Mo-MEN-tum: The Force or Speed of Movement

Momentum is hard to sustain, and with men's ministries it seems particularly challenging. Perhaps your program is floundering. Or maybe your group is going well, but you're concerned about how to keep it going. Be mindful of these points to help your church's ministry to men keep the momentum.

• Meet his need. Time is precious and scarce with family, work, church, and hobbies. Ask, "What kind of a men's group would a man rearrange his schedule to be a part of?" Think outside the box!
• "Do" before "be." Men can be weak at "being together." They build community best when they first do something together. This helps them bond and be together.
• Sharpen your edge. Nazarenes are to be about making Christlike disciples. When men sharpen their edge by discipling one another, "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17), and "if one falls down, his friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:10). This process only takes place in small groups when discipleship, not just fellowship, is the focus.
• "Variety is the spice of life." Materials in the holiness tradition are as close as your bookstore and the Internet! A little research can bring ideas that you haven't considered! Remember, one size doesn't fit all. Sustaining momentum is really about offering as wide a variety of compelling men's growth and discipleship opportunities as possible!
• Grow leaders or die. Spend the time necessary to cultivate leadership, and then spread responsibilities around! In order to build momentum in men's ministry, you must grow and harvest future leaders.
• Keep prayer on the front burner. All successful programs include prayer. You can never have enough--for pastors, for laypersons, for families, for ministries.
• Comparison is healthy. Hold your program alongside Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow (Thomas Nelson, 2005) and Effective Men's Ministry, edited by Phil Downer (Zondervan, 2001), two fine resources that will evoke evaluation.
• Get the pastor on board. Help him or her to understand that effective men's ministry is not a program. It's a key to reaching individuals and families!

Men's ministry isn't for those who are reluctant and faint-of-heart! It requires prayer and an ongoing willingness to maintain momentum. It requires you to care enough for men's souls that you'll do what it takes. Are you up for the challenge?

William Marshall Duke is Men's Ministries Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. More resources regarding Men's Ministries, including "Tools for Men" and "Bikers," can be found on the web site, www.amc.nazarene.org. For personal assistance, call 800-221-6317 or E-mail mduke@nazarene.org.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.