One of the questions I hear often is, “How do we strengthen men’s ministry in our church?” Sometimes we make the answer too complicated. We begin by thinking about programs, officers, meetings, budgets, or how to rebuild something that worked years ago. Those things may have a place, but I want to suggest a simpler starting point: start with one man.
Think of one man in your church or community who is not currently connected to a men’s ministry. Maybe he is a young father trying to balance work and family. Maybe he is retired and wondering where he still fits. Maybe he attends worship but never participates in anything beyond Sunday morning. Maybe he does not attend church at all, but you know him through work, your neighborhood, a service project, or a community organization.
Instead of beginning by inviting him to a meeting, begin by getting to know him. Invite him to coffee. Share a meal. Make a phone call. Ask how he is doing and take time to really listen to the answer. Ask what is happening in his life, what he is carrying, what he cares about, and where he might need encouragement. Very often, ministry begins long before anyone talks about joining a group or attending an event.
This is part of what we mean when we talk about moving from club to community. Men’s ministry does not begin with an organization. It begins with relationships. Programs and gatherings can support those relationships, but they should never replace them.
So, this month, I want to offer a simple challenge to every United Methodist Men’s group, every congregation, and every man reading this newsletter. Choose one man and reach out to him. Take the time to listen to his story. Then, when the time is right, invite him into something meaningful. That might be a service project, a small group, a Scouting activity, a mentoring opportunity, a community event, or simply another conversation.
Do not worry first about whether he becomes a “member.” Build the relationship. Over time, relationships create trust, trust creates opportunities for deeper conversation, and those conversations can become places where discipleship happens.
Imagine what could happen if every active man in our churches intentionally reached out to just one other man. We could reconnect men who have drifted away from the church. We could reach men who may never attend one of our traditional meetings. We could create relationships across generations, discover new leaders, and help men find meaningful ways to serve. Most importantly, we could help more men experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Our vision calls us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Sometimes courageous leadership begins with something very simple: pulling out your phone and saying, “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee this week?”
So here is my challenge for this month: one man, one conversation, one relationship.
Start there and see what God might do.
Rev. Dr. Rick Vance
General Secretary
General Commission on United Methodist Men