I came across a report about men’s ministry that has encouraging data as well as challenges for the future. Click the embedded link to dig into the report.
Main points:
- “…men may be attending church more, congregations with organized men’s ministries appear better equipped to fully disciple them.”
- “…the findings from the research paint an encouraging picture of men’s ministry in churches across America.”
More about it:
- Most “male churchgoers believe their church values men.”
- “Both ministry leaders and male churchgoers recognize the importance of a shared meal for men.”
- Churches “offered Bible studies for men in the past year to disciple them and encourage their walk with Christ…[which most say] say that has been the most effective discipleship activity.”
- “…activities with only a social and no spiritual emphasis would discourage [men] from participating in their church’s men’s ministry.”
- Mentoring is also considered important to men’s ministry.
- Inconsistent attendance is a concern and hinders spiritual growth.
- Some men’s ministries don’t seem to draw men from outside their churches, and some men would like training to share the gospel with other men.
- Men’s ministries can also meet specific needs like mental health, working through doubts, family leadership, sexual temptation, alcoholism/addiction.
- “Men’s ministry leaders say few young men are involved in their events, and those young men often say they are getting their spiritual development from outside of the church.”
Takeaways:
- “A little bit of intentionality has a big impact on men in church.”
- “Attending churches with activities for men…significantly increases the likelihood a man feels ready for his spiritual calling.”
- “Men flourish in key relational discipleship elements when there is an organized men’s ministry.”
