Man Alive

In the Sabbath encounters, Jesus unequivocally shows us that compassion trumps man-made rules and regulations--every time!And, in His school of discipleship, He wants His disciples—then and now—to do the same. Join us as we learn to lead others with compassion and courage.

I was out of commission and unable to teach a live session, so instead we held an open mic.We asked the local group men to share in 3–4 minutes what God has been doing in their life as a result of gathering with their small group and the teachings of Jesus in Train Like the Twelve. As we’re learning to let Jesus do for us what He did for the Twelve, I'd love to hear from you how God is working in your life, your group. Any new insight you’ve gained—great. Any transformation you’ve seen—even better. So instead, we’ll do what Jesus often did with His disciples—pause and reflect on what God is doing among us. This weeks recording will hopefully help get your group talking about how God is at work in them.

Who is Jesus, really? Not the version shaped by culture, assumptions, or distance, but the Jesus who stands in John 5 and makes claims so clear and so bold that the religious leaders wanted Him dead. The issue was never a lack of proof. It was a heart that preferred human approval over the glory of God. Join Jim Angelakos tomorrow and let’s dig into one of the most defining passages in Scripture. And most of all, come ready to encounter the Son of God, not as an idea, but as the living Savior.

Join Pat Morley as we look at one of the most penetrating questions Jesus ever asked: “Do you want to get well?” We’ll explore why some men stay stuck, why others can’t yet see a way forward, and how Jesus meets both with compassion and power. You’ll also wrestle with a hard question: Can you trust God is working for you—even when it looks like He’s working for someone else?

Jesus was asked, “Why don’t your disciples act like our disciples?”Jesus answered with three word pictures—and disciples ever since have wondered, “What do a wedding, a torn patch, and exploding wineskins have to do with me?”Join Pat Morley and be challenged to recognize anything you’re clinging to that no longer works—even if it once did—and why.Then learn how to help yourself—or another man—graduate from performance into the unique freedom of a relationship with Jesus.

This week in Train Like the Twelve, Jesus puts a stake in the ground. He calls Levi, a tax collector who “the good people” despised.What’s striking is what Levi does next—he immediately throws a banquet and invites his friends so they can meet Jesus too.Join us as we explore what the disciples heard and observed that day and what it means for you—a man who wants to become a disciple who helps others follow Jesus.

A man is lowered through a roof. Everyone thinks they know the problem. He can’t walk. But Jesus shocks the room: “I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Luke 5:24) Join Pat Morley and discover why this is the most important declaration Jesus has made so far—and why history pivots on it. By forgiving before He healed, Jesus revealed that the deepest human problem is not physical and the most pressing issue in any room is invisible. You know what you want. But isn’t it good news that Jesus knows what you actually need?

Jesus was constantly in motion—preaching, teaching, healing, casting out demons. Everywhere He went, there was another need, another demand, another person who wanted Him to stay. Yet He didn’t make decisions based on pressure; He made them based on priority. And He never frittered away His time on lesser things.Join Pat Morley as he reveals what guided Jesus’ decisions, shares the personal dashboard he has used for years, and shows you how to build one of your own.

Jesus walks into a place of worship, teaches with unmistakable authority—and then confronts a man possessed by an impure spirit.What happened next stunned everyone present. With a single command, the spirit obeyed.This was more than a dramatic moment. It revealed who Jesus is—and what happens when His authority collides with evil. Join Pat Morley as we explore what it means that Jesus has absolute authority over evil—and what that means for the hidden battles men quietly carry today.It’s going to be a great day!

Let’s face it. The better you do your work, the more people want from you. Demand increases. Pressure follows. And if you’re not careful, you can end up living on adrenaline instead of abiding. In this message, we’ll look at one short—but revealing—verse from the life of Jesus: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) Why did Jesus pray so much? What problem was He solving—and why does that matter for men today? Jesus withdrew—not to escape responsibility—but to renew strength and stay aligned with the Father. He managed the momentum that would have otherwise consumed Him. Join Pat Morley and think through the rhythms you need so you can follow the example of Jesus and lead a biblically rhythmic life.

Right after calling the fishermen, the very next man Jesus “catches” is not an impressive leader, but a leper—a man whose hopes and dreams had been shattered, who came begging Jesus for help.Join Pat Morley as we feel the weight of what Jesus wanted His disciples to see—and understand.For us, this raises a searching question: Are we a place where broken men feel safe to come and ask for help? Something is amiss if broken men are not coming to us.Something is amiss if we are not seeking out broken men.And while sometimes a man still won’t come even when we do everything right, we don’t want it to be because of us.

A carpenter tells professional fishermen where to catch fish—an instruction that defied all logic, humanly speaking.Join Pat Morley tomorrow morning as we watch what happened next, and how one simple response—“At Your word”—opened their eyes to Jesus’ power and might.Do you feel it—that yearning to be part of something so big it’s doomed to fail if God’s not on it?Come feel the exhilaration of following Jesus with your whole heart.

Jesus was a rising star. He returned to his hometown where He got invited to preach at His home “church.” Everyone was excited to hear what He had to say—until He said it. Join Pat Morley and observe the chaos that followed from the perspective of the disciples. The problem will be easy to understand, but what does it mean? And how does it apply to you? Join us and find out.

A man’s young son is about to die. In desperation, the father pleads with Jesus to heal him. When Jesus tells him his son will live, the man doesn’t wait for proof. He takes Jesus at His word and starts home in obedience. If you’ve ever struggled to obey before things make sense, and who hasn't, this one's for you. Join Pat Morley and let Jesus train you like He trained them.

A whole village of people was on their way to see Jesus. In fact, throngs of new people are searching for him every day. But the disciples were not yet trained to understand the bigger picture of what was going on. Jesus lovingly took them aside to open their eyes so they could see the bigger picture and guide the people. That’s training. Join Pat Morley and let Jesus train you like He trained them—to see the bigger picture and be part of it.

In the previous lesson, we were not surprised to learn that Jesus would meet with a top religious leader.This week’s lesson takes us 180 degrees in the other direction. You see, Jesus' next move was to seek out the kind of person that most people seek to avoid. The message is clear: Everyone matters to Jesus. And as we will also see, everyone can make a difference.But the Twelve were surprised—even befuddled. Join Pat Morley and let’s nail down what Jesus was trying to teach His disciples, then and now, about His mission, His audience, His message, and His method. Join us—and train like the Twelve.

Eavesdrop as Jesus explains His salvation for the first time ever recorded—to a good and respected man who was confident he already understood God. Join Pat Morley as Jesus awakens His disciples—then and now—to understand the true nature of salvation via a late-night conversation with Nicodemus. 

Instead of our regular Man Alive Bible Study, we recently hosted the 45th Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast—a long-standing Orlando tradition! I'd like to share it with you.Our featured speaker was Kim Lopdrup, Harvard-educated and retired CEO of Red Lobster, who is five for five on major corporate turnarounds. Kim shared how his faith has shaped his career and family through both success and adversity.

Picture it: You go with Jesus to “church,” and the next thing you know, He’s making a scene—flipping tables, scattering coins, and shouting Scripture. Not the “teaching moment” you were expecting!Join Pat Morley and learn why Jesus was so adamant about driving out anything that keeps the temple from being the sanctuary God desires—and what that means for us today. Let Jesus do for you what He did for them.

Like the Twelve, you’ve been recruited to join Jesus in His school of discipleship. You believe in the cause, so you enlisted. You made the team. Now it’s the first day of training camp. You expected to learn how to clean and shoot, to catch and throw, or how to deliver a decisive tackle. Instead—you find yourself at a wedding.Join Pat Morley and discover what Jesus imparted to the Twelve on that first day of camp—and what He wants us to learn as well. See how the first disciples responded, and how Jesus wants us to respond today.

Guest Speaker: Orlando City Chaplain Andy SearlesIn a world of constant tension, conflict, and distraction, how do we become men of peace—anchored, steady, and sent by God?This Friday, Pastor Andy Searles will walk us through the practical shifts men must make to live as people of peace:From Calling to Commission From Chaos to Calm From Moments to Movement Come learn how courage often looks more like vulnerability than control—and how to carry Christ’s peace into a world at war.

For three years, twelve ordinary men walked with Jesus—and they were never the same.Can you imagine what that would have been like to be personally discipled by Jesus?Train Like the Twelve will help you experience, as closely as possible, what it was like to be one of those men.Walk the dusty roads beside Him. Hear His voice call your name. Feel His hand on your shoulder as He looks you in the eye and says, “Follow Me.” Hold His cloak as you watch Him heal, teach, forgive—and command storms to be still.In Train Like the Twelve, we will reproduce Jesus’ school of discipleship—step by step—so you can personally experience how He trained the first disciples. You will not only strengthen your own walk with Christ, you’ll be better equipped to help others follow Him too.It all begins here—with Lesson One: “Come and See.”Using His own words, in the order He spoke them, together we’ll retrace how Jesus trained the Twelve—from this first invitation, “Come and see,” to His final command, “Go and make disciples.”Join us—and Train Like the Twelve.

This week, we get to hear Tim Johnson’s inspiring story. Tim knows the heights of athletic success—winning a national championship with Penn State in 1986 and a Super Bowl with Washington in 1991. But his greatest victory is not on the field—it’s in helping fatherless young men find healing and identity in Christ.As Senior Pastor of Orlando World Outreach Church, Johnson has pioneered Fatherless No More, a transformative discipleship initiative at Rikers Island that introduces incarcerated men to the love of the Heavenly Father. The movement has grown into a nationally recognized documentary, featured on ESPN, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, and at major film festivals.

Join Pat Morley as we discuss practical steps for how you and the men you serve can best have a deepening relationship with God, including making Jesus the Lord of your life, spending time with (abiding in) Him, and learning to live and walk in the Spirit. You’ll be equipped to guide yourself and other men away from performance-driven religion and into a grace-filled process that truly changes lives.

This week, we’ll clarify what becoming a Christian really is—not a self-improvement project or a willpower sprint, but embracing the story of Jesus: who He is, why He came, and what it means to trust Him. We’ll talk about how to walk with men who feel unworthy, uncertain, or “not ready,” and how to invite them to take an honest next step without pressure, clichés, or manipulation.Join Pat Morley as we outline a clear, conversational path to faith; why doubts are normal; and how grace—not performance—changes a man from the inside out.

This week we’ll explore one of the most important and controversial questions in Christianity: Is the Bible actually true—and can you stake your life on it?Join Pat Morley as we walk through the historical, practical, and personal reasons why you can believe the Bible is reliable—not just spiritually, but intellectually. You’ll be equipped to answer honest doubts and questions from those you lead, and renewed in your own confidence that the Bible is far more than a spiritual opinion—it’s the Word of God.

This week we tackle one of life’s deepest questions: If God is good, why does He allow so much pain, evil, and futility in the world? From personal tragedies like our daughter’s death last year to global disasters, for many of us suffering is often the greatest challenge to our faith.We’ll look at how Christian thinkers have answered this question, what the Bible teaches, and how Jesus Himself shared in our suffering. You’ll be reminded that your trials are not meaningless, but part of a larger story God is writing. And, you’ll leave better equipped to talk to friends who object to Christian faith because of suffering.

Many men feel tension between what science teaches and what Christianity claims. But what if that tension isn’t necessary? What if both disciplines are actually asking different—but equally important—questions?Join Pat Morley as we explore how science and theology can complement one another. You’ll learn how to respond with confidence when someone claims that science has disproven faith, and how to show that science actually reveals the brilliance and order of God.We’ll also walk through a compelling conversation between a pastor and a scientist that will help you coach others through their doubts.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The enemy of best is settling for good.” Sometimes we settle because we don’t want to risk failure. Other times, fear keeps us from stepping outside our comfort zone. But Jonah’s story flips the script—he wasn’t afraid of failing. He was afraid of succeeding! Join Ronn Read as he opens the scriptures for us!

This week, we’re diving into what it truly means to love others—and why it’s central to our faith. Scripture reminds us that love isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command from Jesus Himself.Join Jim Angelakos as we refocus on the heart of Christianity: not rules, but a relationship with Jesus that compels us to love deeply and sincerely.You’ll be encouraged in your walk with Christ and equipped to share God’s love with your spouse, children, family, friends, coworkers, and everyone you encounter.

This week, we’ll examine whether belief in God is actually the most rational conclusion—not a leap into the dark, but a step into the light.Join Pat Morley as we walk through classic proofs for God’s existence. Learn a powerful illustration that can help you gently challenge the assumption that faith is irrational. You’ll gain clarity for your own belief—and practical language to help others reconsider theirs.If someone you know is on the fence, struggling with doubts, or just asking big questions—this session will help you serve them well.

This week, we’ll look at how many people—perhaps even people you love—have rejected Christianity not because they understand it, but because they’ve only been exposed to shallow soundbites and distortions of the real thing.Join Pat Morley as we uncover the heart of Christianity—not rules or performance, but a person: Jesus.You’ll be strengthened in your own faith and equipped to lovingly explain what Christianity really is to a friend, coworker, child, or brother who may be rejecting a version of faith they’ve never properly understood.

This week we’ll explore the three major belief systems most men follow—secular, moral, and religious—and why all of them, ultimately, break down.Join Pat Morley as we examine the quiet assumptions that shape men’s lives, and how Christianity offers not performance, but peace. Discover how to help the men you lead recognize the signs of restlessness, and point them to something more solid and lasting.

Join Pat Morley as we examine four belief systems—secular, moral, religious, and Christian—and explore why so many of them fail us. We’ll also look at how Solomon—who had everything—ended up saying, “I hated life.”This message will not only help you evaluate your own system, but also equip you to walk with someone you care about who’s starting to realize their system isn’t working either. A friend, a son, a brother, a co-worker—when they hit that wall, you’ll be ready.Find more resources for this week's study here

Some men are restless because life hasn’t worked out like they hoped—dreams delayed, plans derailed, purpose unclear. Others are restless because it did work out—but it didn’t satisfy. Either way, they’re asking the same quiet question: Why do I still feel this way?If you're mentoring, discipling, or leading men, you've already met both types. One man is discouraged by what he’s missed; another is disillusioned by what he gained. One says, “I failed.” The other says, “I succeeded—but it didn’t mean what I thought it would.”Join Pat Morley as we discuss what the Bible has to say about—and to—men who feel disquieted, and practical suggestions for how you can help them work through their restlessness.

You already know this: if you could have made that change on your own, it would have happened by now. On the other hand, we’ve all watched men’s lives radically transformed. We’ve seen it with our own eyes. Not much will change for the better apart from Jesus—but we also have a part to play. Watch this week's study and learn some practical steps for change that actually work—and how the change you long for might be easier than you think!

None of us ever plans to fail. So how do we get off track? What makes us stumble? And why do some of us even fall away? One of the biggest reasons is that we don’t have to answer to anyone for our lives. And let’s be honest, don’t we naturally kind of like it that way? But most of us also understand that we need to be in accountable relationships—although few actually do it. Join Pat Morley as we explore why accountability is the missing link in so many men’s lives, how to build it into your own life, and what practical tools can help you start—or restart—with confidence.

Most of us would be embarrassed if our families, friends, or colleagues knew what went on inside our heads. But here’s the good news: You’re not crazy. A secret thought life is normal.The question is: What kind of secret life are you leading—holy or profane?In this week's study, we explore the battle for our private thoughts, how God provides the help we need to win that battle, and a couple of practical ideas to sync your thoughts with God’s thoughts.

What made men we look up to like Peter, Paul, David, Moses, Gideon, Samson, Jonah, and Job so different? After the smoke cleared, God could trust them in both big and little things. Were they perfect? Thank God for us, no. But in the end, second only to their faith, it was integrity that set them apart.Join Pat Morley as we pull the mask off this problem, consider what’s at stake, and think through what to do about it. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped to live with greater clarity and conviction.

What is making you suffer? Do you think God knows what you’re going through? If He knows, does He care? If He knows and cares, can He do anything about it? And if He can, why doesn’t He? Join Pat Morley as we wrestle with these hard questions. Explore what we gain from suffering that we can gain no other way, and consider how to respond when the pain just seems too much to bear.

Men want to be in charge—to call the shots. And in many ways, God has given us the freedom to lead, build, and take responsibility. But freedom isn’t the same thing as autonomy.Still, we chase it.We try to control our circumstances.We “strive" for financial independence.We just want to be left alone to do our own thing.But Jesus offers something completely different: radical dependence on Him.Join Pat Morley as we explore how insane it really is to think we’re in control—or to even want to be. If you're tired of carrying everything yourself, this is for you.

The Big Idea: I pledge not to sin when I get angry, but openly confess I can’t do it on my own.Studies show that 75 – 90% of all doctor’s office visits are stress-related, and the most destructive form of stress is anger. Anger is not a sin–Jesus got angry, but anger can easily get out of control. Few emotions are as corrosive. Unbridled, it destroys relationships and careers. Unresolved, it can lead to depression. Accumulated, it will eventually erupt. In this lesson we’ll look at the most common examples of anger, seven sources for anger, and discuss what to do about it.

Ignite—or Reignite—Your Passion to Serve Join Dr. Christina Angelakos for a special session designed to awaken the purpose God placed in you before you were even born. Whether you feel sidelined by your past, stuck in a season of waiting, or simply unsure where you fit in God’s Kingdom, this message will fan the flame of your calling—and remind you that it's never too early or too late to make a difference. You’ll discover:🔥 How your calling was woven into your life from the womb🔥 Why your title or circumstances don't define your impact🔥 How God uses everything—even delays and detours🔥 What it means to wait without wasting the wait This is for the man ready to serve with fresh fire—and the man still searching for his spark.

Everyone struggles with fear: What if this deal falls through? Will she ever feel safe with me again? Will I be able to make payroll? Is it cancer? How am I going to pay my mortgage? What kind of world are my children going to grow up in?Fear is a normal human emotion. But not everyone knows how to handle it, and some of us are paralyzed by a spirit of fear.Join Pat Morley as we explore how Jesus wants us to respond to what makes us afraid. We can’t make fear go away, but we can learn to face it with faith.

Has pride taken a toll on your career, reputation, and relationships? If so, you’re in good company. In fact, pride is the mother of all troubles for most men.Pride will hold back (or wreck) your career, damage (or destroy) your reputation, and tear down (or ruin) your most important relationships. In fact, pride will even pit you against God: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Join Pat Morley and learn how to recognize the kind of pride God opposes, what you can do to become more humble, and steps to help for your career, reputation, and relationships.We will always be stronger after we've met together.

Most of us wish we had more time to get everything done.It’s frustrating and stressful. You already know this, but you have all the time you need to do everything God wants you to do. The question is, how? Join Pat Morley and hone 3 skills that will put you in—or back in—control of your time, help you get more done, and reduce frustration and stress. 

Pressure is coming at us from every direction—work, family, finances, health. With more to do than time to do it, how do you decide what really matters? Join Pat Morley as we explore five biblical priorities that can bring clarity, peace, and purpose to your daily life. If you’re feeling stretched thin or struggling to stay motivated, this is a study you won’t want to miss.

Most of life’s big decisions—such as changing jobs, moving, relationships, or ministry—aren’t directly answered in Scripture. So how do you know what God wants you to do?Join Pat Morley and together we will walk through a biblical process that can help you make wise, godly choices with confidence. If you’re facing a big decision (or want to be ready for the next one), you won’t want to miss this. We will always be better together!

What should be your financial aspirations?Whether you’re doing well, just getting started, or trying to recover, your biblical IQ about money is about to get a big bump!In this lesson Patrick Morley will help you find clarity:Is it okay to want riches? Is it okay to make a lot of money?Should a Christian sock away money?How much do you “have to” share with others?When is it okay to borrow money?

We all need money—but is it really delivering what it promises? Jesus had a lot to say about money, and not all of it was comfortable. Tomorrow, join Pat as we look at three competing perspectives on money—and discover why only one truly leads to peace and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance faith and finances, this is a Bible study you won’t want to miss.