One challenge most church leaders face is finding “the next big resource.” When I started in men’s ministry, it was because of a movement called Promise Keepers. We had a ton of great resources. Several years later, John Eldredge wrote the book “Wild at Heart,” and it seemed like every men’s group had to get their hands on this book. Ministries like Impactus and many others have helpful tools to support you, and you should access them, but beware of the trap of trying to find the next big resource that will change the lives of all your men. The truth is, you already have access to the best resources for discipleship – the Bible and men in your network of relationships.
It is remarkable how much we have underestimated what God always designed to be the best resources for discipleship. Jesus told us that discipleship is about teaching people to “observe all he has commanded.” You can only know the story of Jesus and the commands of Jesus by using the Bible as your main point of reference. The Bible is the central, must-have book for discipleship.
In order to use the Bible well, you need to become invested in allowing God to shape you through his word. The ideal was always for men like you to be developed in the word of God and then train others to do the same. Discover everything God says in the Bible about being a faithful man and disciple of Jesus. Study it, meditate on it, live it, and pass on what God is teaching you. You can only disciple a man if you are helping him anchor his life in Jesus, and a man can only be anchored in Jesus if he knows what the Bible teaches.
Not only did Jesus tell us what discipleship is, but he also told us who is responsible for doing it – you and every other man who follows Jesus. Next to the Bible, the men around you are the most important resource you have to disciple men.
I was recently part of a special event for dads. One of the things that made it so unique was the fact that there was no featured speaker. Instead, a few men participated in a Q&A time where they spoke about what they do and the lessons they have learned while being a dad who is spiritually leading his family. This was one of the most authentic and practical men’s events I have ever participated in (and trust me, I have been to my share of men’s events).
Most men feel they have little to offer other men. Your role as a leader is to change that narrative and help men see how every experience they have had is preparation to help someone else.
Men telling stories of success and failure, learning from the Bible, and encouraging each other to keep going are the timeless and best resources God has already given you to help men grow as disciples of Jesus. The good news is that these resources cost nothing, but they are priceless in value.
I am beyond grateful for the resources I have read and the events I have attended for men. God has used those experiences in profound ways to shape my life. However, those tools are supplemental to the primary resources God has already given us. Do not make the mistake of trying to find the next big resource and miss using the best resources for men’s ministry that are already accessible to you.
About
