The Warrior Within course is not for the faint of heart. It is for men who dare to confront their fears, battle against complacency, and ignite change in their lives. Through a series of immersive sessions, held monthly on Saturday mornings, we will delve deep into the Eight Characteristics and the Five Focal Pillars of a Warrior.
As you progress through this course, you will be challenged to step outside your comfort zone, confront your weaknesses, and embrace the potential within you. Our instructors will guide you through a series of thought-provoking exercises, practical strategies, and engaging discussions, all tailored to help you unlock your full potential.
Answer the Call
DISCIPLINE
Warriors possess discipline. Discipline is the ability to restrain yourself—to control your impulses, desires, or emotions for the sake of improvement.
AWARENESS
A warrior must possess expanded awareness. If you are to take up the call of warriorship, you must remain vigilant that in the lack of awareness, ignorance will grow.
RELENTLESSNESS
Being relentless refers not to being harsh or inflexible. Rather it implies a persistent and determined intention to seek out false beliefs and ego delusions.
PATIENCE
Patience is the calm acceptance that not everything happens according to your timeline. You’re content as you pause, wait, ensure, and allow God to work.
COURAGE
Warriors press on when confronted with adversity or doubt. This doesn’t mean you don’t feel the fear, it means you keep going in spite of it.
GRATITUDE
Warriors who regularly practice gratitude experience more fulfillment in their lives and express more compassion and kindness.
OBEDIENCE
True obedience stems from a heart full of love and reverence, a heart that beats in rhythm with the teachings and guidance laid out by the God who created you.
LOVE
Is the final quality of a warrior. Expanding the field of love for both you and your family and friends is the ultimate goal of the warrior.
Complacency is the enemy’s tool to keep you stagnant!
Change rarely happens by chance, it needs to be embraced and cultivated!
Learn that God created you for a purpose and with an assignment in mind!
There is a spiritual warrior that God has placed in every one of us. Battle for the things that matter!
*Does not take place on the 1st Saturday of the month
**Special commissioning on Father’s Day
Dr. David Ireland is founder and lead pastor of Christ Church, a 10,000-member multisite congregation in North Jersey representing over 70 nationalities. Former diversity consultant to the National Basketball Association, Dr. Ireland has led chapel services for the New York Giants, New York Jets, and at the U.S. Pentagon. Dr. Ireland is the author of over 30 books including Raising a Child Who Prays and One in Christ.
The Rev. Ireland holds graduate degrees in engineering, theology, organizational leadership, and social innovation having completed post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Cambridge in England. He and his wife, Dr. Marlinda Ireland, have been married since 1984 and have two adult daughters and a son-in-law.
Mark Velez is the Owner/Vice President of Operations at HR First Solutions, a Human Resources consulting firm specializing in HR compliance, payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and employee training. He previously served 13 years as a Naval Science Instructor at the nation’s largest NJROTC unit, where he developed leadership curriculum and mentoring programs that boosted student acceptance into colleges and U.S. service academies.
A retired Chief Petty Officer with 24 years in the U.S. Navy, Mark is a Persian Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and recipient of five Navy Commendation Medals. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from American Military University and helps lead the 200-man “Warrior Within” discipleship initiative at Christ Church.
A proud native of New York City, Mark lives in Morris County, NJ, with his wife and two sons.
Malik Carey is the Founder and CEO of the Family Healing Center in Livingston, New Jersey. He is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and families. With a strong passion for wellness, he provides top-notch healthcare services, aiming to help families achieve and maintain optimal mental and emotional health through various counseling methods. Malik is also a personal coach to entrepreneurs and athletes at all levels.
He holds a master's in organizational leadership from Nyack College and a bachelor's in religious studies from Seton Hall University. Previously, he served as C.O.O. and Vice President of The K.I.N.G. Movement, a national men’s ministry founded by Chris Broussard.
Malik's involvement extends to volunteering in New Jersey, serving on multiple boards, and acting as a deacon at Christ Church. He engages in missionary work in Central America, empowering communities. Malik is also the author of "In My Father’s Shoes" and a speaker. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, golf, and traveling with his wife Deidra and children.
A versatile leader with a rich entrepreneurial history, Ray Velez began his career on Wall Street by founding a trading firm specializing in equities, options, and derivatives. Under his leadership, the organization managed more than $35 million in assets. Currently, as the Chief Operating Officer of Christ Church, Ray has the privilege of serving a congregation of over 10,000 members across multiple locations, with a team of more than 90 employees. Additionally, he is the President & Founder of an Orlando-area service business, a role he has held for over 20 years.
Ray's commitment extends beyond his professional roles. Formerly serving as the Men's Ministry Department Head, he is committed to seeing men empowered to assume leadership roles in their homes, communities, and families. Ray loves to coach soccer and serves as an elected official on the Board of Education. Happily married to Brenda for over 20 years, he is the proud father of three children: Ethan, Evan, and Ella.
