Overcoming Barriers

Dear Leader,

I’ll admit it—I talk about No Man Left Behind a lot. Maybe you’ve even heard me mention it so often that it’s easy to tune it out. I get it. There’s a temptation to think, “Oh, it’s just another program,” or “That’s not for us.” But I’d like to challenge that thinking today.

As we kick off a new year, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the updated No Man Left Behind training, now featuring on-demand videos designed to make the concepts more accessible than ever. Whether you’re new to NMLB or have worked with it in the past, this enhanced format offers a flexible, practical way to equip your church to disciple men effectively.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: If this model is so effective, why aren’t more churches jumping on board?

In Christ,

Insights from the model

BARRIERS TO ENTRY

Through my work with church leaders, I've seen a number of reasons why churches hesitate to implement a strategic ministry to men. Maybe you'll resonate with some of these:

LACK OF RELATIONSHIP: It’s easy to dismiss NMLB if you see it as just a program or a sales pitch. But NMLB is about relationships—building life-on-life connections with men that lead to real transformation. It’s not a one-size-fits-all event or curriculum; it’s a process that adapts to your church’s unique context.
TIME CONSTRAINTS: Ministry is demanding, and finding time to implement something new can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: No Man Left Behind doesn’t ask you to add more to your plate. Instead, it helps you build a sustainable, integrated approach to discipling men that leverages what your church is already doing.
PAST FAILURE: Maybe you’ve tried men’s ministry before, and it didn’t work out. That “inoculation” against trying again can make it hard to believe that real change is possible. But NMLB isn’t just about hosting another breakfast or retreat—it’s a proven model that has helped churches increase both the number of men attending and, more importantly, the number of men actively engaged in discipleship.
FEAR OF EXPOSURE: It’s not uncommon for leaders to feel hesitant about diving into men’s discipleship because they fear it might expose areas where their ministry has fallen short. But the beauty of NMLB is that it’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about offering grace and a pathway forward.
THE "OUR WAY" MENTALITY: Every church has its own culture and rhythm, and it can be hard to trust an outside framework. But here’s what I love about NMLB: It’s not a cookie-cutter solution. It’s a customizable process that helps you harness the unique strengths of your church to disciple men effectively.
"ALL OR NOTHING" MINDSET: Some leaders think, “If I can’t implement the entire model exactly as it’s outlined, why bother trying?” The truth is, you don’t have to implement the entire model all at once. One of the most powerful aspects of No Man Left Behind is its flexibility. It’s designed to meet churches where they are and help them take the next step forward.

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Ministry Highlight

Currently, I am serving a dozen client churches that are in various stages of developing their men's leadership teams.

This is a powerful foundation on which to build. These teams have the potential to impact thousands of men for Christ.

My goal for 2025 is to invest deeply in developing leaders and teams who will model a servant-minded, wholehearted pursuit of Christ in a way that others will see and say, "I want that."

Your Action Step:

Consider the Opportunity

______________________________

I believe 2025 can be a breakthrough year for your ministry to men. With the new on-demand training videos, No Man Left Behind is now more accessible than ever. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine an existing ministry, this model equips you with the tools, vision, and support to engage men where they are and move them toward life-on-life discipleship.

More than anything, I want to encourage you not to give up on the men in your church. Yes, men can be hard to reach. Yes, men’s ministry can be challenging. But the impact of discipling men is transformational—not just for them, but for their families, your church, and your community.

Next Steps

If you’re new to No Man Left Behind, consider scheduling an introductory conversation to learn how it can work for your church.
If you’ve worked with NMLB before but haven’t implemented it fully, revisit the updated materials and see how the new resources can help you move forward.
If you’re on the fence, let’s talk. I’d love to hear your concerns and explore how we can overcome the barriers together.

As always, I’m here to walk alongside you in this journey. My prayer for 2025 is that we will see a renewed passion for discipling men—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.

GO DEEPER WITH THIS POST FROM THE MAN IN THE MIRROR BLOG

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