the ministry table to consider opportunities for their churches to partner with Pastor Carl in refurbishing bomb shelters and ministering the love of Christ at Kibbutz Misgav Am, overlooking Lebanon. Learn more about this ministry at cotr-florence.com/zechariah-s-hope
Carl Palinkas of Church on the Rock in Florence, OR, shared the work and vision of the ministry Zechariah’s Hope in northern Israel. It refurbishes bomb shelters and ministers the love of Christ at a kibbutz overlooking Lebanon.
Pastor Tony Clark rounded out the day by challenging attendees to be like the sons of Issachar—men who understand the times, based on 1 Chronicles 12:32. Working through Romans 13:11-14, Tony challenged Christian men to be real men, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the flesh.
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11-14
Pastor Dave Coleman exclaimed, “What an incredible event! If the goal was to equip them to be the men God has designed us to be, that expectation was met and exceeded. Men were challenged, bonds of brotherhood were formed, the Holy Spirit did His work, and Christ was exalted. To God be the glory!”
Tony Clark, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Newport News, VA, challenged conference attendees to understand the times, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Beginning
In March of 2020, America was feeling the grip of fear of the looming pandemic. In response, Senior Pastor Ty Orr felt impressed to bring the joy of the Lord to the region of southeast Idaho through the church’s radio station, REV Radio (therev.fm). Ty and the Watersprings’ pastoral team were working through 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Very soon, the program “Pastors Live”, featuring Watersprings’ pastors sharing hope and joy in the Lord, was born. Early in the second season, they prayerfully considered the idea of bringing in pastors from Calvary Chapels across the nation to encourage men to be men—as God designed them to be.
Christian singer and song writer Clifton Janskey provided music during the conference.
In April of 2022, the first Resolve Men’s Conference was launched. The idea from the beginning was to equip men to turn from fear and resolve to be men of dignity, integrity, and fidelity by the power of the Holy Spirit. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).
Several local businesses and ministries participated by setting up booths or hosting adrenaline-fueled activities around the Watersprings’ campus. Archery, a paintball course, and hatchet-throwing were among the activities offered during the lunch break. Pastor Dave shared, “It truly was an amazing, fun, and challenging day to unashamedly celebrate biblical masculinity while at the same time staying focused on Jesus and spending several hours together in His Word.” The response to the 2022 conference was so positive that Revelation Radio and the Watersprings’ pastors prayed about making the conference an annual event.
At the conference, men enjoyed adrenaline-fueled activities, including archery, paintball, and hatchet-throwing. Assistant Pastor Dave Coleman shared, “It truly was an amazing, fun, and challenging day to unashamedly celebrate biblical masculinity while at the same time staying focused on Jesus and spending several hours together in His Word.”
Plans for Conference 2024 are already in the works. For information, visit resolvemen.com "We're looking forward to what God is going to do next year," Pastor Ty said.
SPONSOR MESSAGE: Calvary Bible Institute is a one-year program designed to equip those who are called to serve the Lord in full-time ministry. Visit CBI's website to learn more about their programs at calvarybi.com
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