By John Richardson
It is easy for men to settle into a routine of responding to circumstances.
The decisions, events, opportunities, challenges, and expectations that men face can be overwhelming. When we multiply those instances by considering home, work, church, friends, and extended family, the situation intensifies. Life can become a series of reactions to situations. It is like playing defense the entire game. It is wearying and not at all what God intends for us.
How can you help the men in your ministry stop merely responding to what life brings? How can you help them to, instead, make choices to grow and influence others?
Tap into their existing desires. Reach out via phone or a group chat on the internet, and ask the men in your group what they would like to change in their lives. By starting with their own observation and experiences, there’s a better chance the change will sink deep into their hearts and minds.
Emphasize the role of community. Rarely does any man change on his own. Accountability, trust, and encouragement are found in authentic friendships with other men who also strive to grow. Community can happen even as you are apart; it just takes a little planning and digital organization.
Remind men of God’s presence, guidance, and forgiveness in the process. Everyone is affected by COVID-19 in a different way—weather personally touched by the disease or experiencing life changes because of safety precautions. More than ever, men need to know God loves them and is with them. This step will provide alignment with the work of the Holy Spirit to build the life God will use. Without this step, anything that follows may result in guilt, pride, or behavior modification without accompanying heart change.
Talk about calling and vocation. Here we’re talking about God’s place for us in life, rather than the Church’s ministry-related use of these words. This is about more than having a job, it is about understanding and living out God-given purpose. Connect men with the highest reasons for living: to love God and to serve people. Everything else will fit better under these priorities. Help guys to realize that the calling to be a son, friend, husband, neighbor, or dad includes a 24-7 aspect of living out of their deepest identity in Christ.
Embed a routine of personal Bible reading and prayer. Emphasize the spiritual life and direction that comes from Bible reading and prayer. It is too easy to read the Bible simply to learn more. This is not wrong, but it is incomplete. The men in your ministry need to apply the principles of Scripture to their daily lives. Prayer is essential because it opens their will and behavior to the adjusting power of God.
Move faith discussions from private to public. When faith is relegated to an internal conviction, the result is often shame or embarrassment. But the life-changing reality of our Savior is something to proclaim boldly! Challenge men and give them opportunity to talk openly about what God is doing in their lives.
These practices, like any life-giving routines, need regular reminders. Keeping these positive choices before the men in your ministry will empower them to boldly live out their faith rather than merely respond to the circumstances of life.
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2019, 2020 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.