The inaugural Men's Overnight Bible Study took place on September 17 and 18, 2004, at 4-H Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see near Manteno, Illinois. Seventy-five men from over fifteen congregations attended the event, from all over northern and central Illinois, southwest Wisconsin, northwestern Indiana, and even some from Ohio.

The theme for the 2004 Men's Overnight Bible Study was "MANaging our Lives," focusing on how we as men could do better in our roles as Christians, husbands, fathers, and sons, and be more effective in our lives. The getaway began on Friday evening with opening remarks by Rick Liggin from Rockford, Illinois and some singing. Afterward, many games were played and many spent time with each other, conversing and getting to know one another better.

Saturday morning began with a devotional by Jeremy Dehut of Hobart, IN, for the brave souls up early enough, followed by breakfast and then the first session of Bible study:

  • Modesty-- Dan Peters of Joliet, IL
  • Communicating with our Wife and Children-- Rick Liggin of Rockford, IL
  • Dealing with Temptations: Staying Pure & Strong-- Andy Diestelkamp of Pontiac, IL
  • Leadership in the Church-- Al Diestelkamp of Sycamore, IL

Saturday continued with the second session of Bible study, Leadership in the Home, by Jeff Nettles of Normal, IL.

After some songs and lunch, the third session of Bible study began:

  • Time Management and Priorities in Today's World-- Steve Bonk of Rantoul, IL
  • Teens and Dating: When, Where, and How-– Joe Novak of Glen Ellyn, IL
  • Anger Management-- Keith Barclay of Normal, IL
  • Gambling, Drugs, and Alcohol-– Rick Billingsley of Downers Grove, IL

We then engaged in some more singing, and concluded with some final comments from Joe Novak of Glen Ellyn, IL. Afterward many stayed around for a softball game.

The men left having learned much and filled with a new zeal for being better Christians, husbands, fathers, and men overall. It was a good weekend to be together!