Want to Disciple Men? Head this Warning!
Paul Cole is the son of the founder of modern-day Men’s Ministry, Edwin Louis Cole. Building on the foundation of his father Paul created the “Christian Men’s Network” which serves across the world. Below is an excerpt from a recent newsletter from Paul on what NOT to do when it comes to discipling men.
- Make sure the Senior Pastor is not involved.
What is celebrated from the pulpit will be part of the life of the church; what is neglected will have no energy. Discipling men was at the core of the life of Jesus. The accepted and observed habits of leadership form the core of your church culture.
When the lead pastor endorses and celebrates ministry to men, it will grow. When he’s involved, it will have energy.
- Make fellowship a priority.
Fellowship is always the by-product of purpose. It’s about building men strong spiritually. Enjoy life, but keep the main thing the main thing. Fellowship around a campfire or across food will open a man’s heart … but the relational moments of sharing our hearts with each other is what builds brotherhood and builds character.
- Try not to offend anyone.
If you back off the passion of reaching and building strong men, you will not get anything done. Iron does sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). Sermons don’t set men free—truth does. Passivity is not a strategy … it’s a compromise. With all that you do, speak in love … but speak with the gracious boldness of Christ.
- Guys are busy, don’t ask too much from them.
Key men are always busy… that’s why they get stuff done. Jesus called men who were working—they were busy people, He never called a man who was just hanging around.
Men who are busy men don’t need a meandering, sort of, maybe, kind-of, get together thing … they need a well-ordered strategic track. What does this accomplish? Where are we going? If I know that – I’m all in.
- Nothing just happens.
The ministry to men takes effort. It takes prayer, planning, preparation, perseverance, and perspiration … then repeat, and then repeat again. You know what just happens?
Nothing … decay is easy. Growth is intentional.
Let’s lead men to Jesus. Let’s disciple them. Let’s do what Jesus said to do: Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19).