Christian Men's Groups -- the WHY

There is lots written about how to start a men’s group, how to keep it going, how to build it with more men — and there is general info on WHY to be part of a men’s group; such as, to fellowship, to study the scriptures and pray together and/or do special men’s studies. And with the overall purpose often expressed as becoming a better husband, father, and all-around man of faith. OK - this works and most of us follow some version of this approach

But let me suggest 3 core reasons WHY we should be part of a Men’s fellowship.

1.) His Will: It is a response to the call of Jesus on my life to Himself as disciplined disciple. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, says the Apostle Paul (Phil 1:21). Life here, he says, is for Jesus- and to die is better, because I’m now with him. RADICAL. But I cannot follow Jesus fully without a connection to other men. It was true for the 12 and for the many house churches which formed after Pentecost - and so it is true today. God wants you connected to other men so you can fully follow and serve him and his people. Members of one another! “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:5.

2.) Humility: We’re are all pretty good at being “full of ourselves”, center of the universe, as it were. It’s in our old man DNA. I know I’ve been pretty good at it! Being with other men of God, men seeking truth, seeking Jesus - gives me the opporunity to humble myself (always a choice) and allows others and the Holy Spirit shape me into the man God designed me to be - my “best version” as Matthew Kelly almost always reminds us. We learn to be quiet, slow to speak and quick to listen (these are learned skills!), to be “still” and know he is God. Being part of a committed band of brothers and let them influence me is a key to joy and strength and peace.

3.) Citizenship: We all as followers of Jesus bear two citizenships on a daily basis, one earthly and one heavenly. And It is God’s will that we be active and productive with both! A preacher once said during the Jesus movement years ago, when many young Christians we waiting for the rapture (being taken away by Jesus), “You young folks be careful your not so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good!” And he’s right. It’s messy here and we’re supposed to be in the middle of the chaos with the love of Jesus. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24. The KEY is to teach our Heavenly Citizenship dictate the activity of our earthly existence. Brothers can and should help each other do that.