Why Most Men's Ministries Fail

Why Most Men’s Ministries Fail

By bill black

I remember several years ago I attended a men’s “Walk to Emmaus” weekend retreat. The men’s, and women’s, “Walk to Emmaus” is an ecumenical retreat designed to encourage Christians to take an active roll in their churches. Although I would say it was a positive experience for me, I must admit I would have never agreed to go to such a thing when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. It was not easy for me to agree to go in my 40’s. In fact at 42, I made an excuse and did not go the first time I was scheduled to go.

The first night we gathered in a circle, told about ourselves, our families and what church we attended. It was quite an uncomfortable experience for me that first night. I was looking for the door, but I stayed because I did not have a ride home. I guess that is why they have your sponsor drop you off at the event.

Sadly many men’s ministries follow the same sort of guidelines. They get together, sit in a circle, are asked to share about their struggles and prayer requests, maybe sing some songs, read a scripture or two, then it usually ends by holding hands and praying.

This maybe fine for a women’s ministry as women are more inclined to share feelings and emotions with one another. But this is not conducive to a man’s way of thinking at all. That is why most men’s ministries fail and do not grow. They are just mimicking the things a women’s ministry might do. Men’s ministries that follow this type of approach quickly become stagnant with only a few men in attendance, or sadly die out to oblivion all together.

Men are warriors, conquerors, and producers by nature. Men are more engaged to the idea of challenges and producing, than to gathering in a circle and sharing feelings. I am not saying these things are bad. They are just not manly. Men are more engaged and more inclined to masculine pursuits.

How about the idea of a Men’s Ministry that would sponsor a Tailgating for Christ contest right in our church parking lot? They would break up in small teams of 4-6 men and put on their best outdoor cooking skills. Immediately you have a contest taking place, a challenge, which men love. There is always a natural camaraderie that takes place when a man is on a team with others. I can assure you that men are much more inclined to share with one another in this type of atmosphere than sitting on their duffs in a circle.

We could have the women judge the cooking results, followed by fellowship which would include a short 10-15 minute sermon on the importance of men having a “Game Plan for Life.” It is amazing how many men would never think of going into a battle without a battle plan, or engage in a team sporting event without a game plan. But yet sadly, they live their lives with no direction or plan at all. God gives us all the direction and game plan we need. We have victory in Jesus. But men need the right way to be approached about the plan that God has for them.

We need strong men, men of honor, men of courage, fearless men who will not hesitate to engage in the challenges of life. We need men who will hold each other accountable to our God, our families, and our church. We need men who value their walk in faith and will stand tall and straight in the sight of others. Men who proudly stand for Christ.

Christ Covenant is looking for a few good men! We launch our ministry on October 10 at our prayer breakfast. We need your ideas! Lookout southeast Texas here we come.

…..tuff enough for Christ? Yes we are!