I’m a firm believer that every ministry in the church should be outbound. We are called to reach people who are far from God so it makes sense that church ministry is considering and reaching those yet to come.
Men’s ministry as I’ve observed is generally geared towards Christian men; helping them become better Christian men. However, I think there’s a great opportunity for your men’s ministry to engage the community in which your church is located. Being in the community, for the community and about the community is a great way to let people know that God loves them. Here are 5 ways your men’s ministry can engage your community.
Adopt A School
Find the local elementary school within 10 min of the church and meet the principle. Ask them what needs they might have and then work as a men’s ministry to meet those needs. You can always start with a Tim Horton’s coffee break for the staff. Schools always need school supplies and support for needy families so these are two ways you can build a bridge toward the school.
Community Clean Up
Find a few parks that need cleaning up and send your men to do it. Partner with a group home or seniors home to help clean up their area. Take pictures and post to social media with the hashtag #godloves(city name) and #for(city name) Remind people that there are good people in this world. You’ll find that by doing this, more doors to serve will be opened.
Drop-In Sports Days
Organize sports days for boys & young men in your community; three on three basketball or floor hocky tournaments, pick up baseball games or, dodgeball. Give the community three weeks notice, let them know it’s free and have a fun sports day. Get the information of people who register and follow up to invite them to other things that you’re doing. Encourage men in your community to volunteer or sponsor the event. Take pictures and post to social media.
Father Son Breakfast
A spin-off on the old “men’s breakfast” where men bring their kids and have a good breakfast together with other families. Have a presenter that is more appealing to kids than adults. Make it more fun for the kids in the room with games, prizes and celebrate the younger dudes. Sell 2 for 1 tickets that allow guys to come if they bring their sons. Encourage your guys to invite their non-Christian friends. Themes like “Wrestling”, “Football” or “Hockey” are great ways to create excitement about the event.
Sports Pool
This is a great opportunity to engage the men in your church with a simple sports pool that has them pick the winning teams in their sports. It can be free to enter or a nominal fee. Interact with the guys on the pool and build relationships with them. Younger guys love sports pools so this is a great way to engage them.
Causes That Connect
Support a cause that matters to people in your community and champion it. Raise funds, do a golf tournament, charity run … whatever you can do to champion something that will build and develop your community.
Don’t stay inside your own group, get out and build bridges of relationship into your community.
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