A God-Centered Men’s Ministry

Travis, who serves in his local church, asked me to comment on having a God-centered Men’s Ministry. These are some of my thoughts… specifically for men, but the principles would be the same for any group.

As Christians, we gather together for three main reasons:

1. Fellowship
2. Education
3. Worship

All three are important for the Body of Christ to flourish and to do what God has created us to do. 

• Worship is essential because the focus of our spiritual life is our relationship with God. We don’t just learn about Him, we interact with Him.
• Education is essential because our goal is to be like Jesus. The Holy Spirit works in us to transform us, making us more like Jesus… but we’re also told to ‘put on Christ’ and to emulate Him by obeying His commands.
• Fellowship is essential because – to be like Jesus – we are to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for one another, to confess our sins to each other, and to show the world that we belong to Him by how we love one another.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with just getting guys together. As you suggest, we need more than just that… so I would always incorporate some element of worship and education along with the fellowship. 

I would begin and end every session with prayer. An opening prayer can set the tone for the time, asking God to help us grow and to help us grow the Kingdom. An ending prayer might be preceded by asking the men what’s at the top of their prayer list… the main thing they’re concerned about. Depending on your group, you might do a little singing. For example, you might end every session by singing the Doxology. It’s a little awkward at first, and some men won’t want to sing. With a little encouragement, you can make it a tradition they will look forward to.

Not every event needs a serious Bible study… but men need serious Bible study. I would include at least a nugget of Scripture in every meeting, to challenge their thinking or point to something interesting or surprising in the Bible. When it comes to Bible study, I would make sure to leave room for questions and answers before it’s over.

Finally, as leader, you should always be on the lookout for potential leaders… mature men who take seriously their responsibility to others. Over time, put them to work. Even the least-seasoned man can share his testimony, or share a nugget of biblical wisdom that you provide. Most will pray if they’re asked. If you sing, someone might bring a guitar for an extended time of worship. At some point, you may be able to turn over part of the ministry to other men, helping them become servant ministers in the process.

I love the fact that you’re concerned about doing this well. It’s easy to go to the extreme on either end… to only do hangouts, or to never do hangouts. Men really, really need time together with no agenda. If you watch carefully, you’ll see that men open up more when doing things together, rather than sitting around a table. Both are good, but we’re built to accomplish things. Look for opportunities to DO things together. Take a hike. Build something. Destroy something. Shoot guns, or eat breakfast, or pick someone in the church and go rehab their yard. That’s a primary bonding time for dudes.

In the end, doing this well depends on you doing what God leads you to do. These are a framework… but the details should depend on the men you’re with. If you need some resources for quality men’s ministry stuff, I can help you find some.

Let me know how I can help. Have a great day!

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