This year I’ve met several men who believe Christianity is true but not important. They don’t think the institutional church is worthwhile. They are not sure about the Bible. They consider their faith a personal matter.
There is a disconnect somewhere.
But these are precisely the men Jesus wants us to disciple. We can’t just say, “You’re wrong, so suck it up.” These men don’t need cliche advice. And it doesn’t help to talk negative about them–how it was when you were that age. Who responds to that? Or worse, to get angry because they are not more spiritual. Whose fault is that anyway?
Instead, this and every other problem men face can only be overcome by engaging these men in a process of life–on–life discipleship. And that means listening. It means understanding. And not giving an overly quick reply. James 1:19 reminds us, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Yes, men need need truth, but first they need to know that we really care.
Until every church disciples every man…
(If you need resources to disciple men check out Pat’s website. Also Pat’s resources in Man In The Mirror.)
Patrick Morley, driven by his search for meaning and a deeper relationship with God, started a small Bible study in a bar in 1986. It grew into a global ministry, Man in the Mirror, impacting thousands of churches and millions of men. Inspired by these studies, he wrote The Man in the Mirror, named one of the 100 most influential books of the 20th century. A leading authority on men’s issues, he has authored 22 books and over 750 articles, with his works translated worldwide. Patrick holds degrees from the University of Central Florida, Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and Reformed Theological Seminary. He and his wife live in Winter Park, Florida, with their family. Patrick’s latest ministry for men can be found at the Patrick Morley website.
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