The Silver Bullet

Dear Leader,

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a quick and easy fix to our problems? Especially when it comes to ministry, we know there isn't a "silver bullet," a cure-all solution, a golden ticket. Yet, that often doesn't stop us from looking, does it?

We can spend so much time and money on "the next best thing," hoping that "this will be the one." It could be the latest church growth strategy, a new discipleship program, or a trendy book - the search for a quick fix is enticing but ultimately flawed.

I understand the pressure leaders may feel to show immediate growth or success, whether that means increased attendance, greater participation in programs, or more giving.

Discipleship involves complex issues related to personal growth, community building, and spiritual development. It is tempting to seek simple answers rather than confronting the challenges in all their complexity.

If we could, however, invest our time and resources into a consistent, persistent, Spirit-led effort, we may find that the long road bears greater fruit.

Are you ready to stop firing off solutions and take the steps toward a thriving, sustainable ministry? I want to walk alongside you on that journey, wading into the complexity and helping you move beyond surface-level engagement to real, deep, and lasting spiritual growth.

In Christ,

Nate Flynn

Area Director

Culture of Discipleship

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CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP

The focus of all our efforts in the church should be to make disciples.

We may want men who are godly leaders of their families, people who worship or tithe, servants and evangelizers.

Those are all great things, but if we focus on making disciples, we will get the outcomes we desire.

Lifeway Research affirms that ongoing, steady disciple-making ministry is the path to life-giving ministry.

Figure 5 - Methods of Making Disciples to Reach Other Church Priorities and Goals

Methods of Making Disciples to Reach Other Church Priorities and Goals

Disciples of Jesus respond out of the overflow of their relationship with God.

INTRODUCTION TO NO MAN LEFT BEHIND

Click to discover how this model, method, and mindset can transform ministry to men in YOUR church!

Leader Highlight

John is a layperson in his church, but he is passionate about reaching and discipling men. After gaining the trust and respect of his pastor, he asked to be able to help with men's ministry.

His pastor connected him with me, and I introduced John to the No Man Left Behind model. He devoured the book, and realized this was a system that could help him accomplish what he wants to see for the men of his church.

John has not rushed the process though, and is diligently working the Action Steps while faithfully consulting with me as his Area Director. There have been challenges along the way, but he is willing to walk the path and isn't simply looking for a quick fix.

As the Men's Discipleship Leader, John now has a leadership team around him to complete an effective Three Strands of Leadership. They are working on establishing their vision and seeking to have a more all-inclusive mindset to partner with other ministries of the church.

Action Steps4

YOUR ACTION STEP:

Persist in proven processes

How big is your pile of discarded projects, programs, and solutions that didn't give you the results you were looking for?

What if it's less about a single "solution" and more about persisting in the implementation of an intentional system?

The silver bullet mentality is pervasive for one because immediate results are appealing, and for two because complex problems are overwhelming.

Yet, while a single program, event, or "fix" may provide short-term enthusiasm, true discipleship requires sustained effort over months and years. It is a continuous process, not a one-shot deal.

Even the most well-designed program can fail if it's not consistently applied. Efforts will falter without building intentional systems that integrate discipleship into every part of church life. We want to move from event-driven experiences to life-on-life spiritual relationships.

If we are to experience meaningful change in the lives of men, our efforts must engage men at all stages of their spiritual journey and in all areas of the church. By building a sustainable process where the Holy Spirit works through relationships, we can create lasting transformation.

A study conducted by Lifeway Research found that churches that prioritize ongoing discipleship see deeper and more meaningful engagement compared to those that focus solely on attracting large crowds through events. (Lifeway Research)

Many churches have experienced the cycle of adopting new, flashy programs that initially bring excitement but quickly fade when real-life and ministry pressures return. Without a consistent, grounded discipleship approach, these churches find themselves back at square one.

Although the silver bullet mentality is enticing, we will ultimately see greater results and genuine success if we will persist in proven processes that change lives and build the kingdom of God.

Missing the Reason

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

Men's Discipleship: The Power of a Plan

Through the help of a coach, practical training, prayer, and the right resource, here's how one church in Alabama went from a patchwork approach for men's discipleship to a ministry plan with a purpose. And how God us using it to lift the church as a whole.

Continue Reading →

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Answers for Men Conference

Join the first-ever Answers for Men event, and bring your sons, nephews, or grandsons! It will be an encouraging time of opening God’s Word and learning that the answers are in Genesis!

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Join an orientation or host your own!

We would love to invite you and your men to be a part of this congregation-changing initiative. Through our campaign, we aim to empower and equip the mature Christian men in your church to become spiritual guides to the next generation of men.

We want to see 10,000 mature Christian men across the country disciple the younger men in their local churches - including your church! Let us help you restore the ancient art of one-to-one, intergenerational men's discipleship.

Together, we can invest in a new generation of strong, compassionate, and godly men who will lead the church for generations to come.

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