Pastors, you need to get the men! And get them now, this needs to be one of your main focuses! Here is why…
Biblical President – It seems that throughout the whole of the Bible there have been called out men who are set-apart for the fame of Jesus and the glory of God. We all know that Jesus called 12 to himself and personally trained them for Kingdom work. One cant forget the training relationship that Paul had with young Timothy, calling him his own ‘child’ (1 Tim. 1.2). This idea and understanding of training young men for the services of Church has been something that not only happened in the New Testament, but goes as far back as the Pentateuch and the prophets of God.
Old Testament – We see Moses training young Joshua to lead the millions of people as they captured the land God has promised them. Sinclair Furguson points out that this was even God’s heart with the prophets. Furguson citing (2 King. 2.3, 5, 6, 15; 4.1, 38; 5.22; 6.1) points out that the word ‘sons of the prophets’ “give us a hint.” They show us God’s heart that “He was gathering around the prophets young men, devoted to His name, gifted in His service, and loyal to His servants.” (pg 6 Man Overboard!)
2010 – We have a real problem among most youth groups. For the most part there are more girls then guys, and the guys that come only come for the games. We need to be identifying the key guys Jesus has put around us and pour into them our everything. Here are somethings we need to do with these guys
- Eat
- Watch movies
- Pray
- Challenge
- Have them to our house – this shows them how we are as fathers, husbands or just with our family
- Have them do ministry with you
- Confront their sins
- Confess your sins
- Study together
- Play Video games
- Go shopping
- Do life!
- What can you add to this list?
Who are the young men that you need to build into for Kingdom work? If you don’t have some then get on it, they don’t have to be perfect, we all know you and I weren’t when we started.
