Commentary: Transforming your church’s men’s ministry

Ray Sullivan

If men’s ministry is primarily about attending events rather than making disciples, it falls short of Jesus’ Great Commission.”

For many churches, men’s ministry revolves around events—breakfasts, retreats, conferences, and service projects. While these gatherings provide fellowship and encouragement, they often lack a deeper discipleship focus. If men’s ministry is primarily about attending events rather than making disciples, it falls short of Jesus’ Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19).

So how can churches transition from an event-driven model to a disciple-making culture? Here’s a strategy to help churches move from simply connecting men to truly discipling them for Kingdom impact.

1. Build Real Relationships, Not Just Attendance

Men need more than casual connections; they need authentic, life-giving relationships. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” True discipleship happens in the context of real relationships, not just in large group gatherings.

How to Build Relationships:

• Encourage smaller, life-on-life discipleship groups (e.g., 3-4 men meeting regularly for prayer, accountability, and study).
• Foster mentorship by pairing seasoned believers with younger men.
• Shift from transactional events to transformational connections by creating spaces where men can be open about their faith journeys.

2. Establish a Clear Discipleship Pathway

Many men’s ministries lack clarity on what discipleship actually looks like. Without a roadmap, men remain spiritually stagnant. Paul’s mentorship of Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) provides a powerful model: disciples are made by teaching and entrusting others to pass it on.

How to Implement a Discipleship Pathway:

• Define stages of spiritual growth (e.g., seeker, new believer, growing disciple, multiplying leader).
• Provide intentional next steps for men at each stage, such as Bible studies, leadership training, and serving opportunities.
• Provide men clear opportunities to interact with other men in increasingly smaller groups (large gatherings, small groups, micro groups, etc.). 

3. Focus on Transformational Teaching

Discipleship is more than acquiring biblical knowledge; it’s about heart transformation and obedience to Christ. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

How to Make Teaching Transformational:

• Move beyond sermon-based teaching to interactive, discussion-driven studies.
• Address relevant topics such as biblical leadership, fatherhood, identity in Christ, and spiritual disciplines.
• Encourage men to apply what they learn by setting spiritual goals and taking practical action steps.
• Think training over teaching!

4. Promote Intentional Multiplication

A healthy men’s ministry should not just gather men but equip them to disciple others. The early church thrived because disciples made more disciples (Acts 2:42-47). Men’s ministry should have a multiplication mindset, ensuring that the cycle of discipleship continues.

How to Create a Culture of Multiplication:

• Challenge every man to disciple at least one other person.
• Share testimonies of discipleship impact to inspire others.
• Provide leadership development opportunities so men are equipped to lead and train others.

5. Shift Events into Discipleship On-Ramps

This transition doesn’t mean eliminating events entirely; rather, events should serve as entry points into deeper discipleship. Instead of making events the goal, use them to introduce men to small groups, mentorship, and the discipleship pathway.

How to Use Events Effectively:

• After a men’s breakfast or retreat, have a follow-up plan for small groups or discipleship pairs.
• Make every event a catalyst for long-term engagement, not just a one-time experience.
• Focus less on entertainment and more on mission—how will this event help men grow spiritually?

Conclusion: Making Disciples, Not Just Connections

Men’s ministry should be about more than just camaraderie—it should be about making disciples who make disciples. By focusing on real relationships, a clear discipleship pathway, transformational teaching, intentional multiplication, and event integration, churches can build a men’s ministry that aligns with Jesus’ command to make disciples.

The goal isn’t just to get men to show up—it’s to equip them to follow Christ wholeheartedly and help others do the same. When this happens, men won’t just attend church events—they will become spiritual leaders in their homes, workplaces, and communities. And that kind of discipleship leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

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Ray Sullivan serves as a discipleship consultant for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. He can be reached at rsullivan@gabaptist.org.