Leap into the race
By Mark Lubbock
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
––Hebrews 12:1
It is time to “run the race.”
School is resuming and the nation is teeming with folks eagerly returning to active lives.
Most importantly, people are ready to do something about their spiritual lives.
This is our opportunity to introduce new options and resources to men’s groups.
The commission exists to support you in this mission and help you craft a plan. Instead of repeating past failures, I invite you to rethink your strategies.
A new group of men is waiting, and here is one way to begin:
Meet new folks
Craft a social event that includes a free meal and a worthy objective; then invite all of the men in your church to attend. (The commission can suggest an event, a theme, and even a speaker).
Learn what your men want
Ask those attending your opening event to fill out a short survey citing their top interests and activities. Offer examples of activities you envision.
Capture a new audience
Follow up the event by crafting activities, training, events, or missions that address the most common three responses from your survey. (Again, the commission can help with this planning.)
Issue personal invitations
Enter the events on the church calendar and issue personal invitations to every man in your church. How? Glad you asked. Provide several volunteers with a list of names and phone numbers of 5 to10 men. Ask them to make personal invitations, including the possibility of picking them up and attending with them.
Mark Lubbock, deployed staff member
General Commission on UM Men