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If
You
Plan It,
Will They Come?
Participation:
The Key to Effective Men's Ministry
One of the frustrations of men's ministry is
learning what works and what doesn't when it comes to getting
men involved in group life. Groups have personalities, just as
individuals do. They must be understood and approached in
appropriate ways. What appeals to one group may be lackluster to
another. What kind of activities would interest and involve the
most men from your congregation?
- An early morning prayer breakfast at a
local restaurant once a week for Christian fellowship and
spiritual encouragement?
- A monthly dinner planned and prepared by
men from your group taking turns making arrangements?
- Men's small group Bible studies that meet
for six to eight weeks at a time and deal with discussion
topics selected by group members themselves?
- Special service projects spontaneously
scheduled throughout the year, such as home repairs for
handicapped and elderly persons, assistance for fire
victims, a community youth activity or recreation night,
work teams to help remodel or construct new church
buildings?
- Fund raising events to support worthy
community or missionary causes?
- Periodic work days and clean-up/fix-up days
around your own church property?
- Annual or quarterly men's rallies,
conferences, seminars, conventions or other high profile
gatherings?
In this section, you will find principles and
possibilities to keep in mind as your ministry leadership team
chooses strategies for reaching and gathering men.
Planning Activities
Men Will Attend
Author Stu Weber says there are four essential qualities that
make it possible for deeper relationships to develop among men:
- Acceptance of one another shown through
treating information shared in the group with
confidentiality;
Affirmation of one another expressed through
building up others, not tearing them down;
Accountability to one another for spiritual
growth; and
Acknowledgment of the authority of Christ and
His Word.
Men's meetings and activities planned with
principles like these in mind have a much better chance of
winning the respect and participation of guys in your church.
Here are seven additional principles to consider for effective
ministry planning.
- Establish a clear purpose for each
meeting. Be able to answer the "so what?"
question for men who wonder why they should come to your
activity.
- Meet where men already enjoy meeting.
Take advantage of settings that are masculine, familiar,
non-threatening, and convenient. The church building is not
the only place for men's ministry.
- Give personal invitations. Get
face-to-face with men to ask them to join you in an activity
and explain what the benefits will be to them.
- Take time for friendship building.
Most men are friendship-poor. Give them time for
introductions, laughter, and social mixing.
- Make some meetings task-oriented.
Invite men to gatherings where they will have something
meaningful to plan, make, do, or contribute.
- Delegate leadership. Capitalize on
most men's desire to lead other men; offer them chances to
plan and direct group discussions and activities.
- Relate discussions to issues men feel
are most important. Discover and address needs that hit
men in your group where they live.
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