John was a typical guy who periodically attended church to keep his wife and family happy. When football season rolled around, you could find John sprawled out on his favorite recliner with a well-stocked TV tray tucked next to his chair. He felt that church lacked the energy and relevancy to the problems he faced. According to him, the church felt very feminine in its orientation, and nothing seemed very practical in helping him meet his daily challenges.
In the early 1990s, a unique and exciting moment among men caught John’s attention. Promise Keeper (PK) rallies offered John something his church lacked. He felt this new men’s movement addressed issues that connected with guys in a forum that both encouraged and challenged men.
After attending a PK event, John returned to his local church hoping to find that some of the principles taught at the rally would be carried over in the style of worship and programs at his church. Unfortunately, the pastor seemed more interested in winning a popularity contest than in discipling men. Despite John’s commitment at the PK rally, there did not exist a band of Christian brothers, a dynamic ministry to men, that would continue to educate, equip, inspire, and hold him accountable. Consequently, he soon went back to his everyday life without any further regard for seeking a deeper walk with the Lord.
The lesson here? If the leaders of men’s movements are not intentional about their ministries and have not carefully developed a pathway to success, there will be little buy in from men.
To effectively minister to men, the church must help build a dynamic ministry to men by:
- Properly assessing and surveying the needs and interest areas of their men.
- Developing specific strategies and plans that stimulate involvement and commitment.
- Providing discipleship training and teaching programs that help men grow in their faith and develop a biblical worldview.
- Creating opportunities for men to identify and utilize their gifts and talents in their churches and communities.
- Reaching out to younger generations in creative ways.
- Encouraging men to minister together.
Taken from Building a Ministry of Spiritual Mentors, by Jim Grassi
