Nathan E. Lewis

This past week, I joined the Order of the Stout Monks, meeting with five other men outside of Kelowna BC, near the Gray Monk Winery, to pray for each other, to hold one another accountable in personal behavior, to coach on strategic ministry ideas and plans, and to encourage each other with the word of God. Men, even those working as ministers of the gospel, need life-long friendship, encouraging support, and accountability in holiness and grace. The Stout Monks are committed to meet once annually for at least the next decade toward these ends. The name of the order, “The Stout Monks,” is taken from the legendary addition to the Rule of St. Benedict: “If any pilgrim shall come from distant parts with wish to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs of the place, and does not by his lavishness disturb the monastery but is simply content, he shall be received for as long as he wishes. If, indeed, he shall find fault with anything, and shall expose the matter reasonably and with the humility of charity, the Abbott shall discuss it with him prudently lest perchance God hath sent him for this very thing. But, if he shall have been found contumacious during his sojourn in the monastery, then it shall be said to him, firmly, that he must depart. If he will not go, let two stout monks, in the name of God, explain the matter to him.”
The six of us in this pod are hard-working leaders with maverick streaks. At times we need two stout monks to explain the matter to us. We are missionaries, innovators, and enthusiasts. Our ages span four decades at least. We are from six different states/provinces. We serve and glorify one Lord.

The Abbot = Allen Thompson, Port Angeles, WA

The Stout Monks:
John Smed, Vancouver BC
Jeb Gaither, Carmel, IN
Craig Brown, Nashville, TN
Tom Wood, Alpharetta, GA
Bob Osborne, Glenside, PA
Nathan Lewis, Portland, OR