Patrick Morley, author of Man in the Mirror, reported that more than half of the men in our churches find their jobs unsatisfying, are struggling financially and have a problem with pornography. Most have difficulty balancing family and work. These men are going into battle to gain souls for Christ, and it’s imperative that we build relationships with them.

Since the early 1950s, Alliance Men had ministered primarily through “hammer and nails” projects at home and overseas. Men’s breakfasts were the glue that held the organization together. In the late 1990s greater emphasis was placed on discipling men.

In April 2001, the leadership realized that the primary focus should be discipling men. This was deemed “new wine.” As a result, the ministry was restructured as C&MA Men’s Ministry. We minister to men in the local church and reach out to those who have not found rest in the Lord.

Local Results

Dan Schaffer, founder of Building Brothers, states, “Effective men’s ministry is the process of developing relationships that become the platform for change.” Events and activities in the local church should be designed to strengthen relationships and move men from unbelief through discipleship, into leadership, as they move along the men’s ministry “conveyer belt” (developed by Man in the Mirror).

As men move from one end to the other, relationships and commitments should grow deeper. The operation of the conveyer belt will vary so that the events are tailored to the men, mission, vision and core values of individual churches.

Local men’s ministries are making an impact. One pastor mentored eight men over a ten-month period. The Lord strengthened this group of intentionally discipled men who are now committed to disciple others. Two of those men have “taken up the baton” and are discipling others.

In another area, a coalition of five churches held an annual men’s wild game dinner. More than 530 men attended the dinner. Sixty-eight made first-time professions of faith, and more than 40 others recommitted their lives to Christ. This was the largest number of spiritual commitments at this event.

A trusted network of men is also important. One man was in bondage, and his addiction was controlling his life. He brought several Christian brothers into his confidence, and they began to hold him accountable. This man is now praising God for his newfound freedom.

District Partnership

In addition to local church ministry, district leadership teams provide encouragement, resources and leadership training to ministry leaders. Coaching and consultation are key in helping local leaders. The district leadership teams organize and conduct activities that are beyond the resources of most churches: retreats and conferences, district projects and short-term missions trips.

A pastor attended a blueprint training seminar (offered by Alliance Men’s leadership) hoping to find a way to launch his local men’s ministry. Prior to his training, he found that men wouldn’t commit to or get involved with ministry. Later his church hosted a wild game dinner, and about 85 men attended! There were many dynamics involved: relationships, entry points and discipleship.

At a district men’s retreat, Bill was the only attendee from his church. One of the groups from another church grabbed him and said, “You’re with us!” During the weekend Bill experienced what it was like to be with a band of brothers. When he returned to his church, Bill told his pastor that they needed a men’s ministry and that he was willing to lead it. Today, Bill and his group arrange activities to build relationships.

One district coordinator organized a short-term construction and evangelistic trip to Mongolia. Twenty-nine people were involved. During the mission, they led 78 Mongolians to the Lord, connected them with house groups and led them to church.

Beyond the district leadership teams is national leadership, which supports our district teams with training, consulting and screening and by recommending resources. The national leadership team also organizes projects with national scope.

More Than Burned Pancakes

Ministry to men is a key component to the health of the Church. A study from George Barna revealed that if a church reaches: 100 students for Christ, they will gain 3 families; 100 women for Christ, they will gain 17 families; and 100 men for Christ, they will gain 93 families. Men need to be involved!

A man confessed that he was struggling with a significant issue. He wanted to share his problem with a fellow believer, but he didn’t have a relationship with any of the men in his church. It’s time to build relationships—ministry to men is more than burned pancakes! It’s about impacting lives.

Editor’s note: Learn more about C&MA Men’s Ministry at www.cmamen.org.

Len Ruffner, men’s ministry coordinator at Grace Alliance Church (Lexington, N.C.), serves on the South Atlantic District leadership team and was appointed national director for C&MA Men’s Ministry on November 1, 2005. You can e-mail him at