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Building a Men's Ministry Leaders Network



The role of men within Western society has been under intense scrutiny from many sources and sectors for some time now. While this has left men to feel hard-pressed and lost, spiritual dynamics are also at play. Men generally don’t understand what it means to be a man in a society that largely doesn’t appeal to a source of ultimate truth outside of the self. Without personal choice being formed and guided by truth, everything becomes subjective, and malaise and malformation become the norm. Men have largely lost their way.


Recent statistics reveal this reality. Studies have shown that in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., suicide rates among men account for approximately 75–80% of all suicides. In the U.S., men succumb to suicide 3.8 to 4 times more often than women. [1, 2] In addition to this, research highlights that men are three times more likely to die of drug overdoses than women. [3] To further complicate the plight of the male species, a study from five years ago (2021) detailed how 15% of men said they are without close friends. [4]  How can men be rescued from the brink of collapse, regain a healthy perception of themselves, and a develop the fortitude to thrive in their relationships, work, and communities?


While much of what was detailed above is heavy and discouraging, in recent years there has been a heartening and hopeful shift amongst men- and especially younger men. For the first time in my memory as a Christian of 38 years, I’m hearing stories of a noticeable uptick of younger men actively, passionately, pursuing the LORD and turning to faith in Jesus Christ! It seems like it’s generally been women who responded to Jesus in greater numbers ahead of men- but something seems to be changing. Barna released a study illustrating that young men are now leading the charge with 71% of U.S. Millennials and 67% of U.S. Gen Z men stating,"I have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus that is still important in my life today.” [5]. They are definitely not alone as the U.K.-based ‘Quiet Revival’ study is suggesting, all factors considered.


Bahamian pastor and author, Dr. Myles Munroe, has highlighted the significance and role that healthy, sacrificial, servant-hearted men fulfill in society- especially men who are walking and working with Jesus Christ. He articulated that men must, “Define their worth based on God’s purpose, rather than society’s roles. Learn God’s vision for their lives..” noting that, “..when men are ignorant of their true identity, it affects not only their own callings and fulfillment, but also that of their families and of society as a whole.” [7] In considering the role of men in society, author, Cynthia Long Westfall posits that “For Paul, the true measure of male leadership is becoming a "slave to everyone," modeled after Christ’s own humility.” [8] In light of all of this, the citywide Church needs to accelerate its efforts to address the plight of men and explore opportunities to maximize its effectiveness in investing in the lives of men so they can, in turn, invest in the lives of those around them.


For many years, there have been excellent and engaging ministries and movements reaching and discipling men across the Columbus region, but what would a more coordinated, integrated approach look like -with all of the collective wisdom across the region- if we began asking the question, "What can we do together that we could not have done independently?’" This posture represents a new horizon in the essential effort to build up men who are poised to serve sacrificially and generously bless those around them. For Columbus has gathered a number of men’s ministry leaders from various parts of the city on two previous occasions to build relationship and learn about one another’s efforts to reach and disciple other men. Two of these men have agreed to give leadership to this new network of leaders, convening them regularly to strengthen the relational foundation of men’s ministry, and facilitating the process of exploring what’s possible when we follow Jesus’ lead and come together as one. 


Exciting days are ahead for our city- and the men here have an important role to play, for God’s glory and the good of our region! If you lead a men’s ministry and you’d like more information, please click on its network page and reach out!


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