The Wild Beast Feast Fellowship

When we think of different ministries in the church, the fellowships (where there is eating involved) usually is center around, or catered by, the ladies of the church.  At our church, there is a different type of food fellowship once a year. No, you won't find soups, salads or crackers and cheese at this fellowship.  You only find meat at The Wild Beast Feast Fellowship.

Lots and lots of meat.  Well, and desserts.  Of course.

A handful of years ago, some members of our church had an idea to have a men's only fellowship.  A gathering where men, who maybe don't go to church, would feel comfortable coming.  They would eat wild game that was hunted and donated by various members of the church.  This fellowship started out as a small gathering.  It has now grown to over 350 men with people turned away at the door.

Keep in mind, we are not from a large town or city.  350 men from all over the area is a large group!

 See the candy on the table? Cade had a hand in helping with that.

{Please note there is not normally deer heads on our church walls. They are brought in for the occasion.} ;-)

Our boys look forward to this fellowship every year.  It is a great opportunity to teach them how to serve in the church and let them watch what happens when everyone joins in to help.  All of the chairs need to be set up and then taken down.  Many hands make light work.  Though it is mostly a men's fellowship (some women hunters appreciate the chance to go as well!), men and women are needed to make this function happen.

Why is serving in your church important?

Without you, many activities couldn't take place.  If only one man was around to set up and take down 350 chairs, this Feast wouldn't have taken place.  You may not think you have a role in your church.  Maybe you feel you can't serve anywhere.  You CAN!  You can help with your talents and gifts, even if it isn't "glamorous" or what you feel is important.  In my new ebook Supercharged: Plugging Into Ministry And Encouraging Others To Do The Same, I talk about how you can help your church and why it is important to serve.  {You can check out the book here.}  I personally supply vegetable dishes and desserts for my guys to take to the feast.

Donated items for the door prizes.

What Can I Do?

Can you help set up tables? Can you collect door prizes?  Can you cook?  These are just a few examples of ways you can help when there is an event going on at your church.  Can you clean?  Most of us can run a vacuum or take out garbage.  Think outside of the box and chip in where you can. Your efforts will be appreciated.

Now as far as the Wild Beast Feast is concerned, it is a great God-honoring event.  Many, many men walk through those doors ready to eat and listen. Personally, I think the mystery meat is a scary concept, but my boys enjoy trying it and guessing what it is.  Alligator-yum...it's what's for dinner. ;-)

Teaching Your Children To Help

My boys went with their dad to help set up the feast.  They put candy on the table, vacuumed, set up chairs and made up informational packets. Then afterwards, they stayed and helped clean up and vacuumed.  Be an example to your children.  Children can always benefit from watching their parents help others.  Watching you help at church, a soup kitchen or mowing a neighbor's yard can teach your children so many great life lessons.  When it is our turn to clean our church, our children not only come with us, we hand them garbage sacks and vacuums.  Teaching your children to bless others is something they will carry with them forever.

So what about you?  How can you help in your church, your community or your children's school?  Everyone had a talent or gift they can bless others with.  If you want to learn more, read Supercharged and discover your gifts.