Written by Patrick Morley, Man in the Mirror Wednesday, December 10 2008 12:18 Click here to go to the article on the MIM website. Let me catch you up on some ideas I have been thinking about, any one of which probably doesn't warrant an entire article. Consider using the Reflection Questions as discussion starters for your next several leadership team meetings. SENIOR PASTOR SUPPORT VS. INVOLVEMENT To implement an effective disciple-making ministry requires both the support and involvement of the senior pastor. At first, support and involvement may seem like synonyms. They are not. Support can be offered from a distance. Involvement requires up close and personal. Mark 3:13-15 says, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve-designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Key idea: Jesus was "with" his disciples. That's more than support; that's involvement. So how did it work out? After Jesus returned to heaven, Acts 4:13 tells us how religious leaders responded to the courage of Peter and John: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” The biblical model for discipling men is to be with them, not merely support an effort to disciple them. Reflection Questions: What is the difference between support and involvement? What is the biblical warrant for involvement? If you are the senior pastor, how can you be involved like Jesus was involved? PUSHING MEN UNTIL THEY DROP OUT Men often drop out without explanation. One reason is that they feel the pressure to perform because we ask too much of them too soon. Evangelism is simply taking a man as far as he wants to go with Jesus. Never push. Take men as far as they want to go instead of as far as they need to go. Discipleship should be like orthodontic braces - a little pressure consistently applied over a long time will eventually change the location of your teeth. In the same way, a man's beliefs. Reflection Questions: Does your church adjust to where your men are, or do you ask your men to adjust to where the church is? While it would take incredible people skill to get an honest answer, consider contacting a man who dropped out without explanation. If he believes he can trust you, he may tell what went wrong. This would be incredible to know. THE QUESTIONS MEN ARE ASKING What are the right questions? Rheinhold Niebuhr once said, "There is no greater loss than the answer to a question no one is asking." The right questions will produce the right answers. What are the questions men are asking? It's always about finding the right questions to answer. Reflection Questions: What are the men's questions your church is answering? How do they stack up against the questions men are asking? How can you bring them into alignment? THE ATTRITION OF MEN I am not surprised by the things I expected. If you are surprised by the high level of attrition in your ministry to men, then dwell on the principle of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:18-23. We must expect high levels of attrition if the Bible is correct. We must also work to preserve the fruit we harvest. Learn how to capture and sustain the momentum you create. Reflection Questions: What is your church doing to create momentum among men? What is your church doing to capture and sustain that momentum? EVANGELISM OR DISCIPLESHIP? The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody once said, "I would rather wake a slumbering church than a slumbering world." Bill Bright once told me he thought it was a much better investment for the kingdom to help a Christian understand how to walk in the Spirit than help lead a non-Christian to faith. Of course, it's not either/or. However, when we think of the billions of dollars we spend to get people to "join" our organization (Christianity), let's balance that out by spending what it takes to fully equip them to be good members. Reflection Questions: Would you rather evangelize a man or disciple a man? What does that tell you about you? What does that tell you about the other kinds of leaders you need on your team? FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE MOVEMENT If I don't look after the health of the whole movement, I will eventually eliminate myself. I look at this sentence and I live within it, I nestle between the words-even the letters, and I let them saturate my mind. The molecules of my mind fuse with the molecules of ink. A rising tide will raise all boats. As we continue to forge the Christian men's movement into a sustainable part of local church life, think about what you have to offer for the greater good. Reflection Questions: Why is it valuable to know what's going on at a larger scale than just your church? How can you get more involved at a larger scale? THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF THE MOVEMENT The overarching goal of the Christian men's movement is to restore discipleship as the central mission of the church. It is not enough to make better husbands, daddies, time managers, and workers. We must be careful not to merely seek to improve men's behavior (better flesh). Instead, our calling must bring men to the foot of the cross where they negotiate the terms of a full surrender of their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That's the deal. Reflection Questions: Why are you doing men's ministry? What is the goal of your men's ministry? What is the danger? HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MEN'S MINISTRY If you want different results, you have to do different things. However, people don't change until they become uncomfortable with something. Our job as leaders is to help men become uncomfortable with the way they live. Jesus comes with tension. If we declare the Scriptures in love, men will become uncomfortable. Benjamin Franklin said, "You can't keep doing things the same way and expect different results." Reflection Questions: Does your men's ministry need improvement and, if so, what needs to happen? How can you help your men become uncomfortable with lukewarm ways? INCREMENTAL CHANGE VS. QUANTUM LEAPS Singer Jewel spent 15 years on the road, often living in her car, to be discovered overnight. Google, arguably the greatest product launch in history, took four years to go live online. It is a roll of the dice to plan and wait for quantum leaps because they are so unpredictable. Steady plodding, though, always adds up to something after a while. Reflection Questions: Does you men's ministry model depend on big hits? If so, what has been the effectiveness and sustainability? What do your answers suggest about your model?
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From: http://www.sharefaith.com/faith/home.do By Daniel Threlfall Click here to read this article on the Share Faith website. When I was a kid, I remember going to men’s prayer breakfasts at my church. Often, my dad would take me and my three brothers. I think these events started around 3am Saturdays. At least that’s how 7am felt on a Saturday morning. We’d all go into a room, kneel, then men would start praying aloud. Even though I was dead-tired early in the morning, I remember being deeply encouraged by these times. Here we were, a group of men or boys –praying, interceding, pleading, and praising God. Each time I attended that hour of prayer on an early Saturday morning, I was so glad that I had gone. Usually, the prayer time was followed by a huge breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes. The potential power of a men’s prayer breakfast is incredible. The same can be said for most men’s ministries. As men meet for accountability, mentorship, prayer, encouragement, and fellowship, lives are changed for the better. Marriages are saved. Addictions are shattered. Friendships are forged. Faith is strengthened. Leadership is developed. A force for change in your church, in your community and in the world at large is developed by means of a men’s ministry. But how do you start? Where do you begin? If your church doesn’t yet have one, here is some advice for launching a men’s ministry. 1. Start with the right philosophy. Even good endeavors will perish on the platform of good intentions. Before you even print the first flyer or prepare your first barbecue, determine why you want to start a men’s ministry and what you want to accomplish. Only the compass of a solid philosophy will start you off on the right direction. Here are four questions to ask and answer as you consider a men’s ministry.
These are all great things, but true ministry is founded upon greater things than merely excitement, trends, or good desires. Plan your path with a philosophy, then you will be ready to roll. 2. Recruit the right volunteers. The most important move you’ll make after deciding to start a men’s ministry is figuring out who’s going to help with it. Here are three tips:
3. Do the right stuff. When most people think of men’s ministry, their minds immediately go to the stuff — all the things that a men’s ministry supposedly does. Typically, this revolves around activities that we’re culturally conditioned to think of as “manly” — barbecuing, hunting, paintball, flag football, softball, basketball, four-wheeling, hiking, etc. . Most likely, the issue of what to do is a central feature of planning a men’s ministry. After all, it’s not exactly a men’s ministry unless you’re doing something, right? So, what are you going to do? This is where your philosophy comes into play. Remember, we asked at the beginning what goals you are trying to accomplish? What need are you trying to meet? Answering these questions gets you halfway to answering the “What do we do?” issue. So, for example, maybe you jotted down notes similar to these while you were thinking about philosophy:
Now that you know what you’re trying to accomplish, you’re well on your way to choosing activities that will facilitate those goals. Don’t simply pull random activities from the bag of things-that-men-typically-do-for-a-men’s-ministry activity. Choose with discretion. Let’s say your goal is to teach men to be faithful in prayer. Based on this goal, you decide To do the following:
There’s nothing at all wrong with having men get together for good food and fellowship, paintball included. This kind of fellowship can be encouraging, edifying, and sustaining for the men in your church. Whether or not you have a formal men’s ministry, by all means, just do something with the guys. Keep in mind, however, that the more strategic you are about what you do, the better you will be able to achieve your goals. 4. Maintain a Godward vision. This final point sounds like jargony Christian-speak. Yeah, yeah, keep a “Godward vision,” –of course. But what does this actually mean? Let me explain. It’s like this with any ministry, you start to focus more on the ministry than you do on the person and goal for which you started the ministry. There are administrative details to tend to, a budget to worry about, an interpersonal relationship strain on the staff, an illness, a crisis, or a major activity to plan. All this ministry stuff, whether mundane or major, can distract us from the main point of the ministry. What are we actually trying to do? Why? Every once in a while, it helps to step back and realize that it’s all about God. This whole complex, unwieldy, distressing-yet-rewarding ministry is for God’s glory. Nothing brings clarity to a task like a Godward vision. As you plan the camping trip, think “this is for God’s glory”. As you book the picnic pavilion, think “we’re doing this because of God.” As you sip coffee at Panera Bread for your accountability meeting, think “Our goal is to magnify God”. You will find that your men’s ministry is a work in progress. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or cool, just focus on the basics — God-focused fellowship and edification. As you start with the right philosophy, recruit volunteers, plan the right stuff, and keep your eyes fixed on the God, you’ll begin to see men grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Daniel Threlfall has been writing church ministry articles for more ten years. With his background and training (M.A., M.Div.), Daniel is passionate about inspiring pastors and volunteers in their service to the King. Daniel is devoted to his family, nerdy about SEO, and drinks his coffee with no cream and no sugar. Learn more about Daniel at his blog and twitter. by Ron St Hilaire Dr. Chuck Stecker's thoughts about Ministry to and through MEN. Rev. Chuck Stecker, D. Min, President & Founder of A Chosen Generation - Helping churches and families create intentional strategies for intergenerational ministry. We had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Chuck Stecker at one of the meetings we sponsored in early June..... Chuck is down to earth... I can best describe him as a regular guy with a desire to serve others... and especially men. His passion for serving is engaging. He describes it this way, "It is ministry to and through men as opposed to men's ministry. What we have got to do, is really encourage men, and not minister to men but begin ministering to and through men." Chuck's background is diverse and he is enthusiastic about the potential. He adds, "I am really pumped. I am really excited. There are so many things, and especially here in the British Columbia area, with Iron Sharpens Iron and Christian Service Brigade and Men in UNITY. I think that we are on the cusp of something great beginning to happen with men. I don't believe there is going to be a move of God in North America until (men) spiritually decide to re-father North America. I think men are starting to learn that it's not unmanly to go a men's study or meeting and discuss our strengths and weaknesses. And, it's not unmanly to ask for help. And, I think we are creating some safe places for this to happen." Ron: Chuck, we live in a fast-paced, almost, "drive through" society, and with that, the challenges that it brings. What are your thoughts? Chuck: "I think in many ways, everyone becomes a consumer. What can the government do for us? Men go to church and we ask, 'What's in it for us?'. I think it's really about men changing, helping men understand there's a great deal to be done through them, and that we are not consumers, not patients, not invalids. As men, we have the opportunity to make a difference. And men are seeing that. Men are becoming engaged in that process and frankly, they are hungry for significance - finding out what true significance means in the Kingdom and with God. "So, I see this helps men understand their own identity as a Son of the King and to know who they are and encourage them to truly develop in what they believe and why they believe it... And, one of the biggest steps is the spiritual application. It's one thing to understand our faith and another to apply it where we work, live and play. We've got to make this real so it applies to them in their workplace, home. And, it's not just a Sunday morning or a men's meeting type of event. This is all so encouraging." Contact Chuck through his website at: www.achosengeneration.org by Ron St.Hilaire THE BC Baptist Conference had a GREAT Men's Breakfast on Saturday, May 7 @ Brookswood Baptist Church, In Langley. This was as expected: an inspiring time together as Mark Washington, Defensive Coordinator of the BC Lions Football Club, shared his thoughts. Little introduction was needed - Mark is a three-time Grey Cup winner and has a total of 20 seasons with the CFL. Mark is a dynamic speaker... and a vibrant Christian motivational speaker. Mark is a native of Washington, DC, Mark attended Rutgers University and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He is a year-round resident in the Vancouver area. He and his wife, Judy, have two children. Mark's message and passion was felt by all who were there. "Men... We are called to be leaders. Be engaged and answer the call." In simple terms, Mark said, "We read the Bible too fast! Make it so you can win!" Mark described it this way... "Heart, mouth, eyes, feet... Tie them together. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Special note.... BC Lions Family Faith Night, is Saturday, October 22, when they play host to the reigning Grey Cup champions, the Edmonton Eskimos. Click here for more information. by Ron St Hilaire YES, that's what happened in April when Christian Life Assembly held their men's retreat near Princeton, BC at Rockridge Canyon Conference Centre. 225 men shared a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday morning together and "guy fun-time" was truly a focus. The surroundings helped too... Lots to offer including one of the longest, dual ziplines in Canada. The Rockridge Canyon Conference Centre is a world class facility on a 1500 acre property nestled in a mountain valley on the peaceful shores of Inspiration Lake near Princeton. Steve Nicholson of Christian Life Assembly based in Langley is the Director of Missions which includes Men's Ministry. He says right from the get-go, they wanted this retreat to be focussed on relationships and FUN. Steve adds, "I wanted it to be a place where guys could get together but where guys focused on relationships and fun, because us guys live a life that doesn't always have a lot of fun in it. So our purpose was to relax, have fun and get closer to God. A time for men to enjoy time together Including meeting new friends in a Christian environment." Steve says there were three loosely structured events ... Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning and the rest of the time open for men to do their own thing. With excitement in his voice, Steve says, "At one point Saturday afternoon guys were playing volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, canoeing, & hiking, while others were just relaxing reading their bibles, chatting over a coffee. Add to this through much of Saturday over 100 guys where screaming and squealing with joy as they enjoyed the zip-line." So Steve, how did you feel about the atmosphere? "Well it was simply the BEST. Guys were living the fun of the past of being a 12 year old again and there were times when guys shared a bible study and time to pray for each other." He adds, "I had countless men say it was the most fun I have had in a long time, enjoyed the experience, learned a great deal, and met new friends." He adds, "Another 'cool' part was that some dad's brought their sons, some sons brought their dads... those attending crossed all demographics including community and three homeless men. Yes, we feel it was a success bringing men together. Those attending had an encounter with God." OTHER OBSERVATIONS Howard Pike, Regional Director, CSB Ministries - (BC & Alberta) "We saw men of different ages, races, cultures and backgrounds playing together, praying together, talking about the Lord and what He was doing in their lives. Problems were shared and complete strangers held their brothers up to the Lord for His intervention. Men were released to be the Christ-like followers that they are... just as they are. We were trusted to be the "ministers and priests of Christ" and the men exceeded expectations. It was a taste of Heaven." Tim Spangler,Advisor, ISI-CSB Ministries "This time was actually transformed into the real "meat and potatoes" of the spiritual substance we crave... Everywhere we went, there was dialogue which happened that was not only fun, but full of prayer, depth and meaning. That is the overwhelming description of what was conveyed at the conference." CLA's next Men's Breakfast is October 1st - 8 to 10:30 am Their next Men's Retreat at Rockridge Canyon is May 5-7th, 2017 Click here for CLA's Men's Ministry webpage. by H G Pike REJECT PASSIVITY, ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY, LEAD COURAGEOUSLY, and EXPECT the GREATER, LATER REWARD. Robert Lewis, Raising a Modern Day Knight Be INTENTIONAL. Your world needs a hero, so why not have that hero be you? No one is going to drop a mantle of power over you. You've got to seek it, ask for it, and accept whatever the Lord gives you. But, if you choose to do nothing, that's what you'll have. Do Something IMPORTANT. PS4 had a great ad showing two men playing video games together. That's fantastic - do stuff together. But, at the end of the day, what do they have? A stronger friendship? Sure, but to what purpose - to play more games together? Choose to get involved in something that changes other people's lives. Do something that fulfills your need to make a difference. Be What God Wants You to Be: PROVIDER AND PROTECTOR Men and women are different - intentionally made that way by God's design. Men are naturally the providers for, and protectors of, the family. It doesn't mean that the man has to be the moneymaker and the fighter, but he is designed for the responsibility to ensure that his family is provided for, and that it's protected when things go sideways. Find ways to be a provider. Find ways to be a protector. It will fulfill your greater purpose. RESPONSIBILITY OPPORTUNITY AUTHORITY ACCOUNTABILITY Every man has responsibilities - they are part of growing up and being a man. Whatever his circumstances may be, a man will strive to fulfill his responsibilities, no matter how small, no matter how large. Every man seeks his opportunities. They may be insignificantly minute or overwhelmingly huge, but a man will seek them out. He takes opportunity as a challenge that will make him a better man. He recognizes that every opportunity says something about him; that they will measure who he is. Every man needs authority... for without it, a man cannot truly have responsibilities, nor will he seek opportunities. Authority - and that is authority to succeed or to fail - defines the limits of a man's responsibilities. Every man needs accountability. It's not enough to allow success or failure determine the value of what a man does; a man must allow others to help him measure his progress along the way. A man must give an account for what he has done; to God and to others. if You choose to do nothing, then |
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