If you are having events for your men just to be having events – Stop It!
That probably got someone’s attention. Now let me explain. I am not suggesting for you to not have events for your men, in fact I would encourage it. But don’t have events just to be having events. Use those events to help your men to take the next right step in their spiritual growth. Use it to promote a deeper study into the Word of God, to join a small group with other men to share what you are learning from your reading of the Word. Maybe even use it to encourage men to join couples classes many churches have to encourage growth in God as a couple.
In an earlier post I stated that a life verse of mine is 1 Thessalonians 2:8;
We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us (CSB).
That is what ministering to men is all about, sharing the gospel and your own life with other men. It is discipling men into a intimate and intentional relationship with Jesus Christ.
Use the events to allow men who are in a small group or a discipleship group to share how this has benefited them in their spiritual growth. Maybe have a time when you can let men experience a sample of what that is like by arranging men to gather in groups of three to four and praying together or sharing their thoughts on a topic that may have been discussed by a speaker. Then do something I was taught and that is to have a prayer huddle. What a great feeling that is as men gather together with their arms around each others shoulders much like we did when we played sports and spend time in prayer. Use your events wisely. Use them to speak into the man’s life – encouraging him.
I have developed an attitude that when I hear a team planning a men’s event, I always ask what are you going to do to help the men take the next right step. Understand that all of the men will not take the step but no one will if you do not
Have your events, do some fun stuff but remember the goal is to share the gospel and to pour your life into those men.
Together in the challenge and adventure to disciple men – Mike