We used to plant tomatoes in my parents’ garden, planned out in rows, and they’d come up full of fruit. Every now and then, we’d find a rotten one and toss it to the edge of the garden. It was out of mind until we’d see little green sprouts popping up – “volunteers,” as we called them. Soon enough, we’d see them producing fruit, too, if we tended to them.
So, what does this have to do with men’s ministry?
This week is National Volunteer Week. At the same time, many of our formal church programs are coming to a close for the year, and there will be a gap to fill in men’s ministry over the summer.
There’s an opportunity for men in the church to “volunteer” time and energy to continue discipling men. And there’s a need for men of all ages to take the initiative. I often tell seasoned men, “You’ve got to be the one to take the initiative.” The funny thing is, I have to say the same thing to the younger men. I am just hoping someone will take the initiative!
Organic growth doesn’t just happen. In the case of our volunteer tomatoes, they may have started as an accident, but they flourish only because we fostered that initial growth. It’s the same with guys and discipleship. It’s got to start with something, and we’ve got to encourage the growth. And it’s not limited just to seasoned men and empty nesters. Our son Zach (in his 20s) is working with 10th-grade boys, mentoring them, and going to camp with them. That’s what happens when you create the culture in the local church. Everyone is looking for who they can learn from and who they can invest in.
As a champion for men in the local church, how do we create this culture where older and younger men of all ages look to disciple and be discipled?
Tomatoes and men grow with three things:
- Give them a place to grow. Summertime is leadership development time. It’s your chance to start something that will catalyze and create opportunities for men to grow. It can be one-on-one or in a group. Both create excellent opportunities!
- Provide fuel for growth. Use a source like Meet Me at the Fire. We created this simple course to take advantage of guys’ love for hanging around a fire. It’s easy enough for anyone to use, and it doesn’t matter when guys miss a week for summer vacation because each Firestarter lesson is independent.
- Watch for signs of growth and maturity. Growth leads to growth. You’re throwing something out to catalyze. You don’t know how it happens, but just like the fruit that grows neatly in the rows of formal church ministry, you’ll see growth!
Manhood is taking the initiative and leading. It’s a manhood moment to engage as a mentor or mentee. If God stirs your heart, will you step into it? Will you tell your story? Don’t be afraid to start something. The one-on-one connections you form could go deep and continue. I can tell you some of my most valued connections with other men have been formed this way.
It’s a good time of year to do something on your own. So, toss out a tomato and watch it grow.
“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:23
Resources
Want to Fight Loneliness? Raise Your Hand. | Noble Warriors
Volunteering is a Kingdom Activity! We are thankful for all the volunteers who have partnered with us over the years!
Ten Year Partners! | Noble Warriors