Men’s Ministry

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission statement of Adventist Men’s Ministries is to: “Galvanize the energy and resources of men for God, family, church, and community.” (The definition of “galvanize” is to stimulate, or to startle into sudden activity.) Men’s Ministries events that are well planned will leave a lasting impression on the men who attend. They will develop a firmer commitment to God, a stronger dedication to their families and a desire to share their faith with others.

Eleven Unspoken Needs of Men

1. Men Need Action. Men’s self-images are largely determined by what they do for work and what they accomplish. A man’s goal orientation pushes him to achieve things and to focus until the task is accomplished.

2. Men Need Safety. One silent rule of masculinity that society has taught us is “Thou shalt not show emotion.” As a result, men often feel they can’t be open with one another unless there is a safe environment created by time and confidentiality.

3. Men Need To Be Challenged. In the Gospels we often see Jesus drawing a line in the sand and daring the disciples to meet Him on His side. It’s no different today. Men aren’t interested in a ministry that gets together to chew the fat. They want to be challenged to act, pray, behave, and think in a way that glorifies God.

4. Men Need To Get To The Point. Don’t waste time on fluff and trappings. Men want to know what two or three practical life applications they can take away from their time together.

5. Men Need To Win. Men have grown up with the pressure to win. Men’s Ministries needs to have challenging yet achievable goals. Programs that aren’t working must be set aside.

6. Men Need To Dream. Men grow up dreaming and scheming big. Involve the men in the brainstorming process of designing Men’s Ministries. Encourage men to discuss their dreams during informal times as well, and to help each other finds ways of acting on them.

7. Men Need Other Men Like Them. Men naturally gravitate toward men facing the pressures they face and doing the same types of jobs they do.

8. Men Need Help Working Around Daily Schedules. How and when we do ministry with men will largely revolve around their lives at work. The most precious commodity for many men is time. How they divide it is crucial. Be sensitive when planning the number and length of activities. It is also important to offer activities at a variety of times.

9. Men Need Healing. Not many men go to work and hear what a great job they are doing. When they get home their kids usually don’t thank them for working long hours so they can have a roof over their heads. And too often their wives are not lauding their performances as dads and husbands. Men need a refuge where they can heal and be encouraged in their roles.
10.  Men Need Freedom. Men that are taught from boyhood to win develop a fierce independence.   They have difficulty forming friendships with other men. Often, they would rather stand alone and fight alone than work together. Men’s Ministries should strive for solidarity while at the same time respecting each man’s need for space. 
11. Men Need To Identify. We live in a time when there is generally a spirit of brotherhood among men. Adventists reaching out to fellowship with men of other faiths and traditions should remember they need encouragement to identify with the unique message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that look forward to the coming of Jesus.

Men rarely talk about their needs. The Men’s Ministries coordinator, however, would be wise to consider them when developing Men’s Ministries in the local church. For each need listed above ask: “How is this manifested in the men we serve? And how does that impact our plans?”

                                                                                                 QUICK START GUIDE FOR MEN’S MINISTRIES  pag.7