“It feels like someone died in here.”
That’s not exactly the welcome you want for a first-time guest at your men’s ministry event.
And yet, too often our gatherings, while well-intentioned, lack the warmth, laughter, and levity that make men want to come back—and invite their friends.
It’s easy to get caught up in being serious. As ministry leaders, we want to teach, disciple, and deal with real issues.
But in the process, we sometimes forget that joy is holy too.
Jesus didn’t lead with stoicism—He led with presence, friendship, and real moments (Hebrews 1:8-9). The disciples spent three years with Jesus. Don’t you think they had fun? They joked, laughed, shared meals, and traveled together. It wasn’t a three-year lecture—it was a life lived together.
We sometimes forget that joy is holy too.
So, how do we bring that joy into our men’s ministry? How do we foster an environment where laughter is normal, and guys leave refreshed and eager to return?
Here are four powerful ways to infuse joy and fun into your men’s ministry culture:
1. Friendly Competition: Let Men Be Men
Let’s be honest—guys are naturally competitive. And that’s not a bad thing! When handled with humility and humor, a little friendly competition can create connection and break down walls.
Host a chili cook-off, a fishing tournament, or a mini-golf night. Create silly awards like “Best Chili Explosion” or “Most Creative Swing.”
Want to add depth? Include challenges that benefit others, such as a generosity contest where small groups compete to give or serve the most in a week. Better yet, invite fathers and sons to team up for these events—fun becomes a bridge between generations.
Competition doesn’t have to be cutthroat. It’s not about ego, it’s about engagement. Celebrate those who participate and highlight moments where men stepped up, served others, or just plain had a blast.
2. Normalize Fun: Make Laughter the Default
If your men’s group feels like a somber classroom every week, it might be time to loosen up. Make it your culture to start every gathering with something fun—an icebreaker, a meme, a game, or even just a light-hearted question like, “What’s the dumbest thing you believed as a kid?”
Laughter breaks tension. Humor opens hearts. And when men feel comfortable, they’re far more likely to be honest, vulnerable, and spiritually engaged.
That doesn’t mean there’s no place for depth or reverence. But joy can be the doorway into those deeper conversations. When fun is the norm, the group becomes a place where men want to be—and bring their friends to.
3. Tell Real Stories—Especially the Funny Ones
Pastor Craig Groeschel once said, “People would rather follow a leader who’s always real than one who’s always right.”
Amen to that.
Don’t be afraid to share your own stories—especially the ones where you messed up.
Lost your keys right before church? Tell the guys. Forgot your anniversary? Yikes—tell the guys. Had a ridiculous argument with your wife over who left the garage light on? You guessed it—tell the guys.
Why?
Because when you laugh at yourself, you give everyone else permission to drop the mask and be real too. Vulnerability fosters community, and humor is often the fastest way to get there. When men can be themselves—warts and all—they begin to trust one another, and that’s where the deep work begins.
4. Get Out of the Building: Change the Scenery, Change the Mood
You want to create joy? Shake up the setting. Not every men’s ministry event has to happen in a classroom or church basement.
Once a month, meet somewhere different—at a park, a local diner, a driving range, or someone’s backyard. Take a hike. Host a BBQ. Grab a few canoes. Just being outdoors or in a casual setting can completely shift the energy of the group.
Getting out of the building helps men relax. It also removes the mental barrier that some guys have with “church stuff.” Invite carpooling so men can connect while travelling, and encourage them to sit or pair up with someone new.
Routine is helpful, but ruts are dangerous. Break the mold every so often and watch your group come to life.
Does Your Ministry Reflect the Joy of the Lord?
Jesus was called “a friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:19). Part of what means is that He must have been fun to be around. He was approachable, relational, and full of joy. If we’re modeling our lives after Him, joy shouldn’t be optional—it should be visible.
Men’s ministry doesn’t have to be stiff or overly serious. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Godly men laugh. Godly men tell stories. Godly men play, compete, cheer each other on, and lift each other up.
Fun isn’t a distraction—it’s part of the design.
So, does your ministry reflect that joy? If not, maybe it’s time to start. Create a culture where fun is welcomed, laughter is normal, and joy is celebrated. When men experience that, they’ll come back for more—and they’ll bring others with them.
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