Lynchburg, Virginia – Joshua Broome, a former adult film performer who found faith and now serves as a pastor, is speaking out about what he perceives as a deliberate strategy to silence men and undermine traditional values. Broome’s message, delivered through speaking engagements and a recent appearance on “The Bible Bros Podcast With Billy and Dalton,” resonates with a growing number of men seeking purpose and direction in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. His core argument centers on the idea that spiritual battles are often fought not through overt condemnation, but through the subtle erosion of male leadership and voice. This focus on reclaiming masculine identity and spiritual grounding is gaining traction, culminating in events like the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend, held March 13-14 at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Broome’s personal journey, from the adult entertainment industry to Christian ministry, provides a compelling backdrop for his message. He argues that a key tactic employed by negative forces is to discourage men from actively leading their families and communities. “If Satan can’t rob you of your salvation, he’ll settle for your silence,” Broome stated in the podcast interview. He believes that a culture of silence allows harmful ideologies to take root unchallenged, leading to societal drift and a loss of moral compass. This perspective taps into broader anxieties about cultural shifts and the perceived decline of traditional values, particularly among conservative and faith-based communities. The emphasis on men taking ownership of their roles as leaders, fathers, and active participants in culture is a central tenet of his ministry.
The Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend, a long-running event with approximately 7,000 attendees, exemplifies the growing demand for spaces where men can explore faith and build community. The event, held at Thomas Road Baptist Church on the campus of Liberty University, offers a blend of spiritual enrichment, practical workshops, and recreational activities. Speakers at this year’s event included Broome, Tim Timberlake, Jon Gordon, and Rhett Walker. Activities ranged from honoring military veterans to axe throwing, aiming to appeal to a diverse range of interests within the male demographic. The event’s longevity – spanning roughly 30 years – suggests a sustained need for this type of focused, faith-based gathering.
The Power of Voice and the Danger of Silence
Broome’s concern about silence extends beyond individual faith. He contends that a lack of vocal opposition to prevailing ideologies creates an environment ripe for indoctrination. “What we don’t say says something – what we don’t say says something very loudly,” he explained. This sentiment reflects a broader critique of what some perceive as a stifling of dissenting viewpoints in contemporary society. The idea that silence equates to complicity is a recurring theme in discussions about cultural and political polarization. Broome’s call to action is for men to actively engage in the cultural conversation, to articulate their beliefs, and to challenge narratives they believe are detrimental to their families and communities. He frames this not as aggression, but as a necessary act of responsible leadership.
The concept of “leadership” within Broome’s framework is multifaceted. It encompasses leading one’s family, contributing positively to the workplace, and actively participating in the broader culture. He emphasizes the importance of men being “leaders of their homes, to speak life into their children, to speak life into their workplaces, their culture, wherever they might be.” This echoes traditional notions of male responsibility, but with a distinctly spiritual emphasis. The goal, according to Broome, is to empower men to live authentically and purposefully, grounded in their faith and committed to positive influence. This message is particularly resonant in a time when many men report feeling lost or disconnected from traditional sources of meaning and purpose.
Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend: A Hub for Faith and Fellowship
The Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend, as described by Broome, is designed to address these needs by providing a space for men to connect with their faith, build relationships, and develop practical skills for navigating life’s challenges. The event’s organizers aim to “clearly share the Gospel, and acquire people plugged into healthy local churches, and just start them on a discipleship journey.” This focus on discipleship suggests a commitment to long-term spiritual growth, rather than simply providing a weekend of inspiration. The event also acknowledges that many attendees may be struggling with personal issues, such as pornography addiction or feelings of passivity, and offers resources and support to address these challenges.
The diverse range of activities offered at Ignite – from spiritual talks to axe throwing – reflects an attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of interests and backgrounds. This inclusivity is intentional, as Broome notes that the event aims to “arrive at guys from all different angles.” The location at Thomas Road Baptist Church, a megachurch affiliated with Liberty University, further underscores the event’s conservative Christian orientation. Liberty University, founded by Jerry Falwell Sr., has a long history of promoting conservative social and political values. The choice of venue suggests a deliberate alignment with this tradition.
The event’s emphasis on practical application is also noteworthy. Broome highlights the objective of helping men who feel “off track” – whether struggling with addiction or feeling overwhelmed by cultural pressures – to regain their footing and live more purposeful lives. This pragmatic approach suggests a desire to move beyond abstract theological concepts and provide tangible tools for personal transformation. The event’s website, Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend, provides further details about the speakers, schedule, and registration information.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges for Men
Broome’s message resonates within a broader context of societal concerns about the state of masculinity. Discussions about “toxic masculinity” and the changing roles of men in modern society have become increasingly prevalent. While Broome does not directly engage with these debates, his emphasis on responsible leadership and spiritual grounding can be seen as a response to anxieties about the perceived erosion of traditional male values. He offers an alternative vision of masculinity – one rooted in faith, family, and a commitment to positive influence – that may appeal to men seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The appeal of events like Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend also speaks to a growing desire for community and belonging, particularly among men who may feel isolated or disconnected from traditional social structures. The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and receive encouragement can be profoundly impactful. The event’s focus on faith provides a shared foundation for these connections, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This sense of community is particularly important in a time when social isolation and loneliness are on the rise.
Broome’s perspective, while rooted in his personal faith journey, touches on universal themes of purpose, identity, and the importance of speaking truth. His message encourages men to actively engage in shaping their own lives and the world around them, rather than passively accepting prevailing narratives. The success of events like Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend suggests that this message is resonating with a significant number of men who are seeking guidance and inspiration.
The next step for those interested in Broome’s work is to follow his continued speaking engagements and online presence. Further information about his ministry and upcoming events can be found on the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this topic and engage in respectful dialogue in the comments below.