Men will be exploring Christian manhood and brotherly fellowship at Ray of Hope Christian Church's two-day Empower Retreat, Nov. 14 and 15.

Rev. Taft Heatley, the church's men's minister, said the men will explore a range of topics and issues at the retreat, which will be held at the Decatur church.

"We plan to do this through workshops on finance, relationships, and professional skills that are biblically based with practical applications," said Heatley, who is also the church's executive pastor. "Using a biblical foundation, we will tackle relationship issues, the economy, how to be responsible Christian men and talk about how to enhance our professional skills and make ourselves more marketable in the marketplace."

Married and single men will attend separate workshops on relationships.

The workshops will be facilitated by Heatley and church members David Samuel, Larry Johnson, and Michael Curtis.

The retreat kicks off on Nov. 14 with a two-hour Fellowship Social at 7 p.m. Saturday workshops will take place between 9 a.m. and midnight.

On Nov. 16, the church will have its annual Men's Day featuring the Rev. Anthony L. Trufant of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., at both the 7 a.m. and 10. a.m worship services.

Heatley said Trufant has a true passion for the men's ministry.

"He has cutting-edge programs in the community surrounding his church in Brooklyn," he said.

The retreat is free, but registration by Nov. 9 is mandatory. The church is at 2778 Snapfinger Road. For more information and to register, visit www.rayofhope.org or call 770-696-5100, ext. 231.