Men of Honor

“I want to go to Men of Honor church!” Jake* told his mom.

Due to her work schedule, Jake’s mom could not take her son to a traditional Sunday morning service. However, she was overjoyed when she learned about a local Men of Honor (MOH) program. After Jake attended an MOH meeting, he asked to go back. While there, he received biblical truths, experienced a church-like fellowship with like-minded peers, and learned a few essential life skills. MOH became his church family.

While AFA primarily deals with moral and social issues on a national scope, the ministry also puts feet to faith by helping local young men like Jake develop a relationship with the Lord while incorporating interactive opportunities. The MOH program is designed for boys ages 7-17. Based on the principles in 2 Timothy 2:2, MOH prepares boys to become godly men by teaching them both Scripture and life skills, such as maintenance, craftsmanship, grilling, and gentlemanly etiquette.

How it started

MOH first began in 2018 when Wil Addison designed the program as an opportunity to minister to fatherless boys. In 2020, Addison passed the baton of directorship to AFA Vice President Wesley Wildmon, who has held the position ever since. But Wildmon is no stranger to serving young men. In fact, it is something he has enjoyed being a part of for many years.

“Everyone has an area of ministry that they are slightly more passionate about than others, and being able to disciple fatherless young men is what I really love,” Wildmon told The Stand.

In high school, Wildmon served at a Team Focus USA chapter in Mobile, Alabama. Team Focus is a ministry to young men (ages 10-18) who do not have a father figure in their lives. The stated goal of Team Focus is to provide these young men with “leadership skills, guidance, godly values, and a continual relationship with a mentor.” While working with Team Focus, Wildmon felt the Lord calling him to serve fatherless boys. His call was solidified after he watched his parents interact with many of his friends who lacked a godly parental figure in their lives.

“My parents were willing to open up our house to many young men in my circles in high school who either didn’t have both parents or whose parents weren’t involved in their lives for different reasons,” explained Wildmon. “My parents provided that for a lot of my friends.”

Many of these early experiences and relationships helped Wildmon as he began directing MOH. Yet, in recent years, he has extended its reach. It is now used as a discipleship tool for boys with or without a father figure present.

How it’s going

Once participants arrive at an MOH meeting, they are greeted with a meal, friendly faces, biblical truths, and a life skill to learn. On the final night of the program – the graduation ceremony – MOH hosts a formal dinner where the boys can bring their loved ones for a time of recognition and fellowship.

“The entire course takes [roughly] 15 hours out of the whole summer or year,” Wildmon explained. “You cannot imagine the spiritual and practical impact it makes on the young men who attend.”

AFA’s 2024 MOH program is scheduled to take place every Tuesday in June at the AFA campus in Tupelo, Mississippi. But because of the free digital Men of Honor Curriculum, this impactful ministry can be implemented anywhere at any time of the year. (See sidebar.)

“For anybody interested in discipling young men, this couldn’t give you a better start,” Wildmon said.

*The child’s real name was changed.

Nurturing honor, respect, and skills

Charles Hefner and his brother, Will, have participated in Men of Honor (MOH) alongside their father, Bo, who serves as a volunteer. They have seen firsthand how MOH has positively impacted boys with and without fathers, including their youngest brother, Brayden, who was adopted.

 “The ability for an entire group of boys and men to be together and enjoy every second of their time is amazing to see.” – Charles (age 19)

“Whenever [Brayden] is at MOH, he is happy and interacting with the other boys. All the boys there make him feel included and show him not to judge others and to be friendly to them.” – Will (age 17)

“I have enjoyed that we get to learn things about God, safety, and how to be a great husband one day.” – Brayden (age 9)