Daniel Atkins believes a young man needs to surround himself with “mighty men” to make it in life.
Atkins, pastor of Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery, talked about the kind of mighty men out of 2 Samuel 23 at the annual Fortify conference held at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster on Aug. 29.
“I need mighty men in my life, and God has called me to be a mighty man in the lives of others,” said Atkins, who served as the main speaker for the one-day event.
These men are not meek, not scared, not complacent … but men of prayer who are dedicated to be men of the Word, Atkins shared.
Around 300 young men in grades 6–12 gathered from across Alabama. Around 35 churches, including one from Tennessee, brought youth to the event planned by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
‘Men who will remain’
“I need men in my life who will fight for me,” Atkins said. “Men who will remain when everyone else runs.”
These men need to be committed, courageous and competent.
“We’re called not to leave any man behind,” Atkins said. “We’re called to honor, courage and commitment.”
He warned the young men and their leaders not to take the enemy lightly.
“You and I are engaged in spiritual warfare every single day,” he said. “What the enemy wants to convince you of is that he’s harmless … that he’s after someone else.”
Atkins used three sessions to cover the theme “One Another.”
“I need men to speak truth into my life … to do bold things for Christ,” Atkins said.
During the second session, Atkins urged the men to not shy away from vulnerability.
“If you’re going to experience victory in your life, you’re not going to do it alone,” he said. “I need guys in my life I can be real with without fear.”
Atkins said it’s important for men to surround themselves with people who take initiative and who are willing to risk everything. Later, Atkins spoke about how Nathan confronted King David in 2 Samuel.
“God uses other believers in your life for correction,” Atkins said, highlighting Nathan’s boldness to go before the king to express truth. “Nathan wasn’t afraid of the fallout. Loving accountability is bold. Loving accountability is redemptive.”
‘Dropping truth’
Breakout session topics included “dads dropping truth,” a panel of fathers/grandfathers offering advice on biblical friendship and dating; how to help a friend struggling with pornography; how to disciple or mentor other people; identity: who God says you are; and one session for leaders on the potential use and dangers of artificial intelligence.
One Step Closer, a group of three men from South Alabama, led music.
Larry Hyche, state missionary, leads men’s ministry and spiritual development work for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
Visit alabamamen.org to learn more about future events, including next year’s Fortify conference.
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