Kerry Hogan
I live in Mesa, Arizona with my wife Carolyn. Our three sons, grandson and granddaughter live nearby. I am a Principal Layout Designer with a local semi-conductor company and prior to that I was a detective in Gilbert, AZ. For the most part, I grew up in the church. I even went to a bible college in Wisconsin. This is where I came to grips with soul quenching legalism and a completely twisted perspective of God. Life for me was about condemnation, judgement and performance. I never felt worthy or accepted or that I was able to measure up to laundry list of preferences taught to me. I believed in Jesus and His work on the cross but I really had no relationship with Him. Grace was simply a word and understanding grace was foreign to me.
Fast forward to September 11, 2001; on this tragic day, God called me off the bench and into the game. I was running on a treadmill at my local gym when I saw the news of a plane hitting one of the towers at the World Trade Center. In an instant, I knew America was under attack and God spoke to me that I needed to be involved in ministry to Him.
Initially I had no clue what this looked like. So I began to pray and seek God’s face. He revealed to me it was ministry to men. I’ve been on this journey ever since. I was able to start a men’s ministry in my local church and later be involved in leadership to men at a mega church. Over the years, I have read numerous books, studied, learned by trial and error and ultimately found that my gift is connecting with men in a real and transparent level. It was during my time in law enforcement that I started to learn about mentoring and the power of story. My vision of mentoring is predicated on two basic and foundational assumptions:
Everyone wants to tell their story
Men cannot do manhood alone.
Mentoring is a one-on-one relational process of mutual growth and doing life with another person leading to relationship and friendship. This style of mentoring is based entirely on one of most basic and fundamental human needs; the need for connection. Connecting with another person at a heart and not just a head level; pouring our lives into the lives of others leaving no stone unturned. It’s loving another person with your eyes and respecting them with your body language; it’s giving to them the amazing gift of listening without prejudgment or condemnation. For the past 16 years I’ve led countless small groups discussing topics from authentic manhood, understanding grace, sexual purity, missional living and God’s amazing word. I love the small group dynamic and process. Mentoring and small group leadership is my spiritual DNA!
My ultimate desire is to see men grow into the men that God has designed them to be; to help them understand His amazing grace through discovering their passion and calling.
My favorite authors include John Lynch, Reggie McNeal, Andrew Farley, Brennan Manning and Steve McVey. John’s book “The Cure” changed my life and it will change yours too! This book opened a very judgmental and condemning heart to a new perspective of God. It started my journey of grace and knowing who God really is and how he views me. In fact the tag line of the book is this: “What if God isn’t who you think He is and neither are you?” You can buy The Cure here: http://store.truefaced.com/the-cure-books/
Another book that had a very profound impact on me is “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning. “Good news for the bedraggled beat up and burnt out.” You can order it here:http://www.amazon.com/Ragamuffin-Gospel-Bedraggled-Beat-Up-Burnt/dp/1590525027/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1462538824&sr=1-1&keywords=ragamuffin+gospel
You’ll also enjoy Reggie’s book “The Present Future” which talks about “missional living.” Andrews book, “Relaxing with God” (simply relax and enjoy); and Steve’s series Grace Walk Experience.
I also greatly enjoy contemporary Christian music. Here are some of my favorite artists: Casting Crowns, Jesus Culture, Hillsong United, Newsboys, Commission 28
One of my favorite verses of this bible is Romans 8:1, “There is therefore, NOW, NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (NASB, emphasis added)
If you would like to talk with me in person about mentoring or small group leadership, please email me at: kerry@breathinglifeinternational.com
blessings and thank you for reading!