“Let’s Get Real: Real Life, Real Faith, Real connections, Real Men”

MICHIGAN DISCIPLES MEN’S RETREAT

$165.00/all inclusive and $95.00/commuters

Early Bird discount of $25.00 through June 1st

Regular Deadline: September 12

Men’s Retreat Schedule (Tentative)

Friday

• 3:00 – 6:00 Arrive early afternoon or whenever you can join in
• 6:00 Dinner (available if you arrive late)
• 7:00 Introductions
• 7:30 Session #1
  • Real Men & Real Models (Faith Foundation) using Matthew 14:6 -11
    We will explore maleness and models using examples of men in the bible and from the participants’ lived experiences.  We will explore King Herod’s understanding of maleness, his misuse of power, the influences described in the passage, and his destructive ethics.
• 8:30 Bonfire & fireside conversations

Saturday

• 7:45 Morning watch/devotions
• 8:00 Breakfast
• 9:00 Session #2
  • Real Faith Commitments & Convictions (Faithing It Through Complicated Realities) Matthew 14:12-14
    We will examine and discuss our faith commitments and convictions about God/Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit or the lack thereof, and how it impacts our ability to persevere through tough seasons we experience personally, among family, ecclesially, communally, etc.
• 10:15 Break
• 10:30 Session #3
  • Real Realities Offers Real Opportunities (Discipleship In Action) Matthew 14:15-16
    We will examine together opportunities for godly men to faithfully respond to life circumstances, communal realities, issues of injustice, and more in their immediate context.
• Noon Lunch
• 1:15 Free-time or camp work related activities*
• 6:00 Dinner
• 7:00 Session #4
  • Real Experiences Produce New Revelations (Seeking The Divine In & Through All Things)  Matthew 14:17-20
    Here, we will explore how it is God’s desire for humanity to see and experience God at work in new ways.  In the  Matthean passage, God uses the willing and the open, even when what we have to give might seem small or insignificant.
• 9:00 Bonfire & fireside conversations from the day

Sunday

• 7:45 Morning watch/devotions
• 8:00 Breakfast
• 9:00 Pack/clean/load out
• 10:00 Worship/Communion Service
• 10:30 Closing Circle of Fellowship

About our speaker

Rev. Derrick Perkins, Sr. is a native St. Louisan, shaped by a family of origin and ethos of strong and courageous African American women from Edwards, Mississippi.  He is an ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.  In March of 2025, he began his ministerial call with Disciples Home Missions as Director for Congregational Vitality & 

Innovation (CVI). CVI is a program area that supports DHM’s mission by developing resources and learning experiences for pastors, lay-leaders, and congregations to assist in congregational self-reflection, lay leader development, community partnership, and outreach.  Serving in this merger position affords him the opportunity to serve the whole Church, while also advocating for and supporting ministry and causes for African American disciples and communities.   

Prior to his current role, Rev Perkins served as the senior pastor of Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in St. Louis, MO, from October 2007 to February 2025. While at Centennial, Rev. Perkins provided significant leadership in developing ministry programs and collaborations that address and engage social determinants, health disparities, food insecurity, education, communal uplift, cultural enrichment, and more.  Under Rev. Perkins’ leadership, Centennial became a community hub for resources for families and residents living in the Fountain Park and Lewis Place communities and neighborhoods throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.  Rev Perkins has a history of providing leadership, consulting, and program support for many not-for-profit organizations locally and nationally. He currently serves on numerous boards.  He is a certified anti-racism trainer for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).    

Rev. Perkins attended Lincoln University of Missouri, Harris Stowe State University, and Eden Theological Seminary, earning a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies in Science & Social Science, and a Master of Divinity Degree.  He is a proud life-member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  He is married to Bridget Perkins, and is father to Aliyah, Derrick, and Andrew.  Born and raised in urban communities plagued by poverty and systemic injustice, he has taken the mantle of ministry and committed his life to partnering with God’s mission to establish justice for all of 

God’s people.  Derrick’s motto for living is “Only what you do for Christ is going to last!”