2023 Speaker
Jim Lyon
Jim Lyon grew up in Seattle, where he served as an Associate and then Lead Pastor of the Fairview Church. Later, he moved to Anderson, Indiana (near Indianapolis) to become Senior Pastor of the Madison Park Church of God. After 22 years at Madison Park, he was called to become General Director of Church of God Ministries, the office of the General Assembly of the Church of God in the United States and Canada, based in Anderson, Indiana. He provides leadership for the Church of God in the United States and Canada and networks with the Church of God in 90 other countries around the world.
Lyon attended Warner Pacific University (Portland OR), Seattle Pacific University (Seattle WA), and the University of Washington Law School (Seattle WA), before taking a post in with Northwest Airlines (now Delta). Always fascinated by politics and the public interest, he has worked in many civic and church-related fields, including representing northwest Seattle as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, serving as Community Hospital Anderson Board Chair in Indiana, President of the Global Wesleyan Alliance, and Moderator of Christian Churches Together (the nation’s largest Christian ecumenical table). He has subsequently been awarded honorary Doctoral degrees in Religion from both Warner Pacific University (Portland OR) and Warner University (Lake Wales FL).
It is the Christian ministry that ultimately owns his heart. It is the conviction that Jesus is at work in the world, redeeming and transforming us, that has molded his life and vocation more than any other. Articulate pastor, teacher, and motivational speaker, he has been the host of the weekly English radio program ViewPoint since 1996 and now anchors the All That To Say podcast (seen and heard on worldwide platforms online and on YouTube).
Lyon is also the author of two books: Go Ahead. Ask Anything (published by Stylos and distributed by Word) and Jesus B (published by Warner Press).
Lyon and his wife, Maureen, married in 1978 and have four sons and seven grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, jogging, traveling, and Haagen Dazs. He loves politics, current events, and biographies. When asked about his Achilles’ heel, he is certain to reply, “chocolate ice cream.”
2023 Worship Leader
Marty Ford
Marty Ford is the worship leader at the First Wesleyan Church in Chillicothe. Almost 20 years ago, Marty picked up the guitar and started leading worship because he felt God’s call. Being obedient to that call has taken him all over the world sharing the gospel through music.
Activities
Disc Golf Tournament, Golf Tournament, Cornhole Tournament, Fishing Tournament, Horseshoe Tournament
The Ohio Christian Men's Fellowship is an event, offering a variety of outdoor activities. There is something for everyone, from individual tournaments to group competitions to activities just for fun. These events provide an opportunity to meet and socialize with other church members while enjoying the great outdoors.
Who We Are
When the Ohio Church of God Men's ministry began in 1976, the members had a vision for all men in Ohio. They would seek to live out the message and ministry of reconciliation through corporate fellowship and mission by the grace of God. For many years, the men's ministry hosted a spiritual retreat known as the Ohio Men’s Ox Roast. Today, the fellowship, mission, and retreat continue as the Ohio Christian Men's Fellowship (OCMF).The OCMF is a retreat in which Christian men gather to engage in fellowship with one another. This event has many different activities that men of all ages can enjoy. The retreat takes place over two days and is always scheduled the first weekend after labor day. Weekend events include a multitude of athletic and outdoor tournaments, sermons from an accomplished Christian speaker, devotional sessions, musical worship, and loads of recreational activities. All Meals are homemade and included. Accommodations are also included, which include cabins, RV hook-ups and open space for tents/hammocks. The OCMF retreat is a time for men to grow in their faith and meet and fellowship with brothers in Christ. Through the OCMF, Christian men across the state have raised money for ministry outreach and challenged countless numbers of men to serve the Lord. The OCMF is lead by a council of men that meet multiple times per year, under President Lance Rose, to plan the annual retreat. If you are a man interested in helping us plan this retreat, or a woman interested in helping with food preparation, please reach out to us at Ohiocmf@gmail.com
