For the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing summaries of chapters from the book How to Disciple Men, a “short and sweet” practical guide to men’s ministry. For more information about the book and how to get a copy, click here.
Discipleship. What does it mean to be discipled? The word “disciple” itself according to the dictionary means, “a person adherent to the doctrine or mentorship of another.” Brian Doyle dives into how to practically pursue discipleship in a man of God’s home in his chapter “Why Men Must Disciple Their Families.”
Doyle begins by making the glaring observation that men today tend to rely on the local church body to disciple their families – whether it be through different programs and Sunday mornings. While families should learn and grow from their church community, Doyle explains this mentality of making the church solely responsible for the family’s spiritual growth needs to change.
“God’s design is that the family should be the primary place of discipleship, and that men lead the effort… Teaching God’s Word must happen in and around the home. It is best shared in the rhythm of daily life.”
Scripture asks this responsibility of men. (Deut. 6:4-7) But why do some pastors and church leaders complain that men seem disengaged in church and do not see men taking up their arrow and quiver to lead their families? Doyle suggests the following:
“This is because the church is fulfilling the role meant for the man. Church leaders are called not only to do ministry but to equip others to do ministry.”
The church must equip men so men can disciple and equip their families. This is a team effort. It seems to Brian that many of the men in churches tend to get unintentionally brushed over and not discipled on an individual level. Don’t overlook the family as a whole, but also place focus on the man individually. How can this change?
Brian Doyle asks pastors to wrestle with the following questions. “How do you see the men who attend your church? Are they part of your general constituency or do they have a unique role?” Only when pastors begin viewing the men in their church as unique individuals who are also individually under the care of church leaders, can discipleship truly begin.
For more information on this topic, check out Brian Doyle’s chapter in How to Disciple Men, available in bookstores now. Brian currently serves as the National Director for Iron Sharpens Iron.