Men are looked up to as husbands, fathers and — traditionally — the leaders of the family. But there are numerous things that can hold men back from fulfilling these important roles.

A local church will host a two-day retreat for men 18 and older that wish to make an investment in their spiritual freedom.

On Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, Clanton First United Methodist Church will host “Take Five for Freedom” Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon.

“It’s actually like taking a spiritual inventory,” said Brad McClain, who serves as associate pastor for Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile.

McClain will be leading the retreat, which is open to the entire community. He regularly travels and hosts the conferences for several denominations.

“Take Five for Freedom” started about five years ago. It grew out of a ministry for men dealing with addictions and habits.

“Sometimes it was obvious, like alcohol and drug addiction, but it was not limited to that. It’s anything that can slow you down or compete with God’s presence,” McClain explained.

The program challenges men to take the next spiritual step in their lives that will lead them to the next level of spiritual freedom. It involves teaching, PowerPoint presentations, video clips and group prayer sessions.

“It’s not just me standing their talking,” McClain said. “It’s an event designed to really engage people who are there.”

While the event has been promoted for men 18 and older, he said high school students have participated in the past.

“We deal with some of the sexual issues men deal with, so we try to have an age-appropriate kind of experience,” McClain said.

Registration is $30 per person, and the deadline to sign up is May 11. The event will be held in Crossroads Café, in the main church building. For more information, call 755-0490.