NASHVILLE, Tenn.––A United Methodist pastor urged some 800 persons attending National Gathering of United Methodist Men to become like the mighty men of David.

The Rev. Shane Bishop, pastor of Christ UMC in Fairview Heights, Ill, told the July 12- 14 quadrennial meeting about three mighty men who helped David extend his kingship.
The first man was Jashobeam who killed 800 men in one battle.

The second was Eleazar who stood with David against the Philistines when the rest of his troops retreated. He struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.

The third mighty man was Shammah who defended the land, struck the Philistines down, and brought a great victory to David.

“These three were the best of the best,” said Bishop.

“What might it mean to be the mighty men of the United Methodist Church?” asked Bishop. “What if we decided to build the Kingdom of God or die trying?”

“Men don’t become great because they expect God to do what God expects men to do. Stop waiting on your preacher. Get off the sidelines and change the world.”

“I see pockets of life and vitality in United Methodist Men,” said Bishop, who led a congregation whose membership grew from 200 to 1,700.

“We’re not always going to get it right. Stop trying to be perfect. If we do nothing, we leave God with nothing to bless. God will change the trajectory of the spear if He can find someone to throw it.

“Don’t die having never lived.”

Bishop ended the presentation with an invitation for the men to get out of their chairs and tell the Lord that they will return to their homes to “let the spirit fly.”

“Why do I have to move?” he asked. “Because Methodist haven’t moved in a long time,” he answered.

Hundreds of United Methodist men came forward to acknowledge their call to God’s service.