People need action. The image that men have of themselves is mainly determined by what they do as work and what they accomplish. A man’s purpose drives him to accomplish things and stay focused until the task is done.
Men need security. An unspoken rule of masculinity has taught us, “Thou shalt not show emotion.” As a result, men often feel that they cannot open up to each other unless there is a safe environment made possible by time and privacy.
Men need challenges. In the Gospels, we often see Jesus drawing a line in the sand, challenging his disciples to join him on his side. It’s no different today. Men are not interested in a ministry that brings them together to chat. They want to be encouraged to act, pray, behave and think in ways that glorify God.
Men need to get to the point. Don’t waste time with nonsense and all the rest. Men want to know two or three practical applications they can get out of their time together.
Men need to win. Men grow up with the pressure to succeed. Men’s Ministries must have challenging yet achievable goals. Programs that don’t work should be left alone.
Men need to dream. Men grow up with big dreams and big plans. Involve men in the thought process to design Men’s Ministries. Encourage men to discuss their dreams during informal times as well, and to find other ways to act on those dreams.
Men need to dream. Men grow up with big dreams and big plans. Involve men in the thought process to design Men’s Ministries. Encourage men to discuss their dreams during informal times as well, and to find other ways to act on those dreams.
Men need other men like them. Men naturally gravitate to men who share the same pressures as they do and who do the same kind of work as they do.
Men need healing. Few men hear how good a job they are doing. When they come home, their children usually don’t thank them for working long hours so they can have a roof over their heads. And too often, their wives do not praise their performance as husbands and fathers. Men need a safe haven where they can heal and be encouraged in their roles.
People need freedom. From childhood, men are taught to cultivate a fierce independence. They have difficulty forging friendships with other men. Often, they prefer to stay alone, and fight alone, rather than collaborate with others. Men’s Ministries should strive to be supportive while respecting each other’s need for space.
Men need to identify themselves. We live in a time when there is generally a spirit of brotherhood among men. Adventists who seek to connect with people of other faiths and traditions should remember that they need encouragement to identify with the unique message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as it awaits the return of Jesus.
