As pastors, we're constantly balancing numerous ministry priorities. Yet one focus area can create a remarkable ripple effect throughout your church: investing in your men.
What if I told you that discipling just 1% of your congregation could transform your entire church? Think about it this way: when men are discipled effectively, they become a strong foundation that supports and strengthens everything else in your church.
A lot of nice concepts for church growth exist, but one certainty about a multiplication effect is found in this Biblical pattern: strong men build strong families, and strong families build strong churches.
Consider this historical perspective: During the American Revolution, only about 1% of the colonial population (roughly 35,000 men) actively fought in the war. Yet that small percentage changed the trajectory of a nation.
This same principle works powerfully in your church:
- If you have 75 men and only 20 show up for men's ministry—that's a huge opportunity, not a disappointment.
- Seven committed men in a church of 40 males can become the catalyst for extraordinary growth.
- One percent of fully engaged men will influence 10%, and when those are influenced, it jumps to 50%, and eventually the entire church
The beauty is that you don't need to reach every man at once. Just start small, build deep, and watch God multiply your efforts.
A Strategic Approach That Won't Drain You
As a church leader, time and energy are precious. Here's the good news: effective men's ministry doesn't require adding more to your plate—it's about strategic investment that actually lightens your load over time.
Start With Three
Jesus modeled this—He had three men in His inner circle, twelve in the next tier, then seventy, and so on. You can follow this pattern:
- Select three faithful men (not necessarily the most talented or charismatic)
- Meet with them regularly for a defined period (perhaps 13 weeks)
- Impart your vision and DNA through discipleship material
- Empower them to disciple three more men, which brings you to 12 (3x3=9 plus the original 3=12)
As each man is discipled, empower them to reach more men, and you’ll see the multiplication effect: Your investment in three men eventually reaches all the men in your church—and beyond.
Look for Faithfulness First
Paul instructed Timothy to entrust his teachings "to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). Notice the order—faithfulness precedes ability.
Too often, we're drawn to talent or potential rather than faithfulness. But when you build on the foundation of faithful men, everything else falls into place. Their character becomes the bedrock upon which gifts and abilities can truly flourish.
We don’t need a man who wants to preach to other men, which makes a small men’s group into a mini-church. We need faithful men who are excited to be discipled, and want to spread the news.
As an example, one pastor in a large community spent 90 minutes each Saturday for 13 weeks with core men. The result? Their annual men's event grew exponentially, eventually reaching 20,000 people.
Another pastor in a small community saw the church’s annual men's event grow from 40 to 350 attendees, with many men coming from outside the church and receiving Christ.
But the most significant changes happen within the church itself:
- Men become active disciples rather than passive attendees
- Family dynamics improve as men lead with Christ-like character
- The burden of ministry shifts from staff to an empowered congregation
- New ministry initiatives emerge naturally from men who are growing
- The church develops a stronger impact on the surrounding culture
Perhaps most importantly, you'll find that many of the ministries you've created to address problems (youth ministry, recovery programs, family counseling) become less necessary as men begin fulfilling their God-given roles.
The goal isn't just to give men more information about God, but to facilitate a revelation of Jesus Christ that transforms their thinking and revolutionizes their lives.
Men's discipleship shouldn't be about creating polished speakers or teachers. It's about creating an environment where men can encounter Christ and say to others, "Here's Jesus."
Your Next Step
You already have everything you need to begin this journey. Start where you are, with what you have, and watch God multiply your efforts.
Remember, God loves things that start—that's why He made seeds.
Building a vibrant men's ministry isn't about creating another program or monthly pancake breakfast. It's about fulfilling Christ's mandate to "go and make disciples" in a way that leverages your men's natural strength and influence.
When you invest in your men, you're not adding to your workload—you're multiplying your impact.
That's a ministry strategy worth pursuing.
Dr. Paul Louis Cole, president of the Christian Men’s Network, is a church planter and former pastor who conducts a podcast, BraveMen, and has a weekly Brave Men Motivational for men and men’s leaders.
Listen to the BraveMen podcast.
Subscribe to the BraveMen Motivational.
MajoringInMen.com is a FREE foundational online course developed from more than forty years of study. It is designed to build a powerful men's movement in the local church and is brought to you by the most widely used men's discipleship resource in the world.
Christian Men's Network is a ministry birthed in 1977 by a pastor, Edwin Louis Cole, out of the local church, and continues to be presided over by pastors and to operate locally under the auspices of local churches.
To learn more about resources for building strong men in your church, visit Christian Men's Network at www.cmn.men
