Bob Ryan

Back to the Stone Age Bob Ryan

Back to the Stone Age asserts that men must recapture the definition of manhood and reestablish their masculine roles in church. This can be done when men return to the values of the campfire and rediscover the power of the Fire of the burning bush and Pentecost. Men define themselves by what they do. Women define themselves by their relationships. Formerly, men defined themselves around campfires, BBQ pits and bonfires telling stories of "building, breaking, protecting and providing." Today, most men depend on the television or computer as "a replacement fire" allowing distorted views of manhood to be definition for them. Back to the Stone Age: Men Returning to the Fire urges men and boys back to the campfires of life where the Fire of God's purpose can be rediscovered. Back to the Stone Age grows out of Bob's experience with men who refused to surrender their male role in church, community and family. Early memories of men at fires and seeing the Fire of God on their lives provides images of male authenticity throughout a driven ministry life. The role of campfires and fireplaces remains a place of reflection, strategy and collection of courage with men who share passion for the Bride of Christ. Bob's thirty years of ministry experience includes pastorates in Texas, California and Nevada churches and denominational service in Lake County north of Chicago, the North American Mission Board and presently as Mile High Baptist Team Leader in Denver, Colorado. Bob married Charlotte in 1970. They have two sons and six grandchildren residing on the ranch he and Charlotte will eventually retire to and provide a pastoral retreat center for pastors avoiding ministry burnout.