Stepping Into Manhood: A Take-Action Handbook for Men

Our society is facing a great crisis that has been created by absentee men and fathers who are putting the future of countless families at risk. The problem, however, is not just the absence of men, but the absence of true manhood in men. In his book, Stepping Into Manhood, Brad Sullivan has given a response to this issue by outlining eight critical steps that every man must take to step into manhood. This user-friendly guide will help men understand manhood from God’s perspective and inspire them to reach higher. This book is dedicated to restoring a godly sense of manhood so that men can be empowered to lead and impact their homes, jobs, churches and communities.

The versatility of this book also makes it a great tool for personal study and devotions, men’s Bible studies and small groups, for men’s ministries in churches and effective in conference and teaching settings. Its thought provoking, insightful message is presented in a practical way that makes it easy to read, understand and apply. This is a must read book for every man striving to achieve his next level. It is also a great tool for women who seek to understand deeper truths about godly manhood.

Brad Sullivan is a gifted minister of the Gospel, with a rich ministry heritage, being the third generation of preachers in his family. Brad serves as an Associate Pastor of Living Word Church in Mobile, Alabama. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Brad also ministers as an evangelist nationally and internationally preaching a message of hope and healing.

Growing up in a pastor’s home, Brad learned the value of faithfulness to God and the reward of serving God’s people. That experience birthed a passion in him to serve God by serving the Body of Christ in ministry. Brad entered into ministry in 1995 as a college freshman. In 1999, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from the University of Mobile, receiving the School of Religion Award upon graduation. He received his ministerial ordination in 2000 and was joined in marriage and ministry to his wife Mary in 2001.

Brad is called upon to minister in a variety of areas from church services, revivals, conferences and international crusades. Brad and Mary have ministered in a number of nations, as well as, in many churches and on television. Brad Sullivan Ministries continues to grow and expand nationally and internationally.

Brad & Mary are the proud parents of one son, Slade. As a family, they are dedicated to faithful ministry in the Kingdom of God, and seek to instill those principles in Slade’s life so that he will be equipped to carry on the mantle of ministry in the next generation.

The pursuit of God through worship was a constant theme throughout David's life and reign. The Israelites had lost the ark of the covenant years before to the Philistines (1 Sam. 4). The ark was a symbol of God's glorious presence among the Israelites during the Old Testament era. It was first instituted by Moses through divine ordinance (Exod. 25). David longed to have God's presence back in his possession. Once the ark was returned to Jerusalem, he planned an elaborate ceremony and a praise processional to accompany the ark as it was carried up Mount Zion and placed in David's tabernacle (2 Sam. 6).

David led the worshipers in the processional up Mount Zion. He chose to wear a simple ephod, the garment worn by a ministering priest in worship to God (Exod. 35:27). In this act, David once again showed his ability to humble himself before God and man. He wasn't too proud to lay down his kingly authority and take on the role of a priest. David danced, twirled, leaped, and shouted before God all the way up the mountain, demonstrating that a real man is not ashamed to worship God. That day he showed all of his subjects the source of his true power. During the Old Testament era, David gave us an example of the role of a New Testament worshiper. As Christians, we have been called to be kings and priests in our service to God (Rev. 1:6).

David returned home on that glorious day only to be scorned by his wife for appearing undignified. She looked on his own expression of worship with disdain in her heart. From this scripture, one sees why she held David's act of worship in contempt. Notice the scripture refers to her as "the daughter of Saul," not as "the wife of David" (verse 20). This title implies that she carried the spirit of her father, rather than the spirit of her husband, in her heart. David did not cower before his wife's disapproval, but instead assured her that he would continue to be more undignified in worship.

Notice the outcome of their dispute: David remained resolute in his willingness to pursue God's presence, and Michal became barren. Verse 23 states, "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." Of all the things God could have done in judgement against Michal for despising her husband's worship, it is interesting that He chose to shut her womb. This specific act of judgement indicates that there is direct spiritual connection between a man's worship and a woman's womb. In the mind of God, worship is just natural for a man as childbearing is for a woman. God has given women the capacity to be fruitful by producing offspring, and He has given men the capacity to be fruitful through worship. Worship acts as the spiritual womb of a man; it is how he gives birth to the will of God on earth. Therefore, when Michal scorned David's natural, God-given function as a worshiper, God immediately responded by stopping her natural function as a child-bearer.

This is an incredible spiritual truth that all men must understand. Most men are taught that through hard work, they can possess the things they desire and need. This is certainly an admirable and necessary goal. Nonetheless, the truth is that some things cannot be obtained through the strength of one's own labor. That is why it is absolutely necessary for men to release the power of worship in their lives. When a man humbles himself in worship, it enables him to conceive and give birth to the will of God.