Iron Works Men’s Ministries is continuing its effort to help Christian men grow in their walks with Christ by sponsoring the first ever Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference Aug. 14-15.

The conference, which will be held at the Covington Center Arena, is an extension of the Old School Men’s meeting ministry. The Old School Men’s meeting is held the third Thursday of the month and is geared toward lost men and bringing them to know Christ.

“This conference is geared toward sharpening Christian men and making them stronger in their walks,” Iron Works team member Walt Merrell said.

National men’s ministry speaker and author Steve Farrar will be the guest speaker at the conference. Farrar is the founder and chairman of Men’s Leadership Ministries and author of the best-selling book, “Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family.”

The conference has already sold hundreds of tickets. So far, Iron Works has sold 400 tickets to churches, and another 100 individuals have contacted the ministry, Merrell said.

Tickets cost $25 and can be bought the day of the conference; however, those who are interested are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time.

Frank Shaffer, one of the Iron Works team members, said many men from area churches are attending the conference.

“They are maybe coming as far away as Crestview, Fla.,” Shaffer said.

The conference lasts from 7-10 p.m. on Aug. 14, and from 9 a.m. until noon on Aug. 15. There will be a tailgating party starting at around 5 p.m. to allow men to tailgate with their pastors on Friday.

Tickets will also include admission to the South Alabama Gun Club and Knife Show on Saturday.

Concessions will be available for purchase. Crossover Ministry is heading up concessions and proceeds will go toward the Opp recovery ministry.

During the conference, Bethany Baptist Church music director Jason Gunter and Corey Bryan will be providing the music. Ed Linton, who played the pastor in the film “Courageous,” is the master of ceremonies.

“Once it’s over, they’re going to have a six-week Bible study for any church to follow up on what Farrar taught,” Merrell said. “The momentum doesn’t end on Saturday. It keeps moving forward.”

Iron Works is a men’s ministry effort that’s not limited by geographic boundaries or denominational lines. The ministry is based on Proverbs 27: 17, which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

“Iron Works is not about any one church,” Shaffer said. “It’s not about a group of people. It’s about all groups of people.”

Door prizes will be given away at the conference. Marvin’s donated a Yeti cooler, and Sporting Lifestyles gave a shotgun. Numerous other businesses have given gift cards as well.

“A lot of people are willing to support this,” Shaffer said. “We want this conference to be successful, and hope it drives to the heart of the man.”

Merrell said he hopes men leave the conference better husbands and fathers.

For more information on the conference, call Iron Works at 334-427-4241.