Steve Solomon may have a thick New York accent, but don’t let it fool you. Steve broke the Yankee mold when he became a South Florida transplant. His CBMC team in South Florida is making waves, and as Steve says, “We are now at the table.” I had the privilege of meeting Steve this past summer and got to experience firsthand his contagious joy that would light up a room.

Steve came to know the Lord in 1991, sitting in an insurance office. A salesman at heart, he always reached out to other businessmen. That gifting would later be a catalyst for many businessmen to know Christ. An invite to a CBMC luncheon in Fort Lauderdale introduced Steve to a whole new world of possibilities. At the time, Steve worked in the telecom industry. A CBMC mentor began discipling Steve as the two went through Operation Timothy together.

Within three years, Steve was asked to serve on the local board of directors for the South Florida CBMC team. Fast forward to 2018, and many years of marketplace ministry under his belt; Steve began to feel God calling him to full-time work with CBMC. “It became apparent that things needed to change, we needed to reach out to more men in the marketplace, and it got me thinking about what I needed to do to help make it happen.”

After 30 years in the telecom industry, Steve joined CBMC as Area Director for the South Florida teams in July 2018. “God doesn’t do His still, small voice with me. He has to smack me in the back of the head.” Steve is quick to give credit to his wife, Jeanne, whose support made it all possible. “He is so happy. He loves what he is doing. CBMC has changed everything. I am so thankful for it,” Jeanne shares. When I asked Steve, “Why CBMC?” he
is quick to answer. “The biggest thing guys are looking for in the marketplace is connection. Connection to other men and to God. That is the #1 thing CBMC provides.”

South Florida is comprised of Miami-Dade County, The Keys, Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale and is a unique melting pot with a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. Miami-Dade County is predominately made up of immigrants. The main street of downtown Miami is a mecca of businessmen. Steve shares that CBMC has grown from 3 teams to over 20 teams in 18 months! By increasing the number of outreach luncheons from 3 to 5, the team has seen incredible growth. “These outreaches serve as launching points for men seeking connection,” Steve says. Not only are they focused on luncheons but also evening outreaches. “Our Cigar Night Fellowship
is impacting men’s lives, as well. So far, three men have come to the Lord, three have rededicated their lives, five men have returned to church and now actively serve, and five marriages have been repaired.

We could never have imagined how God would use these events.” CBMC South Florida has successfully launched several Connect3 teams, and in October, their first Young Professional team (Peer Advisory Group made up of 25 to 40-year-olds) began. Operation Timothy participants have grown from 20 to 75. Not only are they reaching businessmen with the Gospel, but Steve’s team is connecting with several major churches in the area to help disciple people using Operation Timothy. They have also partnered with a local agency that helps those with disabilities find jobs and in a crisis pregnancy center ministering to the male partner of couples seeking connection to God and other men. Using OT, men are being saved, being mentored, and returning to church. South Florida has also partnered with Tim Keller’s City to City network.

“There is a movement of God in Miami that I just can’t explain,” Steve says. He goes on to share how the local CBMC team has risen to the challenge by getting involved and working together. What’s on the horizon for CBMC South Florida? Steve can hardly contain his excitement as he shares some exciting things around the corner. “Another Young Professional team will be starting soon as well as Trusted Advisor Forums.” (TAF is a Peer Advisory Group for C-level executives and business owners.) “We are excited to be participating as partners in the follow-up for the Super Bowl LIV breakfast in February,” Steve states.

As momentum continues in South Florida, we rejoice at what God is doing in men’s lives there. Continue to pray for Steve and his team as they seek to reach more and more men with the Gospel. From the Florida Keys to Fort Lauderdale, pray for the men of CBMC. May the movement of God continue to advance throughout South Florida!