Ontario Conference Men’s Ministry Retreat Draws More Than 145 Men
Posted: September 2nd, 2026
From August 28 to 30, 2026, more than 145 men gathered at Camp Frenda for the Ontario Conference Men’s Ministry Retreat, themed “Forged: Men Standing Strong in a Shifting World.” This was the largest turnout since 2016, demonstrating that more men are seeking to grow closer to Christ, build stronger relationships, and become better disciples and leaders.
The main goal of the retreat was to help men grow as disciples and leaders by providing practical tools and encouragement to help them lead well at home, in the church, and in their communities.
The retreat began with a welcome and devotional message from Pastor Allan Chichester, Director of Family and Men’s Ministries, who spoke about Enoch’s example in the Bible. Referring to Genesis 5:24, “Enoch walked with God,” Chichester reminded everyone that Enoch remained faithful in a changing world because he walked with God every day. He encouraged the men to ask themselves, “What does walking with God look like for me?” This set a spiritual tone for the weekend, focusing on finding strength through a daily relationship with God.
Former Member of Parliament Derek Sloan, the first Seventh-day Adventist elected to the Canadian Parliament, brought greetings on Sabbath morning—not as a sitting MP, but as a fellow church member. Sloan was elected on October 21, 2019, to represent the riding of Hastings–Lennox and Addington in Ontario.
Equipping Men for Discipleship
A major feature of the retreat was a series of five presentations by Marty Miller, founder and CEO of Blueprint for Men. His presentations addressed practical and biblical dimensions of men’s ministry, including:
- Biblical Manhood and Identity
- Disciple-Making That Multiplies
- Launching Sustainable Men’s Ministry
- The Power of Small Groups
- Courageous, Practical Leadership
The presentations were well-received and encouraged the men to do more than simply attend church events. They were challenged to actively make disciples and help build sustainable men’s ministries.
Dr. Mansfield Edwards, Vice President for Evangelism and Director of Seniors and Indigenous Ministries, delivered the Sabbath midday presentation, “The Necessity for Discipleship.” His presentation reinforced the retreat’s central emphasis that healthy men’s ministry must ultimately lead men into deeper discipleship and active participation in Christ’s mission.
Worship, Fellowship, and Brotherhood
Throughout the weekend, the men participated in seminars, group discussions, prayer times, worship services, and sang hymns together. Special music from the Harmonia Quartet, Lennox Cameron, and Jay Beckles made the worship experience even more meaningful.
The retreat also provided time for fellowship and fun. On Sabbath evening, some men played ping-pong, others watched the movie The Forge, while others played board games such as dominoes. Several men also went kayaking. These activities helped participants build friendships and grow closer together as brothers.
Four pastors also participated in the retreat alongside men from their congregations. Pastor Daniel Catangay attended with 22 men from Barry Church, Pastor Garth Geddes brought 11 men from Belleville Church, and Pastor Glen DeSilva attended with 10 men from Willowdale Church. Pastor Germain Jean-Pierre also participated with men from Shekinah Church.
Connecting Men to Resources and Ministry Opportunities
Pastor Chichester also shared resources and programs designed to support men and strengthen men’s ministries. These included the Ontario Conference’s The Great Belong initiative, General Conference materials for family worship and men’s ministries, and resources to help men address challenges such as pornography.
He also announced upcoming ministry opportunities, including OneVoice 27: Mission For All.
Attendance
The attendees came from many parts of the conference, including Windsor, Leamington, Ottawa, Cornwall, Oshawa, the Greater Toronto Area, and Whitby.
The retreat concluded on Sunday morning with a powerful expression of unity. The men gathered in a large circle and joined their voices in singing “Side by Side We Stand.” Pastor Chichester then led the group in prayer, bringing the weekend to a meaningful close.
The retreat’s message was clear: men cannot afford to drift with a shifting culture. They must allow God’s Word to forge them, strengthen them through fellowship, and ground them in a daily walk with Christ.
As the men returned to their homes and churches, the hope was that the experience would not remain simply a memorable weekend. Instead, the prayer is that the men would return as stronger disciples, courageous leaders, committed brothers, and faithful men equipped to make disciples who make disciples.
Pastor Allan Chichester, D. Min.
Family and Men’s Ministries Director, Ontario Conference
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