How to Start an Effective Men’s Ministry
Men are searching for purpose. In a world that often confuses or dilutes what it means to be a man, the church has a unique opportunity to call men back to God’s original design. Starting an effective men’s ministry isn’t about flashy programs or endless meetings—it’s about igniting the deep purposes within every man and giving them a structure to live them out. Based on decades of working with men, I’ve seen two key elements emerge: a clear starting point rooted in Scripture and a practical rhythm to sustain growth. Here’s how you can launch a thriving men’s ministry in your church or community.
Step 1: Start with the 45-Day Challenge
The foundation of any effective men’s ministry is helping men discover who God created them to be. Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” The Hebrew word for “man” here, Iysh, carries a weight of identity and intention. From this, we can draw out five purposes woven into every man’s DNA: an adventurous spirit, an entrepreneurial drive, gallant relationships, faithful character, and the call to live and leave a legacy through a philanthropic cause.
The 45-Day Challenge is the perfect launchpad. Over six weeks, guide men through daily reflections, prayers, and actions tied to these purposes. Each day challenges men to flesh out the purposes that reside deep within them. This empowers them to pursue God’s original intent passionately. By Day 45, they’re dreaming of a legacy that outlives them. This isn’t just a program—it’s a reset, aligning men with God’s intent for authentic manhood. Start here, and you’ll see men awaken to something bigger than themselves.
Step 2: Create a Calendar of Events
Purpose without action fades fast. Men need a rhythm—a calendar that keeps them connected, challenged, and growing. Here’s how to structure it:
Encourage Daily: Hebrews 3:13 urges us, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Men face constant pressures—work, family, temptation—and daily encouragement keeps them sharp. Point them to resources like TheDailyChampion.com, where they can find a quick word of encouragement to start their day. It’s simple, accessible, and builds a habit of seeking strength and pursuing purpose.
Engage Weekly: Men grow in community, and a weekly touchpoint is key. Host a small group for the FivestarMan Champions Livestream (YouTube.com/FivestarMan), where men can hear bold teaching and discuss it together. It’s low-pressure but high-impact—perfect for busy schedules. Keep it consistent, and watch the brotherhood form. We’ve also created the Circle of Champions exclusive community for FivestarMan partners.
Excursions Monthly: Men relate differently than women. While women might bond over coffee, men connect on the “Field of Contest”—think sports, hiking, or a service project. Plan a monthly excursion that gets them out of the pews and into action. A fishing trip, a pickup game, or rebuilding a widow’s porch—these shared missions forge trust and camaraderie in a way that talking alone never will.
Encounter God Triannually: Exodus 23:17 commands men to appear before God three times a year. Build on this with three annual events designed for men: loud, masculine music—think drums and anthems—and strong, practical teaching from Scripture—no fluff—just truth that hits hard and equips them to lead. Create a space where they can wrestle with faith, repent, and recharge. These encounters become spiritual milestones, marking their journey as men of God. Don’t be flippant. Do it with excellence. Men will approach it on the level that you present it.
Do Great Exploits Annually: Finally, give men a cause worth fighting for. Daniel 11:32 promises, “The people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits.” Once a year, rally the group to invest their talents and resources in something bigger—a project that makes the world better. It could be funding a well in a developing country, mentoring at-risk youth, or building a local resource. Tie it to the five purposes: adventure, creativity, relationships, character, and legacy. When men see their efforts change lives, they’ll never settle for small living again.
Why It Works
This approach works because it meets men where they are and takes them where they need to go. The 45-Day Challenge sparks a fire by revealing God’s design. The calendar keeps it burning with a mix of daily grit, weekly connection, monthly action, triannual renewal, and an annual triumph. It’s not about adding busyness—it’s about channeling men’s energy into purpose.
Getting Started
You don’t need a big budget or a huge team. Start small: gather five men, kick off the 45-Day Challenge, and build your calendar from there. Use free tools like TheDailyChampion.com and the FivestarMan Livestream to keep momentum. At FivestarMan.com, we have also created a small group curriculum of 3.5 years’ worth on FivestarMan ChampionU.
As you grow, let the men shape the ministry—their passions will guide the excursions and exploits.
Men are waiting for a call to rise up. They’re tired of passivity and hungry for purpose. An effective men’s ministry doesn’t just give them something to do—it shows them who they were made to be. Start today, and watch God move through the men in your church.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at FivestarMan.com so we can serve you. Email me at Neil@FivestarMan.com.
