July 2007
Men’s Ministry Best Practices: Avoiding Common Failures
Keep Your Programs Open and Welcoming
One way to kill the momentum of your men's ministry is to develop a reputation that the events are just a clique for the spiritually mature. And as the men on your council and core leadership team deepen their friendships as they serve alongside one another in planning and executing programs for your men's ministry, that sense of comraderie could be misunderstood. It is up to your leadership team to be intentional about making your men's ministry events and regular group gatherings open and welcoming to newcomers.
At each event or group gathering, adopt a mindset of outreach and inclusion. We model Jesus to guys when we seek to create a safe environment where everyone feels welcome. You and your event organizers will have plenty of time outside of the gathering to connect with each other - probably at your next men's council meeting or event debriefing - so your leaders need to focus on making people feel welcome and included. Make a point of seeking out newcomers and introducing them to other guys you know. Depending on the size and purpose of the event, you may even want to establish a team of 3-5 guys who are particularly comfortable meeting new people and give them the specific job of connecting newcomers.
Don't derail your men's ministry with an "insider's club" mentality. Keep your programs open and welcoming.
Read the other articles in this issue:
|
