“Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” ― John Eldredge, “Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul.”

Through my many years in my walk in faith I have either been a part of, helped lead, or have led Men’s Ministries at & in a variety of churches. Unfortunately not many hit the mark of what I believe & think is a “real men’s ministry”. Now those whom know me, or have, or do attend church with me, don’t get all offended. We already live in a way too easily offended society. Think about it honestly. What do men need these days? What are they truly looking for? What makes them come alive, builds them up, challenges them to be better men at work, in the home & in the community? Unfortunately men & fathers seem to be made out to be weak minded buffoons on most television shows. And many churches say that men are supposed to be “good” or “nice guys”. Maybe “seen, but not heard.” “Don’t be overly masculine, someone may label you as rebellious, defiant,” or a “wild card”. Not sure if those that think that men are to be quiet, reserved, or the sub-servant “nice guy” read the same bible that I do. Men are to be raised to be leaders, defenders, protectors, providers, and the example of Christ in the home, as well as violent men of God whom are dangerous, but have it under voluntary control. There is a difference between being a “good/nice guy” and a man of character, integrity, and valor.

Churches have it wrong if their ideal of a real “Men’s Ministry” is to sit around every time they meet to sip coffee and read a few bible verses, without a take away or challenge, then call it a men’s gathering until next week, or worse, next month. Men need challenges, because without challenges there is no growth. Young men need to learn from wise strong men. Men come alive when they are put out of their comfort zone, when they achieve and excel. Sitting around a fire, watching wood burn at every meeting, doesn’t do it either unless there are a bit of a nudge, or challenge, to ask and answer tough questions in an effort to grow, while leveraging the Word of God as the compass.

In my life time, a few, very few churches, got it right, or at least somewhat right. Some that come to mind are those whom utilized outlines from authors, pastors & speakers like John Eldredge, & Michael Thompson.

Personally I am looking for a Men’s Ministry that does similar. That talks real talk, and walks that talk. Leaders that do not operate out of the fear of offending a person or two. (Trust me, Christ & all the Disciples offended many.) Those that challenge men to learn, apply, amplify, and exemplify G.R.I.T. with Grace. Whether it be a rugged Men’s Outdoor Group where we camp for days & nights in tents, Men’s Motorcycle Group where we take long rides, attend bike shows, bike nights, & camp near the side of roads, or Men’s Fitness & Sports Enthusiast Group where we push ourselves mentally, physically & spiritually, etc…

Men need to learn to be men from the bible, from the example of Christ, His Disciples, and other Men of God in the bible. And trust me, none of these men should be determined as weak, simple minded, or “Simps” …. Don’t believe me, truly read the bible, and about all the men in it, for yourself, and while you are at it, grab a copy of “Beautiful Outlaw”, and “Wild at Heart” by John Edredge, in addition to “The Heart of a Warrior” by Michael Thompson.

We need men whom love God, fear God; that have Guts, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity. G.R.I.T.

Shalom.