Winning the Church Back to Men | BetterMan · The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast summary

Key takeaways

Most churches have active women's ministries, but very few have thriving men's ministries, highlighting a significant gap in male disciple-making.
A biblical definition of manhood involves following God's Word courageously, loving women, excelling at work, and impacting the world positively.
Intergenerational discipleship is essential—men need older men speaking wisdom into their lives and younger men providing passion to older men.
The culture has negatively stereotyped men, which affects how men view themselves; the church should counteract this by promoting affirmation and biblically grounded manhood.
Practical encouragement and active affirmation, like greeting men warmly and blessing them, can significantly impact men’s engagement and sense of purpose in the church.

Summary

The State of Men’s Ministry and the Need for Re-engagement

The podcast begins by highlighting the stark reality that while 80% of churches have active women's ministries, less than 7% have thriving men's ministries. The speaker emphasizes that most men live in a 'masculinity fog,' confused about their role and purpose. Historically, movements like Promise Keepers aimed to restore biblical manhood, but much of the contemporary culture, influenced by fatherlessness and societal shifts, undermines this identity. The importance of defining godly manhood—through clear, biblical principles—is a recurring theme.

The Biblical Definition and Pathway of a Godly Man

A core part of the session is the presentation of a simple, biblically-based definition of manhood—the four W's: courageously following God's Word, loving, serving, protecting, and honoring women, excelling at work as unto the Lord, and bettering God's world through church, family, and community. The speaker underscores the need for a targeted, intentional pathway to disciple men, which includes inviting men into the process, defining what biblical manhood looks like, and creating spaces for growth and accountability, such as small groups.

Restoring Intergenerational Discipleship and Correcting Cultural Narratives about Men

The speaker advocates for a return to intergenerational discipleship, emphasizing the wisdom-sharing between older and younger men. This is contrasted with the modern tendency to age and stage in youth groups, which disconnects generations. The podcast advocates for intentional mentorship, with older men speaking wisdom into the lives of younger men and vice versa. Additionally, it criticizes the cultural portrayal of men as villains or perverts, which undermines real manhood and fuels a masculinity crisis. Encouraging men through affirmation and blessing is highlighted as vital for reclamation.

Practical Steps to Reinforce Biblical Manhood in the Church and Community

The speaker shares practical strategies for churches to re-engage men, including simple ways to encourage and affirm men—such as greeting and blessing them in parking lots and at church entrances. The importance of shifting from guilt-based messaging to positive encouragement is stressed. The ministry also advocates for cultivating a culture where men are celebrated for their roles—both in the family and in the church—and for creating spaces where men can learn, grow, and fall forward. The ultimate goal is to see a cultural shift where men are leading in their homes, churches, and communities as biblical leaders.

Show notes

Reaching Millennial and Gen Z men.

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Winning the Church Back to Men | BetterMan