Southern New England District Council

  How To Have An Effective
HonorBound Ministry In Your Church!

I have been asked a number of times by men’s leaders how  we start or have a successful men’s ministry in my church. My fragile mind searches the memory banks looking to recall from all the great books, manuals I have seen, and seminars I have attended, for the answer. Some helps have been HonorBound seminars, Blueprint Training, Books like effective men’s ministry developed by the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries and Promise Keepers materials. I found the key to a successful HonorBound Ministry is the PASTOR.  He is the ONE ingredient to success.

Pastor Supported and Pastor Supporting.  All successful men's ministries have been pastor supported and pastor supporting. This does not mean the pastor alone has to shoulder the responsibilities of the whole ministry. It does mean that he must be in attendance at most of the key gatherings in order to give and gain the support of the men in the church. On a large church staff, a staff pastor may be assigned to oversee the men's ministry and lead it, but this should not eliminate the involvement of the senior pastor. The success of the ministry depends on the support and emphasis the senior pastor places on ministry to men. Through his emphasis and encouragement, a support for his ministry, leadership, vision, and even sermons will come through the men of the church.

HonorBound: Men of Promise have a strong conviction that the men's ministry must back the pastor and his ministry. The success and duration of this backing is largely dependent on the support the men see firsthand from the senior pastor.

To get to know each man, be early and stay late at each session. This is your opportunity to get close to your men. It is amazing how your relationship to a man will keep his family and him in church. It is important that each man knows his significance to you personally. Pastors, strive for one significant contact with each guy. That significant contact should go below the surface in conversation and time.

Preparing to Win, an HonorBound discipleship resource, delib­erately develops small groups in order for you, the pastor, to get involved in a small group. If you do not get involved in a group, you will portray a "me and them" perception to your men.