March 2010
Church Spotlight - Elmbrook Church - Brookfield, Wisconsin
Picture a church of 7,000 and a thriving men’s ministry of close to 3,000 men, actively involved in a program that is geared toward male discipleship. Most men’s leaders couldn’t imagine trying to minister to a group that large, much less developing a program that disciples such a huge population. But that’s what the “Top Gun’ men’s ministry at Elmbrook Church of Brookfield, Wisconsin does. Here’s what their ‘Top Gun’ ministry looks like, and is the core of their men’s discipleship program:
- Basic Training (Level 1) is a nine-month (34-week) "men equipping men" program, designed to model, teach, and encourage practical application of biblical principles. It is an excellent program for leadership training and getting men to serve. Through the nine-month Basic Training small group experience, men can expect to develop a consistent walk with the Lord, build lasting relationships with other men, and learn to make an impact for the Kingdom. For the next nine months, groups of 10-12 men then meet weekly, working through the Basic Training Participants Manual. Additional materials include seven outside reading books, memorization of scripture, and an audio series. Members make a commitment to each other to stay together for the entire nine months to help build a comfort level: they agree upon a Group Covenant to facilitate progress. Comprehensive leader materials are provided. Each week, members commit to applying the lessons they've studied, complete their "homework", and pray for each other.
- Discipleship Training is the follow-up to the nine-month Basic Training small group experience. In this nine-month program, men continue to build on the principles of Basic Training, and begin to develop leadership and evangelism skills. For the next nine months, groups of 10-12 men then meet weekly, working through the Discipleship Training Participants Manual. Additional materials include five outside reading books, memorization of scripture, and an audio series. Members make a commitment to each other to stay together for the entire nine months to help build a comfort level: they agree upon a Group Covenant to facilitate progress. Comprehensive leader materials are provided.
According to ministry leaders, the quality of the discipleship materials, the relationships developed in a small group setting, and a clear idea of what lies ahead is what keeps men connected to the ‘Top Gun’ program and each other.
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