Not a bad idea! While few churches would allow themselves to be led by one person who called himself "the Decider," most find it helpful to make some key decisions early on about how to organize for maximum ministry. An effective local church men's ministry is no exception.

Here are nine principles you can use to develop a men's ministry strategy that will be effective in your local church.

Men tend to focus on the bottom-line. Having a cause to give your life for is as important as having a job to do. Men need to be mobilized for a mission, not just invited to another meeting. Determine how your men's ministry will benefit and enrich men's lives and the church. Then, communicate those reasons for the ministry clearly to those you hope to involve.

A successful men's group needs two to four men who will make it a high priority of their volunteer efforts. Effective leaders are self-starters, not easily discouraged, open to creative ideas, thorough about details, and enthusiastic about sharing their vision with others.

Men's ministries should be lay led, but they need the public affirmation and endorsement of the pastor. A pastor should be kept fully informed about activities, sought out for guidance in organizational and program decisions, and included in the fellowship of your men's group. These courtesies will make supporting the group's goals and plans easier and more effective.

Working together bonds friendship, opens doors to newcomers, and encourages a sense of belonging. Plan at least one major, hands-on work project each year for your group. There are times for talking "God" and "church," but all talk and no work spells "not interested" in most men's vocabularies.

5. PAY ATTENTION TO MEETING MEN'S PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL NEEDS.

Look for topics for men's Bible studies and discussion groups that will hit them where they live—work-related issues, how to relate better to their kids, improving a marriage, building a stronger home, making quality friendships with other men, managing stress, developing manly virtues, opening up to God. Create personal growth opportunities for men with prayer partnerships, mission work trips, retreats, lay witness teams, and weekend camp-outs.

Regional and denominational men's organizations inspire a stronger sense of group purpose and Christian unity. They also are an avenue of serving and leading in the larger Church. Denominational men's programs offer valuable insignia and logo items to reinforce group identity and loyalty. They also offer training events, service opportunities, resources, and means of recognition which most individual groups cannot provide on their own.

Your men's group should have its own treasury, treasurer, and fundraising activities to draw men together in tangible common causes. Raise money for special home- or world-mission projects, for a local homeless shelter, for a youth program, etc.—something that will build your group's self-esteem and vision.

Food feeds fellowship. Come together around the table at least seven to eight times a year as a men's group. Don't overlook the additional pleasures and benefits of actually preparing meals as a group effort.

A strong evangelistic conscience is essential to a strong men's group. Involve men in ministry by sponsoring youth outings, a Sunday school class for the physically disabled, an English-as-a-second-language class for new neighbors, a church softball team, the annual church picnic, a "Helping Hands" service for the elderly, the Easter Sunrise breakfast. Help men view their activities as ways to touch others for Christ.

• Emotional safety

• Honesty

• Sincerity

• Loyalty

• Shared common interests

• Small groups

—From "Tailoring Ministry to Men" by Robert Hicks, Discipleship Journal,
Issue 77,1993

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