Lecture 7: Organizing and Structuring Men’s Groups

Professor Steve Elzinga

All right, we’re back.

Last time, we talked about singing, and I thought of a song that I think is really great as a theme song. It’s Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross, lift high his royal banner…”

It’s just an incredible song. I’ll attach it. There’s also a tenor part — a harmony part — just one simple part. You can teach the melody. You can teach this alternative melody. And when you put the two together, it’s powerful.

We did this once at a men’s retreat. I taught the men the harmony and melody. Our retreat was Friday and Saturday, and then Sunday morning we had a little session. When we came into church, I had the men stand up front and sing Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. It was just awesome. So that’s a great theme song.

Now, if you’re trying to figure out what songs you might choose, let’s talk about some format options.

Organizing Men’s Groups

How do you organize times when men meet together?

1. Projects

Maybe you have a building project, or you’re helping someone out, or there’s a cause you want to support. Projects naturally create structure. For example:

  • Build a go-kart.
  • Learn how to weld at Bob’s shop.
  • Do electrical work or carpentry together.

These activities give you something tangible to plan around.

2. Activities

This week, you might go to Joe’s workplace. Next week, go hiking. Another week, visit a museum. These activities give variety and keep things fresh.

3. Small Group Meetings

This is the bulk of most men’s groups — maybe a Saturday morning breakfast or a Bible study. But you have to decide on a consistent format.

4. Large Group Gatherings

Sometimes you’ll join other churches for a men’s worship experience, conference, or retreat.

5. Accountability Partners

Divide men into pairs or trios. Give them accountability questions:

  • What temptations have you faced since last time?
  • How are you doing with your goals?
  • How is your marriage and family?

6. Mentorship

Organize your men’s group around mentorship. More experienced men guide younger men in prayer, marriage, parenting, spiritual habits, or practical skills.

7. Education

Plan to learn something together. For example:

  • A class at Christian Leaders Institute.
  • Six basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
  • Highlights of church history.
  • Bible knowledge basics.

Men need to know what God has been doing in His church.

Adding Spiritual Elements

No matter the activity, you can add Bible, prayer, song, and discussion.

  • Going to a museum? Read a verse together and pray before entering.
  • Hiking? Sing a song on the trail, stop for a fire, open the Bible, and talk about marriage and family.
  • Even eating together? Add prayer and gratitude.

It creates a spiritual focus wherever you go.

Planning Projects and Activities

Maybe your group decides:

  • Three projects this year.
  • Five activities.
  • One monthly men’s breakfast.

Plan ahead. Men need advance notice to block off Saturdays or evenings. Organization helps consistency.

Small Group Format

Consistency matters. Maybe your group meets every other Tuesday at 7 PM. Don’t keep changing dates — it gets messy.

A good small group meeting might include:

  1. Informal interaction: “Hey, Bob, how’s work? Bill, how’s the family?”
  2. Food: Men love food. Potlucks, trying new dishes, or cooking together.
  3. Study: 20–25 minutes. Start with surface-level questions, then go deeper.
  4. Prayer: Share needs, struggles, or praise reports, then pray together.

Men know what to expect, and over time they grow comfortable participating.

Large Group Format

With 30–50 men, you can’t have open discussion like in a small group. Instead:

  • Have testimonies.
  • Bring in a speaker.
  • Share a story, then break into table groups to discuss.

Larger groups require more structure, like a church service.

Accountability Partners

Groups of 2–3 men work best. Two can become stagnant; three adds balance.

Meet regularly. Ask accountability questions:

  • What temptations did you face this week?
  • How are you doing with your marriage?
  • What goals did you set last time, and how did it go?

You can use ACTS as a prayer structure:

  • Adoration — Psalm 29:2, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.”
  • Confession — 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful…”
  • Thanksgiving — 1 Thess. 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
  • Supplication — Present your needs and ongoing goals.

Accountability helps men reflect, avoid isolation, and stand strong in temptation.

Mentorship

Mentorship is like accountability but with added focus:

  • Pick an area the mentee wants to grow in (marriage, parenting, prayer, music, etc.).
  • The mentor sets times, goals, and a plan.
  • Encourage and hold accountable.

Mentorship often overlaps with coaching — setting goals, measuring progress, and encouraging growth.

Key Ingredients for Men’s Accountability and Mentorship

  • Trust
  • Transparency
  • Clear goals
  • Regular check-ins
  • Honest feedback
  • Encouragement and support
  • Scripture, prayer, and even a theme song

Final Encouragement

This session gave a wide range of options — projects, activities, Bible studies, accountability, mentorship. Don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start simple. Maybe one activity. Maybe a monthly prayer breakfast. Then build over time.

Like Elon Musk building rockets — sometimes things blow up. You adjust and try again.

Most men think, “I can’t lead.” But the only difference between a man who doesn’t lead and one who does is this: the leader gave it a try.

So, try. Step out with a humble heart. Say to your brothers, “I don’t know if I’m gifted, but I’ll try.” Men will respect that.

Give it a go. Start somewhere. Add more as you grow. And you’ll be surprised at how God blesses your men’s group.

See you next time.

 

 


Last modified: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1:04 PM