How to Navigate the Relationship Between the Pastor and Men’s Ministry Leader

In Articles, Leadership Tips, Men’s Ministry by Kirk Giles

The relationship between the pastor and the men’s ministry leader is often one of the most sensitive areas in the development of ministry to men in the local church.

What should the relationship be between the pastor and the men’s ministry leader? What expectations should they have of each other?

Men’s Ministry Leaders: How to Relate to Your Pastor

Let me talk to men’s ministry leaders first … you need to remember that your pastor is human, and not Jesus. I meet so many men’s ministry leaders who talk openly about their frustrations regarding their pastors. Those frustrations may feel valid to the leader but are often void of fully understanding all that the pastor may be facing in their work and life. If your pastor is a man, invite him to participate in anything you are doing – not as pastor, but as a man amongst men. If he is not able to attend or participate, do not think the worst of your pastor but consider the other realities he is facing in life and think of ways to support him.

It’s important you see yourself as part of the bigger picture of the church. Your ministry to men will be far more successful and have far greater impact if you discover what the overall strategy is for the church and discover how your ministry can be part of it rather than operating as a silo somewhere on the side. Talk to your pastor about the Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada Men’s Ministry Leadership framework, show him your strategies and ask if anything needs to be adjusted to fit with the plans of the church.

Your ministry to men will be far more successful and have far greater impact if you discover what the overall strategy is for the church and discover how your ministry can be part of it rather than operating as a silo somewhere on the side.

Last, pray for your pastor. Have your leadership team regularly pray together for your pastor. If one does not already exist, consider forming a team of men who will pray before or during services for whoever is preaching. Remember, in the mission of making disciples, you are in this together with your pastor.

Pastors: How to Relate to Your Men’s Ministry Leader

If you are a pastor, then I want to thank you. The fact that you are reading this says that you care about the spiritual health of the men in your church and want to see a healthy dynamic in your relationship with the men’s ministry leader.

In your relationship with that leader, you will need to learn what it looks like to empower and support his ministry. You have more influence than you may think you have. It is important for your leaders to know they have the blessing of their pastor and the support of their pastor. Talk up front with the leader of your men’s ministry about what support looks like – what are his expectations of support, and what is your idea of support? Get on the same page early in the process so the enemy has no opportunity later on to bring doubt into your leader’s minds about whether or not you are supporting them.

Also, any opportunity you have to participate in men’s ministry activities, please do it. There is something very powerful and profound when the pastor says, “I’m going and want men to come with me.” Your voice and your actions do model for the men in your church that it is important for them to be growing as men.

While you should not feel the pressure to be involved in the planning and strategizing for the ministry to men in your church, you need to know that you as the pastor set the tone for how important ministry to men is. Your leadership creates a culture for the life of your church. If you create an overall culture that says men are important and valued, then you will help your ministry to men succeed in its efforts because men will understand how important it is for them to be growing in their walk with God.

While you should not feel the pressure to be involved in the planning and strategizing for the ministry to men in your church, you need to know that you as the pastor set the tone for how important ministry to men is.

Both the pastor and the men’s ministry leader are critical to the success of your ministry to men. You are on the same team – be intentional to strengthen your relationship with each other for the sake of the bigger cause of calling men to follow Jesus.

About
Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is the co-lead pastor of Forward Church in Cambridge, ON. He was formerly the President of Impactus (when it was known as Promise Keepers Canada). However, his most important roles as a man are husband to Shannon and father to Carter, Joshua, Sydney and Samuel. He is also the author of The Seasons of Fatherhood.
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Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is the co-lead pastor of Forward Church in Cambridge, ON. He was formerly the President of Impactus (when it was known as Promise Keepers Canada). However, his most important roles as a man are husband to Shannon and father to Carter, Joshua, Sydney and Samuel. He is also the author of The Seasons of Fatherhood.