Every Wednesday between 5:15 and 5:45—AM!— a few good men gather in Colonial’s kitchen to prepare breakfast for the Quest Men’s Bible Study. Before they get started someone prays, praising God and asking His blessing on the meeting and those who will be attending.

Then the men go about their assigned task. They are a well disciplined team; every man knows his position and every man plays his position. There is a lot of talk and laughter, but at 6:30 sharp everything is ready and breakfast is served. The men gathered in Colonial’s Parlor enjoy breakfast including: juice, coffee, fruit, sausage, bacon, grits, hotcakes, and eggs…with a side of exegesis.

At 6:50 Men’s Ministry leader, Steve Shelton, opens the meeting with a welcome and prayer and introduces Quest teacher, Pastor Scott Wylie. This fall, Pastor Scott is teaching on the life of King David. David was not only a man after God’s own heart, he was also a man with issues— personal issues and family issues, not unlike most of the men seated around the tables in the Parlor.

Pastor Scott concludes the teaching time by praying for the men. Soundly teaching the text (the exegesis) is critical; however, there is also time for lesson discussion and an opportunity to share faith and life (Romans 1:12).  At each table five to eight men are seated; they appreciate time to really connect. “Having a group of men to talk with each week, who are as invested in your life as you are in theirs, allows walls to come down,” said Quest regular, Josh Houghton.

Two of Satan’s most powerful weapons are separation and isolation. Once Satan gets you isolated (and that can happen even when you are around people all day, every day) he can begin to play havoc with your life and mind—that’s what happened to David. Study groups, like Quest, help to create community, minimizing the dangers of isolation.

The sort of community fostered among men at Quest, encourages men to affirm one another offering: love, forgiveness, acceptance, a sense of identity and accountability. Josh said, “When I started attending [Quest] about two years ago, I went without knowing anyone there. I was quickly invited to join a table. That simple invitation opened the door to start relationships with men that has encouraged and strengthened my faith continuously.” Another Quest regular, Daniel Trimpy said, “I particularly find value in the ability to connect with older men in the church and draw upon their life's experiences.”
 
All men are invited and welcome to participate in Quest. Just show up in the Parlor at 6:25—AM—any Wednesday. Remember, whenever the people of God are focused on Jesus Christ and are connected to one another by shared faith, life, and love; there is a glorious consequence: And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47b (KJV).