What’s next in men’s ministry? By the Rev. Dr. Rick Vance I am writing this article during holy week near the height of the Covid-19 crisis. As I reflect on the question; “What’s next for men’s ministry?” I know that most of what has been normal has changed. What keeps me grounded is the promise of God in Jeramiah 29. God knows the plans He has for men’s ministries. How do we shape ministry to meet the emerging needs of men? The coronavirus challenged churches that have (for the most part) known only one way to communicate with their constituencies. For many years secular businesses have used a variety of technologies to communicate with their stake holders.
Churches now face the challenge of making this technological communication a two-way conversation rather than a one-way monologue.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. –Jeramiah 29:11
While the General Commission on UM Men, during the last six years, has challenged men to include video conferencing as a way to connect to men in small groups, local churches
The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance is director of the Center for Men’s Ministries at the General Commission on UM Men.
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are finally sprinting to catch up with younger men who have used technology to communicate for most of their lives.
We need to develop holistic men’s ministries that will help men become not only doers of good, but also followers of Christ.
Relationships We were created to be in relationships. While many men spend much of their time projecting a sense of selfsufficiency, most men seek a place where they can find camaraderie and friendships.
Men’s ministry must offer opportunities for men to socialize and talk with each other. The once-amonth breakfast meeting works for some men, but we need to offer other opportunities to gather. Facilitating opportunities for men for gather for face-to-face or virtual games, workouts, meal times, Bible studies, and accountability will allow space for men to not only participate in activities, but also to engage in faith development.
