June 2007
Men’s Ministry Best Practices: Avoiding Common Failures
Keep Your Plan SIMPLE
Armed with the dual objectives of feeding your guys so they grow into mature followers of Christ AND reaching out to guys who aren't yet connected, it can be pretty tempting to let your ministry plan get too complex. We want to remind you to KISS: "Keep it Simple Servant!"
Because most churches are making their men's ministry happen with lay leadership - believers who feel called to lead the ministry to men and are volunteering their time rather than on the church payroll - we recommend that you start with a "bite-sized" approach.
If you are the ministry leader, be honest with yourself about what you can and can't do. Don't overcommit yourself or your volunteer base to more than you can manage. Remember: you must MODEL balance to the rest of your team.
Honestly assess your team's workload & skills. Do you have one or two high-capacity volunteer guys? Or is everyone enthusiastic, but has only a few hours per month to give to men's ministry? Build your ministry plan and calendar in such a way that you tap your key leader's passions and interests - so they stay motivated even when the pressure's on - but take into consideration your team's capacity.
At the same time, you want your plan to have enough activity on it to keep your men motivated and directed. The men's ministry annual calendar that Outdoor Connection gives as a starting point can serve as a visionary tool. We've put an "X" for the month of October in the Community Outreach line. We've done that so you stay nimble & flexible and are sensitive to your church's needs and your team's capacity - Is that a breakfast? Lunch? Men's night out? We don't know, but it's something that keeps things moving. And after you've surveyed your men, you'll be better able to develop a plan and calendar that best matches the needs and schedules of your guys.
Read the other articles in this issue:
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