"What started out as an event, has turned into a full fledged ministry of Southeast Christian Church... We knew this was going to be successful... but quite frankly, leaders of Church were amazed at how many men have come out of woodwork and become involved.” Ralph Swallows, Southeast Christian Church.... Louisville, KY

Recently I was speaking with Steve Chapman, author of several Christianbooks for men and outdoors. We were discussing ways to use outdoors to reach men, and our conversation turned to “Wild Game Feed” events. Steve suggested I speak with Ralph Swallows and outdoor men's ministry team from Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY who have initiated and directed a very successful ministry for last four years...

“Our goal was to get the... “come to church for an hour and go home guy”, engaged." Stated passionate Swallows. “We knew this church was full of men that had so much to offer... we just needed a vehicle to bring them to surface.” (Sounds a little like hunting to me...) Ralph got idea to do a Wild Game Feed at his church. "We began networking, rounding up a “core group” of outdoorsmen to head this thing up. We asked men to commit to donating game, and to spread word around town." Ralph said. (The men agreed... besides, this gave them perfect “spiritual” ammo they needed for their wives to let them go out hunting.) The results.. 460 men came to dinner first year, 700 second year, year three 900, and they are shooting for 1500+ this year. Consider this... 30-40% of men attending are not affiliated with Church.

What have they done to make this event such a success? First, they make a strong effort to be sure guests are made to feel welcome. Chris Hadley, one of core group members, co-ordinates hospitality greeters and ushers. “We do our best to communicate love of Lord to every man who comes.” Hadley said.

As we were sitting there eating fixin's girls brought out to us "hard working men", I was observing Riley, Devon's old Golden Retriever. I said, "I bet Riley really likes it out here in country." Devon responded, "You know, since we moved out here I've really seen his natural instincts come to surface." I sat and thought about that for a minute, and replied, "You know what Devon, its same for men..."

Recently I was visiting my brother in-law Devon Rolf, a patent attorney with Garmin International (Most of you outdoorsmen know Garmin by their handheld GPS units and fishfinders). Our families were getting together, girls catching up on news inside while guys (Devon, me and three of my sons) were out workin' in woods. A few years ago Devon moved out on some acreage outside of town, and we were clearing some walking trails... no doubt we were checking out all signs of deer activity while we were out... rubs, scrapes, droppings, etc. My 8 year old son Christian found a nice antler from a 12 point buck out there. He wants to mount it somehow in his room to hang stuff on.