For Men Only!

[Nahum]

Does your church have a men's ministry?

If so, can you give me the run down as to how it works?

Events?

Classes?

Outings?

[Baron1710]

Does your church have a men's ministry?

If so, can you give me the run down as to how it works?

Events?

Classes?

Outings?

My current church has an excuse for one which usually amounts to a breakfast once a month.

My previous church had a great men’s ministry.

Pastor Craig or PC as we called him had a class for men once a month, once a year he had a men’s conference where he brought in speakers and had about a 3 day event, we had outings 3 or 4 times a year, fishing, camping, etc.

[Nahum]

My current church has an excuse for one which usually amounts to a breakfast once a month.

My previous church had a great men’s ministry.

Pastor Craig or PC as we called him had a class for men once a month, once a year he had a men’s conference where he brought in speakers and had about a 3 day event, we had outings 3 or 4 times a year, fishing, camping, etc.

Sounds like fun.

Our church is abnormal.

Men make up about 70% of our attendance.

We go fishing a lot, but I had thought about scheduling a series of classes that focused on Christian manhood.

We already have a program called Building Better Boys and several sports programs for the younger guys.

[Jack Shephard]

Does your church have a men's ministry?

If so, can you give me the run down as to how it works?

Events?

Classes?

Outings?

We have a Men's ministry so to say, but it is INO-In Name Only. Mostly what we do is go golfing. From time to time we will have mens prayer and different things, but there is NEVER any classes and every other year we have a men conference and the off year the ladies have theirs. That is how it is here.

How it should be is different. I think that the men in this movement are critical to this movement. Most of the leadership are men. But men in general have the toughest time sticking around. Might be due to the fact there is not alot of substance, that meets their needs, in what the movment does. (that is in churches in general) There should be events that all the men do. Like we all go camping-even the ones that are not out door fans. Go to a ball game-even if there are those that don't like sports. Truth is that us men need each other more than we would like to admit.

Like I was talking about in the Pros/Cons forum having teachings helps too, whether single or married. It never hurts to hear some good teaching on these topics. If it is done in a open dicussion and not an "teacher student" setting then it can go a long way to reaffirm our jobs as men.

[Nahum]

Jason, what type of classes would be helpful?

[StillStanding]

Christ Church has an active men's ministry. Here is the Men's Ministry web page: http://www.christchurchnashville.org/mens.htm

They have a couple of outings each year called "Camping with the Pastors" or something like that. They rent a camping site for Friday night and all day Saturday. It's an opportunity to get to know the pastors on a personal basis.

There are some churches in town that have weekly golfing outings, but Christ Church doesn't. The way it works is that each week you are teamed up with new men from the church as a way to get to know them better. It's also a way to bring a friend to meet other church men and maybe be convinced to come to church.

[Carpenter]

One time I had kind of a vision at a men's retreat a decade and a half ago about Moses and the men holding up his arms during a time of war. The men of the church were on one side of the pastor and the church was on the other holding up his arm.

Unfortunately the men's leader now expects not for the holding up of the arms, but to bow down and worship the guy sitting in the chair his arms down at his sides.

One golf tournament a year and the rest of the efforts spent in pastoral adulation is not a men's group.

[rgcraig]

Sounds like fun.

Our church is abnormal.

Men make up about 70% of our attendance.

We go fishing a lot, but I had thought about scheduling a series of classes that focused on Christian manhood.

We already have a program called Building Better Boys and several sports programs for the younger guys.

Maybe you need to teach on howtopleaseyourwife! LOL!

[tamor]

Maybe you need to teach on howtopleaseyourwife! LOL!


LOL!!! :toofunny

[LadyRev]

For Men Only? HA! Thats too funny considering MEN invade every thread pertaining to or started by women no matter the subject matter! Turn around is fare play brother! :)

It is my observation that most "men's ministries" consist of fishing, golfing, hunting, racquetball, camping, eating, church maintenance work, more eating, more golf, more fishing, etc.

While women's ministries typically consist of prayer meetings, praise and devotional get togethers, special meetings with a guest speaker, eating, cleaning/supplying church and other facilities, planning and preparing for church events, fundraising activities, ministering to hurting/needy families, benovelence needs - food, flowers, etc, more eating, more prayer meetings, more cleaning/supplying, more fundraising...

Theres something wrong with this picture guys. But thats all I will say for now...just my two cents on this "MEN ONLY" thread. LOL!

[James Griffin]

Wild at Heart - by John Eldredge has an excellent series for Christian men.

With prodding got last church I attended to go from twice a year men's breakfast to minimum once a month outtings. Different times, days, locations, and events.

It was a revelation to some that it was actually a ministry to attract other men as well , when there was not an overt 30 minute Bible lesson attached to everything.

An annual men's retreat is also excellent. Especially if can be held in a place that has a "ropes" course etc. Builds trust and bonding.

[LadyRev]

Maybe you need to teach on howtopleaseyourwife! LOL!

Ooooo that was good! :D

[Nahum]

Hey, no ladies allowed in here!

Ya bunch a nosy busy-bodies!

[Ferd]

For Men Only? HA! Thats too funny considering MEN invade every thread pertaining to or started by women no matter the subject matter! Turn around is fare play brother! :)

It is my observation that most "men's ministries" consist of fishing, golfing, hunting, racquetball, camping, eating, church maintenance work, more eating, more golf, more fishing, etc.

While women's ministries typically consist of prayer meetings, praise and devotional get togethers, special meetings with a guest speaker, eating, cleaning/supplying church and other facilities, planning and preparing for church events, fundraising activities, ministering to hurting/needy families, benovelence needs - food, flowers, etc, more eating, more prayer meetings, more cleaning/supplying, more fundraising...

Theres something wrong with this picture guys. But thats all I will say for now...just my two cents on this "MEN ONLY" thread. LOL!


hmm... at our church, the men do things like change the oil in all the single ladies cars for free, while the ladies ministry seems to be outings to local and not so local factory outlet malls.

your turn.

[Nahum]

hmm... at our church, the men do things like change the oil in all the single ladies cars for free, while the ladies ministry seems to be outings to local and not so local factory outlet malls.

your turn.

Preach!!!!

[rgcraig]

Hey, no ladies allowed in here!

Ya bunch a nosy busy-bodies!

With good suggestions!

Wild at Heart series would be wonderful as James stated!

[Kutless]

Maybe you need to teach on howtopleaseyourwife! LOL!Not such a bad idea really.

[LadyRev]

hmm... at our church, the men do things like change the oil in all the single ladies cars for free, while the ladies ministry seems to be outings to local and not so local factory outlet malls.

your turn.

Changing oil for ladies is wonderful! I know some men that need to learn how cause they can't do their own. Would you volunteer to teach them? :D

The ladies at my church don't do the mall thing but my previous church did on occasion. Generally only during a ladies retreat or conference. I hated it. I'd rather be fishing with the men! :whistle

[Pro31:28]

Love and Respect... Great Book for both!

[Ferd]

Pastor Poster,

I may get strung up for this but this is what I think.

Men's ministry fails because it ends up being one more time for someone to get the men together and tell them how they should act.

Far too often churches end up thinking every get together is an opportunity to teach a lesson or preach a sermon.

where men are concerned, I don't think that is the best approach. It OUGHT to be about fellowship.

I believe in teaching. I believe in Sunday school. In fact, I don't think anyone should be allowed in leadership of a church if they aren't involved in Sunday school as either a teacher or a student. period. that includes the music department folk.

I believe in prayer meetings. Churches should have those on a regular basis.

but a men's ministry ought to be about the men and not another chance for Sunday school or a prayer meeting.

But if you want to be effective with a men's ministry, it better be something the men are willing to be a part of. where they can let their guard down and be real. Fish, hunt, camp, play golf, go to ball games. Find things that interest your men and make it something that they can be a part of. Let it be something they can invite friends to and develop Godly relationships with Godly men.

[Pro31:28]

Pastor Poster,

I may get strung up for this but this is what I think.

Men's ministry fails because it ends up being one more time for someone to get the men together and tell them how they should act.

Far too often churches end up thinking every get together is an opportunity to teach a lesson or preach a sermon.

where men are concerned, I don't think that is the best approach. It OUGHT to be about fellowship.

I believe in teaching. I believe in Sunday school. In fact, I don't think anyone should be allowed in leadership of a church if they aren't involved in Sunday school as either a teacher or a student. period. that includes the music department folk.

I believe in prayer meetings. Churches should have those on a regular basis.

but a men's ministry ought to be about the men and not another chance for Sunday school or a prayer meeting.

But if you want to be effective with a men's ministry, it better be something the men are willing to be a part of. where they can let their guard down and be real. Fish, hunt, camp, play golf, go to ball games. Find things that interest your men and make it something that they can be a part of. Let it be something they can invite friends to and develop Godly relationships with Godly men.

Wild at heart talks about shoulder to shoulder fellowship

[Ferd]

Wild at heart talks about shoulder to shoulder fellowship

sounds like a good thing to me.

[LadyRev]

Pastor Poster,

I may get strung up for this but this is what I think.

Men's ministry fails because it ends up being one more time for someone to get the men together and tell them how they should act.

Far too often churches end up thinking every get together is an opportunity to teach a lesson or preach a sermon.

where men are concerned, I don't think that is the best approach. It OUGHT to be about fellowship.

I believe in teaching. I believe in Sunday school. In fact, I don't think anyone should be allowed in leadership of a church if they aren't involved in Sunday school as either a teacher or a student. period. that includes the music department folk.

I believe in prayer meetings. Churches should have those on a regular basis.

but a men's ministry ought to be about the men and not another chance for Sunday school or a prayer meeting.

But if you want to be effective with a men's ministry, it better be something the men are willing to be a part of. where they can let their guard down and be real. Fish, hunt, camp, play golf, go to ball games. Find things that interest your men and make it something that they can be a part of. Let it be something they can invite friends to and develop Godly relationships with Godly men.


I agree that men need this but why do you think women are any different?

Do you really think we want to hear teaching and preaching every time we get together? Do you think women don't need time to "let their guard down", relax, have fun, develop relationships with Godly women and be able to invite non-church friends without having to worry about hearing about "magic hair" and a list of does and don'ts???

Most ladies meetings totally bore me. To be honest, I rarely attend. I have better things to do.

[Ferd]

I agree that men need this but why do you think women are any different?

Do you really think we want to hear teaching and preaching every time we get together? Do you think women don't need time to "let their guard down", relax, have fun, develop relationships with Godly women and be able to invite non-church friends without having to worry about hearing about "magic hair" and a list of does and don'ts???

Most ladies meetings totally bore me. To be honest, I rarely attend. I have better things to do.

sister lady rev, in reviewing my post here, I dont find where I made any reference what so ever to women in any shape form or fashion.

I dont mean to be unkind. I do certainly respect you, but this thread is about mens ministry. it isnt about comparing men and women.

you did that. I replied in kind.

then I posted to address the question.

[MissBrattified]

Does your church have a men's ministry?

If so, can you give me the run down as to how it works?

Events?

Classes?

Outings?

Why does "For Men Only" make me want to post--anything--just to post???? :whistle

[Baron1710]

Why does "For Men Only" make me want to post--anything--just to post???? :whistle

Rebellion, lack of submission...:tease

[Ferd]

Why does "For Men Only" make me want to post--anything--just to post???? :whistle

...runs thru the room and pulls Bratts poney tail!

[Rico]

For Men Only? HA! Thats too funny considering MEN invade every thread pertaining to or started by women no matter the subject matter! Turn around is fare play brother! :)

It is my observation that most "men's ministries" consist of fishing, golfing, hunting, racquetball, camping, eating, church maintenance work, more eating, more golf, more fishing, etc.

While women's ministries typically consist of prayer meetings, praise and devotional get togethers, special meetings with a guest speaker, eating, cleaning/supplying church and other facilities, planning and preparing for church events, fundraising activities, ministering to hurting/needy families, benovelence needs - food, flowers, etc, more eating, more prayer meetings, more cleaning/supplying, more fundraising...

Theres something wrong with this picture guys. But thats all I will say for now...just my two cents on this "MEN ONLY" thread. LOL!

Who aksed you?!?!?! :tease

[Pressing-On]

Pastor Poster,

I may get strung up for this but this is what I think.

Men's ministry fails because it ends up being one more time for someone to get the men together and tell them how they should act.

Far too often churches end up thinking every get together is an opportunity to teach a lesson or preach a sermon.

where men are concerned, I don't think that is the best approach. It OUGHT to be about fellowship.

I believe in teaching. I believe in Sunday school. In fact, I don't think anyone should be allowed in leadership of a church if they aren't involved in Sunday school as either a teacher or a student. period. that includes the music department folk.

I believe in prayer meetings. Churches should have those on a regular basis.

but a men's ministry ought to be about the men and not another chance for Sunday school or a prayer meeting.

But if you want to be effective with a men's ministry, it better be something the men are willing to be a part of. where they can let their guard down and be real. Fish, hunt, camp, play golf, go to ball games. Find things that interest your men and make it something that they can be a part of. Let it be something they can invite friends to and develop Godly relationships with Godly men.

Excellent post, Ferd. My husband said that is why there are not more men in the church. He said that men know what they need to do and they don't need to hear someone harping at them all the time.

[Rico]

I agree that men need this but why do you think women are any different?

Do you really think we want to hear teaching and preaching every time we get together? Do you think women don't need time to "let their guard down", relax, have fun, develop relationships with Godly women and be able to invite non-church friends without having to worry about hearing about "magic hair" and a list of does and don'ts???

Most ladies meetings totally bore me. To be honest, I rarely attend. I have better things to do.

That's what y'all have Wal-Mart for. Women's Fellowship Headquarters>The local Wally-world. Now shooo!! :D

[Rico]

Why does "For Men Only" make me want to post--anything--just to post???? :whistle

It's the debbil, makin ya rebellious. Now go pray!! :tease

[MissBrattified]

Obviously I need to go put a veil on my head or something.

[Rico]

At one of the churches I belonged to all the men got into skeet shooting for a time. That was fun, but it started getting expensive after awhile and the novelty of it wore off. Other than that, I can't say I have been part of a church that had an organized men's group.

[LadyRev]

sister lady rev, in reviewing my post here, I dont find where I made any reference what so ever to women in any shape form or fashion.

I dont mean to be unkind. I do certainly respect you, but this thread is about mens ministry. it isnt about comparing men and women.

you did that. I replied in kind.

then I posted to address the question.

Ummmm...I quote, you said, "where men are concerned...". If thats not a reference towards the EXCLUSION of women, I need to go back to english class. ;)

I don't mean to be unkind either but...men comment on women's issues constantly so I definitely will never hesitate to comment on a men's thread. :evilglee

[LadyRev]

Who aksed you?!?!?! :tease

No one. I didn't need to be asked nor do I need permission. :tease

[Ferd]

Ummmm...I quote, you said, "where men are concerned...". If thats not a reference towards the EXCLUSION of women, I need to go back to english class. ;)

I don't mean to be unkind either but...men comment on women's issues constantly so I definitely will never hesitate to comment on a men's thread. :evilglee

I think your looking for something that isnt there.


where men are concerned is a reference to this thread and the question asked here.

Sister it appears to me you have a lady sized chip on your shoulder. Believe me. if I want to roll sexist, I can. I know how. this isnt that. and let me say that it is a little irritating to see you go to this place. It boarderline feminism.

if you want to comment be my guest. have at it. tell us what you think mens ministry ought to be or tell us about a successful one you know of.

but please dont walk in and bash men to make you feel better or find some derogatory compairison where none was offered.

[Nahum]

Go Ferd, Go!

[LadyRev]

Excellent post, Ferd. My husband said that is why there are not more men in the church. He said that men know what they need to do and they don't need to hear someone harping at them all the time.


Personally, this woman doesn't need someone someone harping at her all the time either. Thus I don't attend the ladies stuff. I'm all for activities...well, for the most part. I'm not big on shopping and for the record...especially for Rico...

I HATE WALMART!!!

[Rico]

I don't mean to be unkind either but...men comment on women's issues constantly so I definitely will never hesitate to comment on a men's thread. :evilglee

That's what happens when you let that evil old feminist spirit control your thinking for you!! SILENCE!! :D

[stmatthew]

Maybe you need to teach on howtopleaseyourwife! LOL!

I thought that was covered in the "obey them that have the rule over you" lesson??


:friend

[LadyRev]

I think your looking for something that isnt there.


where men are concerned is a reference to this thread and the question asked here.

Sister it appears to me you have a lady sized chip on your shoulder. Believe me. if I want to roll sexist, I can. I know how. this isnt that. and let me say that it is a little irritating to see you go to this place. It boarderline feminism.

if you want to comment be my guest. have at it. tell us what you think mens ministry ought to be or tell us about a successful one you know of.

but please dont walk in and bash men to make you feel better or find some derogatory compairison where none was offered.

I'm honestly not looking for anything. I just saw an opportunity for a little fun with some friendly jabs.

But now you really have me curious.

Do you accuse men that comment on ladies threads of having "men sized chips" on their shoulders when they make observations comparing the sexes?

Do you defend women that are spoken of in a derogatory manner in regards to hair, pants, make up, jewelry, submission, etc.?

Why do you throw out the "feminism" card over gender comparisons on this thread when they take place all the time all over the board?

[Rico]

Uh oh! Things are starting to head in the wrong direction. Me thinks it's time to fire up the old popcorn popper!

[LadyRev]

Uh oh! Things are starting to head in the wrong direction. Me thinks it's time to fire up the old popcorn popper!

LOL! Go ahead and enjoy your popcorn.

Seems to me like some people are "ultra sensitive" today.

I'll be leaving soon and won't return until tomorrow anyway...

[Rico]

LOL! Go ahead and enjoy your popcorn.

Seems to me like some people are "ultra sensitive" today.

I'll be leaving soon and won't return until tomorrow anyway...

Sister, as much as I like reading your posts, and think you do a good job of defending women preachers, I have to say I find myself agreeing with Ferd on this one. You came in here with a women vs men approach.

[LadyRev]

Sister, as much as I like reading your posts, and think you do a good job of defending women preachers, I have to say I find myself agreeing with Ferd on this one. You came in here with a women vs men approach.

As do countless other posters on countless threads all the time.

Its the same ole song and dance...

[Rico]

As do countless other posters on countless threads all the time.

Its the same ole song and dance...

Yeah, but this thread wasn't started to be a women vs men thread. It was just to talk about men's groups and what they do. See the difference?

[MissBrattified]

As do countless other posters on countless threads all the time.

Its the same ole song and dance...

You don't think your posts have been a bit caustic? It's just a thread about men's ministry, for pete's sake. LOL!!!!

[LadyRev]

You don't think your posts have been a bit caustic? It's just a thread about men's ministry, for pete's sake. LOL!!!!

If speaking the truth about real life personal experiences and observations is "caustic" then I guess my posts were caustic.

Perhaps I should have just said that from my experience and observations men's ministries are a joke, IMO, and left off the ladies ministries comparison. Would that have been better?

I do have a husband that agrees with me. Maybe I should try to get him to post here.

Good grief.

[MissBrattified]

If speaking the truth about real life personal experiences and observations is "caustic" then I guess my posts were caustic.

Perhaps I should have just said that from my experience and observations men's ministries are a joke, IMO, and left off the ladies ministries comparison. Would that have been better?

I do have a husband that agrees with me. Maybe I should try to get him to post here.

Good grief.

Maybe you could use emoticons to indicate joking. (Or not) Just a thought. :)

I think Ferd was also pointing out that most Men's Ministries are a joke, and was presenting ways they could be better. Perhaps your point would have been better served just to agree with him?

LOL!!!

[LadyRev]

Yeah, but this thread wasn't started to be a women vs men thread. It was just to talk about men's groups and what they do. See the difference?

Tell me Rico, how many threads stay precisely on topic all the time and never deviate? ;)

Besides, I was only sharing personal observations and experiences just like anyone else.

[LadyRev]

Maybe you could use emoticons to indicate joking. (Or not) Just a thought. :)

I think Ferd was also pointing out that most Men's Ministries are a joke, and was presenting ways they could be better. Perhaps your point would have been better served just to agree with him?

LOL!!!

Well, I didn't take Ferd to be saying that.

[MissBrattified]

Well, I didn't take Ferd to be saying that.

Men's ministry fails because it ends up being one more time for someone to get the men together and tell them how they should act.

Far too often churches end up thinking every get together is an opportunity to teach a lesson or preach a sermon.

where men are concerned, I don't think that is the best approach. It OUGHT to be about fellowship.

I believe in teaching. I believe in Sunday school. In fact, I don't think anyone should be allowed in leadership of a church if they aren't involved in Sunday school as either a teacher or a student. period. that includes the music department folk.

I believe in prayer meetings. Churches should have those on a regular basis.

but a men's ministry ought to be about the men and not another chance for Sunday school or a prayer meeting.

But if you want to be effective with a men's ministry, it better be something the men are willing to be a part of. where they can let their guard down and be real. Fish, hunt, camp, play golf, go to ball games. Find things that interest your men and make it something that they can be a part of. Let it be something they can invite friends to and develop Godly relationships with Godly men.

:whistle

[Rico]

Tell me Rico, how many threads stay precisely on topic all the time and never deviate? ;)

Besides, I was only sharing personal observations and experiences just like anyone else.

At this point I don't think it really matters. It's pretty much a dead thread.

[StMark]

We have a Men's Group and Men's Quartet and they are
GREAT!!! Can reeeeeally Sing!

We have a Men's Ministry. It's hard to get Men to come.
The women go all out for stuff like this but the Men are
more lazy and laid back - why is that ? Is it just our nature?

we have an annual Retreat with another church

we support and attend a Men's conference that is
affiliated with "The Apostolic Man " - has anyone heard of that?
I played keys 3 or 4 years for this conf. it's a good meeting


we have a Prayer and Bible study one Friday night a month
and sometimes a BBQ

when we have the BBQ we get quite a few men maybe 60