The small group approach is the perfect starting point for a men's ministry in many local churches. All it takes is two or more men who want to meet for a specific purpose (such as discipleship training, prayer, Bible study, spiritual accountability, mutual support, or volunteer projects to help others). Of course, small groups that are effectively meeting men's needs tend to attract interest and grow. If you intend to build a men's ministry around this model, you will need to be intentional about it. Be prepared to start new groups continually and to develop new leaders for them.

Larger groups of men are often organized around the fellowship model. Many times a meal is the setting for men to gather, visit with one another, listen to an inspirational speaker, pray together, conduct group business, and plan group projects. Other local chapters meet regularly, with the pastor in charge of times devoted to leadership training and sharing. This strategy calls for a more formal structure, but it is an effective plan for many men's ministries. Your group will need to elect officers to conduct and coordinate meetings and projects, and to keep the group focused on a clear set of goals,

Rather than meeting on a regular basis with an agenda, some men's ministries grow up around regularly scheduled special events and projects. It may be a father/child campout, an annual fishing derby, a men's retreat, cookouts, church-league ball teams, or "Helping Hands" teams that assist needy persons in the community. Fellowship and Christian service are the main intent of these gatherings. They are excellent ways to recruit new members and keep the level of fulfillment experienced by the group high. Be aware, however, that one weakness of this approach to men's ministry is that it does not emphasize in-depth disciple-making. Also, group commitment and identity tend to be minimized. Special events have great attraction power, but by themselves they usually only form weak bonds to the church for men.

A full-service men's group uses a wide variety of ministries to reach men for Christ and to encourage them in developing rich friendships, stronger family relationships, and greater vision for serving God in the church and community. These groups attract men with special events and effective programs. They organize planned activities that appeal to men's interests and offer a safe environment for unchurched men to investigate a Christian fellowship. They provide small groups for support, accountability, personal growth and spiritual development. They recruit and train men for active leadership and outreach to other men. You might compare their organizational structure to a funnel, with large gatherings or special events drawing participants into deeper levels of commitment and more personal involvement in church life.

back to the leaders manual