This podcast episode featured Scott Sullivan hosting a discussion with Keith Boggs and Kevin McKoy about reaching and discipling men in churches. Keith, president of Real Momentum Men's Ministry, shared insights about churches doing events well but missing opportunities to create clear pathways for men to move from attendance to active discipleship. Kevin, discipleship pastor at First Baptist Villa Rica, emphasized the importance of authentic relationships, personal invitations, and moving men from isolation to brotherhood through small groups and service opportunities. The conversation covered practical steps for helping men transition from consumers to leaders, including the need for relational leadership, personal spiritual growth, and faithfulness in family leadership before taking on public ministry roles. Both speakers stressed that men are hungry for real relationships and biblical truth, and that churches should focus on building simple, reproducible pathways rather than complicated programs.
Collaboration
- Intentionally create clear next steps and pathways for men after events, moving them from attendance to biblical community and service roles.
- Emphasize personal invitations and relational leadership when forming men's small groups and discipleship environments.
- Celebrate faithfulness, service, and spiritual growth—not just attendance numbers—to encourage men toward deeper discipleship and leadership.
- Provide simple, reproducible discipleship steps for men, focusing on personal spiritual disciplines, relational health, and leadership in the home before public ministry.
- Encourage and equip men to lead spiritually in their homes before seeking public leadership roles.
- Regularly survey men in their ministries to better understand needs and foster personal connection.
- Give men early ownership and responsibility in ministry, with appropriate encouragement and coaching, to foster leadership development.
Engaging Men in Church Communities
Keith and Kevin discussed strategies for engaging men in church communities, highlighting the importance of moving beyond event-driven ministry to create clear pathways for ongoing discipleship. They noted that churches are doing well by offering authentic and intentional engagement, using events as entry points rather than finish lines, and creating environments where vulnerability is possible. The key challenge identified was helping men transition from attendance to true belonging in biblical community, with both speakers emphasizing the need for simplicity and reproducible practices in discipleship.
Men's Leadership and Community Building
Kevin emphasized the importance of personal invitations and relational leadership in building meaningful men's groups, highlighting the need for approachable and transparent leaders who can create safe spaces for discussion. He stressed that serving together is a powerful way to build brotherhood and deepen community. Keith agreed, noting that many men are seeking clarity and biblical truth but often lack the relational connections needed to process and apply what they learn. Both speakers agreed that equipping men to lead in their families and homes is crucial, as this foundation can lead to broader engagement in church communities.
Men's Ministry Transformation Strategy
Keith emphasized that helping men transition from consumers to active participants in ministry requires starting with prayer and getting to know individual men through surveys and personal engagement. He noted that men often need to process their personal challenges and feel valued before they can take on leadership roles, suggesting this transformation takes time rather than happening through single events or short programs. Keith also highlighted that many churchgoers struggle with basic life challenges like family relationships, making it difficult for them to understand broader discipleship concepts. Kevin began to respond by suggesting there needs to be a mind shift in how churches approach discipleship, though his full thoughts were not captured in the transcript.
Men's Ministry Discipleship Strategies
Kevin emphasized the importance of developing disciples through reproduction and giving men ownership and responsibility early in ministry. He suggested celebrating mission and service rather than just attendance numbers to encourage men to become active participants rather than spectators. Scott shared examples from First Redeemer Church and Fusion Church, highlighting successful approaches to men's ministry, including structured next steps and relational discipleship. The discussion concluded with Scott raising questions about how men define success, noting a tendency to focus on career and financial achievements rather than spiritual growth.
Redefining Male Success and Leadership
Scott, Kevin, and Keith discussed redefining success for men by emphasizing faithfulness, spiritual leadership, and integrity over external achievements like career and wealth. They highlighted the importance of men leading themselves and their families faithfully, with Kevin noting that many men try to lead publicly before mastering private leadership. The group stressed that spiritual responsibility in the home and personal growth are foundational steps before leading in other areas, with Keith encouraging men to be intentional about their faith and involvement in their communities.
Men's Spiritual Leadership Discussion
Scott facilitated a discussion on reaching and discipling men, with Keith and Kevin sharing insights on spiritual leadership and manhood. Keith emphasized the importance of prayer, living a simple life, and community in spiritual leadership, while Kevin highlighted men's spiritual hunger for truth, brotherhood, and purpose. Scott concluded by reinforcing the importance of helping men succeed in all areas of life, especially at home, and thanked listeners for their support through the Cooperative Program.