Every church’s mission is the same:
“Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
This isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a direct commission from Jesus Himself.
A church that drifts from this mission won’t experience the full blessing of Christ.
Every church’s mission is the same: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
And guess what?
It’s not just churches that are called to this mission—every man who desires to live a life of godly impact is enlisted in this effort to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
If we claim to be followers of Christ, we have to follow Him into His mission: bringing people back into a right relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Sounds great, right?
But here’s the reality:
Many of us are not “on mission.”
Life gets in the way. Fear creeps in. We feel inadequate, too busy, or sometimes just indifferent.
But the call to “go” hasn’t changed.
If you think of someone who doesn’t yet know the life-changing message of the Gospel, chances are your heart feels a little tug. That’s because deep down, we know there is no greater decision anyone can make than choosing to follow Jesus and letting Him be the Lord and Leader of their life.
Now, let’s get real. The guy who doesn’t know Jesus probably doesn’t think like you, act like you, or value the same things you do. He’s wrapped up in his own world, navigating life in his own way. Maybe he has a religious background, maybe he doesn’t. Either way, most men who don’t follow Jesus (and in Canada, that’s 86% of them!) fall into one of three categories.
Deep down, we know there is no greater decision anyone can make than choosing to follow Jesus and letting Him be the Lord and Leader of their life.
Let’s break it down.
1. The Uninterested
These guys have no desire for Christianity—zilch. Some might be devoted to another religion (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.), while others claim atheism or agnosticism. Some are indifferent; others are outright hostile. They may acknowledge a “higher power,” but they don’t see how that has any relevance to their lives.
How do you reach these guys?
Well, an invitation to church probably won’t cut it.
Instead, get curious about their story. Ask them how they make life work. Get them to open up about how they’ve overcome challenges. Pose the big life questions: “Where do we come from?” “What on earth are we here for?” Instead of preaching, plant seeds.
Maybe, just maybe, they’ll start considering that there’s more to life than what they see.
2. Nominally Spiritual
These men will tell you, “Yeah, I believe in God,” but their lives don’t reflect that belief.
Spirituality is just an accessory, like a cool wristwatch—nice to have, but not essential.
They may even check the “Christian” box on a census form, but their faith is more of a formality than a driving force in their lives.
Christmas Eve services?
Sure.
A quick prayer at a wedding or funeral?
Why not?
But beyond that, they don’t see themselves as needing anything more.
Reaching these men isn’t about proving them wrong. It’s about showing them that following Jesus isn’t just about rules; it’s about living a better, fuller life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Christianity isn’t some outdated, out-of-touch religion. It actually provides the best answers for the things men care about: marriage, parenting, mental health, work-life balance, and purpose, amongst other things. Help them see that Jesus is relevant.
This is where men’s groups and churches need to focus: offering courses that meet real-life needs and engaging with men outside the church walls in practical, meaningful ways.
3. Actively Seeking
These guys know there’s more to life, and they’re looking for it.
They might be exploring different philosophies, religions, or self-help paths. They could be into meditation, tarot cards, motivational podcasts, or simply seeking deeper relationships.
The point is, they’re searching.
Here’s the good news: they’re open to invitations! Maybe not a Sunday service just yet, but a men’s retreat, a Bible study, or even a casual gathering could be appealing.
The key is to introduce them to Jesus in a way that makes Him credible and compelling. Not a “fix all your problems” Jesus. Not a “politically conservative” Jesus. But the real Jesus—the One who offers abundant life (John 10:10). The Jesus who takes us as we are and leads us to something better.
The Gospel isn’t just about Good Friday; it’s also about Resurrection Sunday. It’s not just about being saved from something but being saved for something.
Men need to know that they were created by God for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). The actively seeking men have tried other paths—now we get to show them the one true way to real peace and fulfillment (John 14:6).
The Gospel Works
At the end of the day, evangelism isn’t about having the perfect argument or the most persuasive speech. It’s about joining the conversation that the Holy Spirit is already having in someone’s heart.
God is at work.
When we take the time to understand where a man is spiritually, we can step into that space and be a part of what God is doing in his life.
So what does this mean for you?
It means that reaching men for Christ isn’t as complicated as we sometimes make it.
When we take the time to understand where a man is spiritually, we can step into that space and be a part of what God is doing in his life.
It’s about being present, asking good questions, and meeting them where they are. It’s about being patient and allowing God to do the work in His timing.
And here’s the best part:
We don’t do this alone.
We get to partner with God in reaching “that guy.” The one who seems far away. The one who doesn’t care. The one who is seeking.
Every conversation, every act of kindness, every invitation matters. You never know which one will be the step that brings him closer to Jesus.
So, are you ready to get on mission?
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