Sons of Issachar (SOI) is a meeting of men and sons on the first and third Tuesday evening of each month to discuss topics relevant to Christian living in today’s culture. It is said of the sons of Issachar in Israel in the Old Testament that “they understood the times and knew what to do.” This is the goal of Providence’s Sons of Issachar, to the end that we might live effectively as salt and light in the world and train our “young men to be strong, to have the Word of God abide in them, and to overcome the wicked one.”

This is not your “typical” men’s group, but rather a time of deeper discussion, challenge and accountability. The time is typically divided into four segments.

Information
The first 15-20 minutes of SOI is used for the elders to communicate any decisions that have been made by the leadership of Providence, any changes that are coming, or any other general information that the men of the church need to know. The men are also encouraged to bring their own concerns at this time.

Teaching/Discussion
We then spend an hour or so in teaching. This is often a book study on doctrine or men’s issues. Although the majority of the time is spent in teaching, the discussion is typically very open and honest. We begin discussion in a larger open-floor format, allowing for discussion on the practical aspects of the topic. This practical discussion is then broken down even more as men share in their elder led accountability groups.

Accountability
Lastly, we separate into prayer groups led by one of the elders. It is an opportunity for each man to discuss the practical implications of the topic and to seek the accountability of others and to pray diligently for the needs of the families in the church.

Fellowship
After this, we break into a time of informal fellowship – and dessert!

For information on this ministry, please contact Pastor James McDonald at 309-387-2600.