Here's a facetious note ... one gleaned from personal failure and from years of observing ministry to men across the world. Here's a list of five ways to guarantee your ministry to men will die this year.
But first, if instead, you want to launch a powerful ministry to men, order the Launch Kit or at least start with the field guide, Seven Keys: Building a Powerful Ministry to Men. Order that here now (https://cmn.men/products/seven-keys-building-a-powerful-ministry-to-men) .
This list will help you frame where you're now at. You might also be able to add to this list - send me a note back. So, without more preamble, here's how to wreak havoc in your ministry to men.
1. Make sure the Senior Pastor is not involved.
What is celebrated from the pulpit will be part of the life of the church; what is neglected will have no energy. Discipling men was at the core of the life of Jesus. The accepted and observed habits of leadership form the core of your church culture.
When the lead pastor endorses and celebrates ministry to men, it will grow. When he's involved, it will have energy.
2. Make fellowship a priority.
Fellowship is always the by-product of purpose. It’s about building men strong spiritually. Enjoy life, but keep the main thing the main thing. Fellowship around a campfire or across food will open a man's heart ... but the relational moments of sharing our hearts with each other is what builds brotherhood and builds character.
3. Try not to offend anyone.
If you back off the passion of reaching and building strong men, you will not get anything done. Iron does sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). Sermons don’t set men free—truth does. Passivity is not a strategy ... it's a compromise. With all that you do, speak in love ... but speak with the gracious boldness of Christ.
4. Guys are busy, don’t ask too much from them.
Key men are always busy… that’s why they get stuff done. Jesus called men who were working—they were busy people, He never called a man who was just hanging around.
Men who are busy men don't need a meandering, sort of, maybe, kind-of, get together thing ... they need a well-ordered strategic track. What does this accomplish? Where are we going? If I know that - I'm all in.
5. Nothing just happens.
The ministry to men takes effort. It takes prayer, planning, preparation, perseverance, and perspiration … then repeat, and then repeat again. You know what just happens?
Nothing ... decay is easy. Growth is intentional.
To find out how to build a powerful ministry to men, order the Seven Keys (https://cmn.men/products/seven-keys-building-a-powerful-ministry-to-men) book today.
To go to next level, order the robust Launch Kit with its MoMENtum Guide, Seven Keys field guide, Quick Start guide, and the first set of books and workbooks. That's on sale right now. Click here.
Let's lead men to Jesus. Let's disciple them. Let's do what Jesus said to do: Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19).
