Manhood seems to be an elusive concept for most male adults... let alone boys and teens.

R.O.P.E. is how the men of Connection Church invest solid principles of manhood into the boys and young men of our area. By using "Rite Of Passage Experiences," we affirm the developing character we see in them while showing them new ways of understanding what it means to "be a man" in ways that honor God and bring life into the world.

And along the way, we learn some things ourselves.

Many cultures in the world have identifiable moments where a "boy" becomes a "man." In our culture, we're missing this and leaving boys to fend for themselves... is it any wonder why they blindly do things positive and negative to figure this out? Maybe it's no accident why some boys join a sport or start working on cars... or start smoking and get a girl pregnant.

"What would a 21st century rite of passage look like for boys? How do we produce a model of entrance rather than an exit ramp? Why not create a chapter in a male teenager's life in which he (like Jesus) listens, asks questions and offers sharp answers?"

- David Olshine, Boys Will Be Boys

We're ready and willing to stand in that gap. Whether boys have a dad willing to invest into them, or if some of the men in our church can be that encouraging mentor.

For grades 1-4.

Using the theme of Knighthood, we facilitate a one-day experience twice a year to give boys something to work on with their dad (or a mentor) and explore becoming a “knight who serves the King.” We also hand out monthly initiatives throughout the school year - think "Cub Scouts meets Braveheart." It's all to become someone who takes part in a wild adventure of knowing your purpose and defending others who may not know how to “slay the dragon" in their life.

For grades 5-8.

By giving kids a taste of sports, we offer them a dose of manhood. Led by a former NFL player who is a part of our church, we run a series of fun drills and challenges that offer boys an understanding of who they are and who God made them to be. This is perfect for non-athletic and athletic kids alike, totally tree and taking place July 16, 2011 (9am-noon) at Highland High School practice fields. To sign up, email Pastor Tony Myles at tony@connectionchurch.org

For grades 9-12.

High school aged guys need a challenge, and we're ready to give them one. We're taking them down to the Hocking Hills area to camp "primitive" style and learn to live off the land. It's open to men, too, and taking place July 8-10, 2011. Only $25 - to sign up, email Patrick Campbell HERE