A Plan to Disciple Every Man in Your Church

from Pat Morley

Volume 183
June 5, 2006

QUESTION: Pat, I'm a pastor. I buy into your idea that the size of my men's ministry equals the number of men in my church. But I'm at ground zero. Where should I start?

ANSWER: Here's an idea to take out for a spin. Announce that you would like to disciple every man in the church over the next few years who has not already been discipled. Make this a high visibility deal from the front. Mention it repetitiously (e.g., that you're doing it, include stories from men-with permission of course-as sermon illustrations).

Then, several times a year (quarterly perhaps), personally lead a men's discipleship group. Make it by sign up. Create a waiting list. Use something like Master Plan for Evangelism (Coleman) or a Basic Discipleship Curriculum from your denomination. Be a discussion facilitator (not the expert everyone waits for to explain the truth). It can become a badge of honor for your men to have been personally discipled by you. Possibly/probably allow a couple of deacons and elders in each group.

Read Building Brothers by Geoff Gorsuch to get a helicopter view of what can happen in the groups (you can order Geoff's book from us at http://bookstore.maninthemirror.org/SearchResults.asp). Some of the men in the groups will want to continue after your 10 or 12 weeks. Encourage that as a way of sustaining momentum among the men.

What if you're not a pastor but still care about this issue? Consider forwarding this email to your pastor with a few encouraging words.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done and continues to do!

Pat Morley

Each week, Pat shares biblical insight and encouragement on leading issues impacting men on Man2Man Express with Brian Doyle and David Beguerie. Click here to listen to Pat's latest broadcast.