Mens Minstry

Many church settings today suffer from a lack of ability to communicate their message effectively to men. In part due to the message being design to met the audience primary make-up which is 61 percent women and still growing by current trends. The men I have spoke to often complain about a disconnect and while some have found a way to develop and grow many others continue to be distant and slow to grow. Researchers have shown that men see church as too emotional, lack directness, and clarity of purpose.

We as the “church” have the job to guide and aid people in building a meaningful relationship with Christ. The church has done a amazing job in creating a environment that aids in the spiritual development of most women. Yet it seems that we are failing when it comes to most men. Recent research adds a additional concern, as it appears that children with just a active church going father are seriously more likely to attend church as a adult then ones with only an active mother.

One of my passions is trying to form a real men’s ministries but it is always meet with a series of internal and external stumbling blocks especially in smaller churches. Even though fewer then 10% of all christian churches have been successful at building vibrant men’s ministry groups.

Internal Stumbling Blocks:

Money- It takes money to keep the church open and to do events, and most churches has their resources tied up in children, youth, and women’s programs which are important for a successful church as well. Larger churches can usually avoid this issue.

Church Use - Church use is heavily scheduled with classes events and other programs usually at the best time slots. Since starting a new program doesn't have a priority the time slots available are not conducive to getting men together. i.e. early mornings, or saturdays which typically not well received by men. Larger Churches have a easier time with this too as they have the facility space to host multiple activities.

Lack of Men- Which is the root of the problem and the reason for having a men’s ministry.

External Stumbling Blocks:

Disapproval: There are those who have concerns of what the implications of men’s ministry, may mean to women.

Concern: There are those who see the benefits but because the idea might be seen as controversial figure it is better to be safe then sorry.

Confusion: There are those who want to support it but their focus is on male gender roles, which leads to other external stumbling blocks.

Yet, if people really understood it, they would see that the role of a men’s ministry is to offer a path of spiritual development that is developed in a manner that the target audience can relate too. Men need a way to receive the word in a masculine manner, and a opportunity to bond with other men in a meaningful way. Most of this can be accomplished by forming a men ministry. Below I have included a general outline of a mens ministry.

A Basic Outline of a Mens Ministry:

Vision: Become men of Christ and modern Christlike defenders of our faith.

Mission: To build a modern chivalric network of men. Who unitize current technology, resources, and its members too challenge, hold accountable, and train its membership in living a Christ like life. Through masculine spiritual discipline, self improvement techniques, and church and community service. So that they will live as example to others, through true devotion, actions, and deeds design to glorify God. In manner that is neither demeaning to women or offensive to nonbelievers while not compromising ones own spiritual integrity.

Outline is in no particular order:

1. The Spiritual Development of Men
   
   • Understand the difference between worldly issues and Godly issues
   • Understanding Godly Love
   • Prayer
   • Worship
   • Bible study
   • Spiritual Gifts, warfare, practices
2. Living a Christ Like Life
   
   • Putting others first
   • Defend your faith
   • Love the sinner not the sin.
   • Making the right choices
   • Being a Husband (With Love)
   • Being a Father (With Love)
   • Living in the world
   • Dealing with wrongs, anger, and frustration
   • Leadership
3.  Discipleship & Evangelism
   
   •  Outreach
   •      Jerusalem
   •      Judea
   •      Sameria
   •      End of the Earth
   • Sharing your Faith
   • Accountability
   • Interpersonal connections with other Spiritual Men

Men and women have both been given spiritual gifts, leadership, and follower roles. We as Christians need to develop a meaningful method of growth and sharing in a way that honors God. One of those methods are Women's and Men’s ministry. This have proven to be successful as long as it built in a manner that honors God and creates a positive environment and real spiritual growth. Currently Men Ministries are growing but many are met with worldly issues and objections, and some suffer from poor public perception of Christian male values. Yet nothing could be further from the truth if it is developed as we discussed.

Sources:

[1] http://www.churchformen.com/allmen.php
[2] “U.S. Congregational Life Survey – Key Findings,” 29 October 2003, <www.uscongregations.org/key.htm>.
[3] Fewer men attending church - http://www.newser.com/story/33223/fewer-men-are-going-to-church.html
[4] Empty Pews: Where did all the men go? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/09/AR2006060901462_2.html