Building a Sustainable Men's Ministry: Step 1

Building a Sustainable Men's Ministry

Step 1: Find 1-3 Men's Ministry "Go to Guys"

"Developing a lasting men's ministry in your church starts with leadership. Nothing in ministry, or all of life for that matter, happens without leadership. Until you have a man willing to lead your men's ministry, you will have a difficult time getting it started. In fact, you may want to hold off starting your ministry until you have your point man in place." Chip MacGregor, Effective Men's Ministry

A great way to begin to identify those who could lead your men's ministry is to think through 3-5 potential men's ministry champions and send them a copy of this e-letter with a suggestion that they consider subscribing to it, and becoming part of a men's ministry leadership team. Then, see which men respond.
From this group, look for 1-3 men to be the leaders of the men's ministry. One man can take the initiative to build a team around him. But since 2 are better than one and a 3 fold bond is not easily broken, 2 or 3 men sharing the leadership role is ideal.

Here are 5 key qualities to look for in considering a men's ministry "Go to Guy"

One who models faithful discipleship as a follower of Christ. This is mostly a matter of direction not perfection, but leaders should be a reasonable way down the path to spiritual maturity. They don't have to be ready to be elders; but they should be headed that way.

Humility. Humility is reflected in having a supportive attitude towards the pastor and leadership of the church, and in having a teachable spirit. It desires to honor and encourage others, and views the goal of ministry as glorifying God.

A servant's heart. Men don't need one more person in their life to nag them or lay a guilt trip on them. If the tone of men's ministry is to "straighten them out," it will fail. Using men to accomplish their men's ministry agenda will quickly be detected.

Initiative. Leaders are self-motivated. They act. Pastors and elders do not have the time to keep pushing men's ministry leaders to do something.

Passion. Those with leadership gifts by definition are self-motivated; but if they don't have a passion for men's ministry they will move on to some other ministry. Men's ministry is tough. If it were easy, more churches would be successful at it. The only leaders who will show the endurance it takes to build a strong, sustainable men's ministry will be those with a fire in their belly for men's ministry.