Motivational District Revival
Church of God of Prophecy
Scarborough Family Worship Center
6 Donalda Crescent, Scarborough, ON M1S 1N6, Canada
Saturday Morning Workshop Session
Israel A. Harriott
National Men’s Director | COGOP Eastern Canada
Date: Saturday April 25, 2026 | 10 AM
The Men & Young Men’s Alliance
COGOP Men’s Ministry | Eastern Canada
National Men’s Minsitry Theme 2026:
Prelude to God’s Encounter
National Men’s Ministry Vision:
Discovering and aspiring towards a lifestyle of authentic masculinity
National Men’s Ministry Mission:
Living out and living in the masculine identity by exploring and understanding the ideas of “Reason, Roles & Relationship” in Genesis chapter 2.
Motivational District Workshop Theme:
The effectiveness of our engagment and connection (as men and young men) is impacted by the absence or presence of one’s voice.
WORKSHOP INTRODUCTION
The first part of this session is focused on the influence of both the absent and present men’s and fathers voices, and the importance of young men’s voices.
The second part looks at practical applications of living this out through various engagement activities, which finds its foundation from my personal MYMA initiatives, and it is applicable and inclusive to both men, and women as we focus on our male and female youth.
I am thankful to Bishop Walters for the opportunity and the privilege to lead this session.
Thank you for attending this session. I welcome your feedback and your thoughts. Please feel free to browse through the websites and share as you wish.
National Men’s Director -MYMA | Eastern Canada
TWO DIFFERENT DADS, TWO VOICES
Opening Discussion
I would like to introduce and discuss two fathers -one who was absent and one who was present. The first guy, I don’t know his name, but I know that he named his son “Sue”. This was a song made famous by the country singer Johnny Cash.
AN ABSENT FATHER – SUE’S DAD
What kind of impact can an absent father have on his son’s life? Let’s explore this through the story called “A Boy Named Sue“. I would like to take the time to go through some of the lyrics of the song and have a general discussion. (Access lyrics here)
(Read the Blog “A Boy Named Sue”)
Johnny Cash* played at Folsum Prison January 9, 1958. (He also did many more prison concerts.)
YouTube Audio (Listen to “A Boy Named Sue”)
*This photo can be found at the California State Library website.
Things to Contemplate…
- What do you think of the song?
- How does the man feel about his father at the beginning and at the end of the story?
- How did he influence the son’s life?
- What was the reason for naming his son Sue?
- Do you think that it was a positive or negative influence?
- Was this a good-intentioned bad idea?
- How would you assess the influence of Sue’s dad on Sue’s life?
The Punchline
“If I ever had a son, I think I’m going to name him…Bill or George -anything but Sue!!”
This is the biggest laugh at the end, considering all that we’ve gone through in the narrative journey of the story. What is the deep, significant message of the final comment?
- Are less harsher ways of teaching?
- Are there more loving ways of influencing?
A Final Thought
The irony of the song is that Johnny Cash performed it at a number of men’s prisons. It would be a reasonable assumption that many of those men likely may have experienced the lack of father figure influence in their lives.
A PRESENT FATHER – JOB
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
- His spiritual life, spiritual condition
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
- His family life
3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
- His wealth and household
4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
- His family dynamics
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
- His family dynamics
The Big Questions
- How do these two fathers compare?
- We don’t know anything about his children, but what kind of an influence do you think Job had on them?
A YOUNG MAN’S VOICE
We can see that a father’s voice can be of great influence, but what about a young man? In the book of Job, a character called Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite of the kindred of Ram finds his voice. There are a few unusual things… First of all he just starts speaking out of nowhere, like he has always been there. Secondly, he is a young man, in comparison to all of Job’s three friends who were old, and supposedly wise.
Job 32:1-2, 4, 6, 9 KJV
[1] So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. [2] Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
[4] Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
[6] And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
[9] Great men are not always wise: Neither do the aged understand judgment.
Some Takeaways…
- Young men can be invisible, and feel intimidated
- Young men have an important voice in the plan of God
- Young men have a lot to say (Elihu speaks from chapter 32 – 38 | 184 verses!)
A Few More Interesting Thoughts…
- Elihu was not included in the sins of Job’s friends “Who had not said what was right about God” Job 42:7 (They had to offer sacrifices for their sin, but not Elihu.) Job 42:8
- Other things to note is that in the end, the young man came to the wrong conclusion just like the other three friends in the thinking that Job had sinned.
- To keep us all humble, let’s recognize that no one came to the right concusion -the old or the young. When it comes down to it, God was the only one who is always right.
ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES
The remainder of the session will be an opportunity to share ideas and examples of different ways we as adults (especially men) can intentionally engage in the lives of our youth. This might not be the “norm”, but I do believe it is moving in a good direction.
Rite of Passages
Rite of Passage (Read the Blog)
- What is it?
- Why is it important?
- My Rite of Passage story with my son…
- Questions?
Passport 2 Purity
- What is it?
- Why is it important?
- My Passport 2 Purity story with my son…
- Questions?
Ceremonies
- What is it?
- Why is it important?
- My story Ceremony story with my son…
- Questions?
Mentorship
A Place of Mentorship (Read the blog)
The website above introduces the idea of mentorship as I reflect on growing up at my local church. However, James Morgan and I developed a Mentorship/ Life Coach Program that I have used with various young men. It is still a work in progress and I will be organizing this information at a later date through the Genesis Man Website.
My Personal Engagement Initiatives
I have three daughters, and I thought you should know that I have not forgotten about them! The role of a father is of course also essential in the life of girls. Although I haven’t as yet included these ideas in the Genesis Man website, it is something that I intend to do. Below are Engagement Initiatives that I have done with all three of my daughters.
New Year’s Letters * (Read blog)
This is something that is done that includes my son and my wife, but I especially like to focus on my daughters. The words from a father are important, so I take the time to write a letter to them every New Year. When my daughters were younger I also bought them journals to regularly write to them and give them a chance to write back. You can access the blog post above to go into more details.
*Used for both my son & daughters
First Date
I have taken out all three of my daughters after each turned 13. My reasoning is that their first real date should be with someone who cares and appreciates them. Furthurmore, I want to set the standard as to what a gentleman should be like.
We take this opportunity to go all out and get dressed up. Flowers are a must, and we may go to nice restaurants and sometimes an event.
Identity Journal
Through my study of the Old Testament character Gideon, I was able to put together an “Identity Journal”. With all three of my daughters, I’ve taken the time to help them discover their identities through the journal sessions, their reflections and our discussions.
This Identity Journal is based on the story of Gideon found in Judges 6, and it examines various aspects and steps that he took to reach his true identity as a “Mighty Man of Valour”.
Essentially, this is a Bible study that allows discussion, reflection and doodling! I also took the opportunity to personalize the journal by including photos of each of my daughters.
I intend to make this resource available in the future, however the link below will give an idea as to how it looks. Please contact me (see below) if you are interested in using this. (It can be used for both males and females).
CONCLUSION
The Challenge for Men
The challenge that I’ve found is getting men to engage with these initiatives. I believe that it can be uncomfortable “putting yourself out there”, especially trying something new. This isn’t typically what Men’s Ministries do, but this arguably is our most important task of the Biblical masculine identity.
The Ask for Women
It is clear to me that we as men’s leaders need to build alliances with women. I’m asking women to ally with us and encourage and gently push their men towards these Engagement Initiatives.
The Belief
These Engagement Initiatives are transformational at the least, or at the most positive momentary milestone. Personally, I believe that the reason it is a challenge to get men engaged is because the very nature of this potential must really scare our spiritual enemies. The possibility of profoundly producing a significant impact that reverberates into the future is amazing!
RESOURCES
- Blog Post – A Boy Named Sue
- Rite of Passages
- Passport 2 Purity
- Ceremonies
- Mentorship (Introduction Article)
- Life Coach Mentorship Program site is still being organized
- Genesis Man Book
CONTACT US
SAVE THE DATE!
GTA Mid Regional Men and Young Men’s Conference – Saturday June 13, 2026
Theme: Engage: Rooted in Faith, Reaching Our Community
You are warmly invited to attend the GTA Mid-Region Men’s Conference, hosted by Men’s Ministries across the region. The conference will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the West End Worship Center Auditorium (1344 Martin Grove Road), from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Centered on the theme “Engage: Rooted in Faith, Reaching Our Community,” this intergenerational gathering offers an opportunity for men and young men from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond to come together for encouragement, connection, and growth. Our desire is that every participant leaves refreshed and equipped to engage their communities—spiritually, relationally, and missionally—while remaining firmly grounded in faith.
The conference will feature inspiring presentations, practical teaching, and engaging dialogue with a distinguished panel of speakers. Together, we will explore topics such as the characteristics of an engaged man and how to remain faithful through life’s challenges, with opportunities for questions and meaningful interaction in a welcoming environment.
Featured Speakers:
- Rev. Dr. Bishop Shelton Beneby, Regional Bishop, Church of God of Prophecy — delivering a biblical message aligned with the conference theme.
- Dr. Timothy Quek, Psychologist and Keynote Speaker — offering practical and encouraging insights for personal and spiritual growth.
- Donna Campbell, RN, Psychotherapist and Workshop Facilitator — leading a workshop titled “Faithful Through the Fog: Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia While Staying Rooted in Christ.” This session will provide compassionate guidance on understanding dementia, navigating the emotional and spiritual demands of caregiving, and leading families faithfully through seasons of decline and loss.
This conference is free and open to all. Lunch will be available for purchase at a cost of $15.
Registration:
To reserve your spot, please email culturemon@hotmail.com or call 647-999-2842 or 647-278-6001.
With a strong lineup of speakers and a focus on practical application, we trust you will leave encouraged, strengthened, and better equipped to serve as a godly leader within your family, church, and community.
We would be honoured to have you join us and look forward to welcoming you.
Rodney Pringle | GTA Mid Regional Leader
Howard Clark | GTA Mid Regional Asst.
Check Out What Happened in our Last Conferences!
Click Here for pictures and details about the 2025 conference. More information about the 2026 conference will be coming soon. Please save the date!
The Genesis Man Project 