To Equip & Encourage

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Navigating Manhood: Are You a Wayfinder?

manhood seven seas of manhood warren mainard

In the nautical lexicon, a Wayfinder is a navigator who uses traditional methods for finding direction and navigating long distances over the ocean without the use of modern equipment. This ancient art of navigation was mastered by the Polynesians, who managed to explore and inhabit a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, including islands in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, long before the arrival of Europeans. Polynesian Wayfinders navigated their canoes across thousands of miles of open ocean, reaching distant islands with remarkable precision.

How did they do it? These primitive people learned to thrive, where many modern seafarers would perish by learning to understand the natural order created by God - using a deep understanding of stars, winds, clouds, ocean currents, wave patterns, bird flights, and other signs, they managed to make the impossible task of navigating a vast sea possible. Of all the critical skills and tools which the Wayfinders utilized, however, the most important was not found in creation, but in relationships.

One generation of Wayfinders would faithfully pass down their stories, chants, songs, and oral memories to the next generation, providing their children and grandchildren the courage, confidence, and clarity they needed to navigate successfully on their own.

In a time marked more by confusion and chaos than clarity, men today need to seek out and learn from men like the “men of Issachar” described in 1 Chronicles 12:32, “All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” IMPACT Players are not easily duped or swayed by cultural influences and popular opinions but are daily striving to be like the men of Berea mentioned in Acts 17:11, “Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.”

A Wayfinder understands how to lead himself, his family, business, church, and community by taking heed to the ancient wisdom which comes from God - “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16. The stories, oral traditions, and principles which have been handed down to the followers of God have been given to this generation of men, that you might learn to navigate the seas of manhood skillfully and pass on what you have learned to the next generation.

How do you navigate the various storms and currents of manhood? Do you have older generations of men who have gone through what you are experiencing? Are you passing down the wisdom you have learned from your experiences?

The Seven Seas of Manhood: Navigating With Courage & Confidence the Still & Stormy Waters of a Man's Life is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders. If you are a man who wants to thrive in every storm and season of manhood, we encourage you to join or start an IMPACT Cohort and participate in this 7 week study. Set Sail Here

Warren Mainard
National Director | IMPACT Players
[email protected]

To Equip & Encourage

Navigating Manhood: Are You a Wayfinder?

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