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By Steve Sonderman How to Build a Life-changing Men's Ministry - Practical Ideas and Insights for Your Church (Revised,
Since this book was first published, thousands of pastors and ministry leaders have turned to Steve Sonderman for his expertise on how to create a vibrant, enduring men's ministry. A seasoned pastor, he consults widely and speaks annually at more than fifteen leadership events in the U.S. and elsewhere. In this extensively revised edition, Sonderman offers the latest insights and practical ideas for putting together a men's ministry that works. Readers learn how to plan strategically, build effective leadership, develop healthy small groups, and motivate and mobilize their men.
- GenresChristianLeadership
Unknown Binding
First published May 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 25, 2017
A trusted guide to begin with
Pastor Steve gives his best to help and guide men who are called by God, appointed by their Pastor to lead a men's ministry. This book answers the question of "Where or How do I start?"
God bless your heart pastor Steve!
Pastor Steve gives his best to help and guide men who are called by God, appointed by their Pastor to lead a men's ministry. This book answers the question of "Where or How do I start?"
God bless your heart pastor Steve!
December 28, 2012
There have been some exciting things happening in our home church and several study groups have begun. Besides that, I had heard the name Sonderman before. These facts brought my attention to this book.
The beginning is very interesting and has some deep Christian principles, like being mission-centered, having prayer as a compass and the Word of God as foundation. Furthermore, the author is concerned about the fact that men need support from other men, and that men of integrity are only those with firm biblical convictions, godly character and a congruent way of life. Therefore, a men's ministry would be focused on men of intimacy, with God, with his wife and with other men, with the objective of attaining the latter. The author also emphasizes the importance of a continuous program that would help men grow in Christ.
However, several chapters are dedicated to the different activities that might be considered for men's ministry, like sports or championships. True, special days are always an opportunity to share the gospel, but I do not feel comfortable with planning ministry activities and studies around such. Actually, my opinion is that these have taken priority over the Scriptures; the church is not meant to celebrate matches with others. Besides, there are men (my deacon husband included) that have seen again and again that having a "man's day" does not edify the church, as the purpose of fellowship then, growing together closer to God, appears to be just a consequence, rather than the cause of getting together.
Having said this, I must also say that the pointers Mr. Sonderman suggests for organizing and setting up a ministry are good. It is even better that some business organization books I've read. So... yes, we might consider some of his tips in the new study groups.
The bottom line, there must be a sound balance between events that appeal to men and spiritual growth. Just as the author puts it, the focus should be on the people, not on programs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review, but this does not bias my opinion on the book nor the author.
The beginning is very interesting and has some deep Christian principles, like being mission-centered, having prayer as a compass and the Word of God as foundation. Furthermore, the author is concerned about the fact that men need support from other men, and that men of integrity are only those with firm biblical convictions, godly character and a congruent way of life. Therefore, a men's ministry would be focused on men of intimacy, with God, with his wife and with other men, with the objective of attaining the latter. The author also emphasizes the importance of a continuous program that would help men grow in Christ.
However, several chapters are dedicated to the different activities that might be considered for men's ministry, like sports or championships. True, special days are always an opportunity to share the gospel, but I do not feel comfortable with planning ministry activities and studies around such. Actually, my opinion is that these have taken priority over the Scriptures; the church is not meant to celebrate matches with others. Besides, there are men (my deacon husband included) that have seen again and again that having a "man's day" does not edify the church, as the purpose of fellowship then, growing together closer to God, appears to be just a consequence, rather than the cause of getting together.
Having said this, I must also say that the pointers Mr. Sonderman suggests for organizing and setting up a ministry are good. It is even better that some business organization books I've read. So... yes, we might consider some of his tips in the new study groups.
The bottom line, there must be a sound balance between events that appeal to men and spiritual growth. Just as the author puts it, the focus should be on the people, not on programs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review, but this does not bias my opinion on the book nor the author.
April 2, 2010
If, Before your next service starts, you walk up to the front of the church and look at the people what do you think you will you see? If your church is like most churches you will see a higher ratio of women than men sitting out there. Why do you think that is? Lots of reasons , one is men do not like to go where there are no men. How do you get men to go to your church? That is where Steve Sonderman can help with his new book "How To Build A Life-Changing Men's Ministry" published by Bethany House.
Pastor Sonderman was once on a baseball team which was losing and the coach called them together and convinced them that the way to win was by working together as a team, which they subsequently did. When he was first asked to head a men's ministry he asked "How do I do that?" and was told to treat them like a team and coach them. In the book Pastor Sonderman tells of ministry land mines and how to avoid them. Using sports analogies he deals with the coaching staff, the players, the game plan and the big win.
If your church does not have a men's ministry then this book should be handed to your pastor to encourage him to start one. If your church does have a men's ministry then this book should be handed to your ministry leader to help him grow the ministry and draw the men. Where there is a successful men's ministry families flourish and that is something every church wants and needs.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Pastor Sonderman was once on a baseball team which was losing and the coach called them together and convinced them that the way to win was by working together as a team, which they subsequently did. When he was first asked to head a men's ministry he asked "How do I do that?" and was told to treat them like a team and coach them. In the book Pastor Sonderman tells of ministry land mines and how to avoid them. Using sports analogies he deals with the coaching staff, the players, the game plan and the big win.
If your church does not have a men's ministry then this book should be handed to your pastor to encourage him to start one. If your church does have a men's ministry then this book should be handed to your ministry leader to help him grow the ministry and draw the men. Where there is a successful men's ministry families flourish and that is something every church wants and needs.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 23, 2012
Steve Sonderman’s How to Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry may be full of practical, step-by-step information, but it’s also rather dull.
Steve Sonderman knows what he’s talking about; he was one of the first full-time men’s ministry pastors (starting at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin in 1992). He knows that you can’t build a ministry alone, that every church is different, and that there’s no such thing as an overnight men’s ministry (even if that’s what churches often want). Sonderman lays out the steps as a five-year plan, which unfortunately doesn’t work well as a book. You end up answering exercise questions that you know will be different years down the line when you’ve actually done the work. Overall, the material feels like it would work better as a long-term online program rather than a book you can’t really grow with in the cover-to-cover timeframe.
And then there’s the non-stop sports analogies. I know, men like sports, power tools, fast cars, right? I’ve used these metaphors to connect with men, but I didn’t care for a book structured all around that format. A brief sports analogy can really drive a point home; a ministry book full of chapters on “Developing the Coaching Staff,” “Scouting the Players,” and “Game Day” just left me sitting on the bench (that extension of the metaphor was for you, Sonderman). This isn’t to say that How to Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry doesn’t have its moments. I liked that Sonderman never held a men’s retreat (the classic men’s ministry cliché), that he really promotes planning, and his belief that everything in men’s ministry should connect to the next thing, not just be some big hurrah that you hope ignites a huge, self-sufficient ministry all by itself. There truly is a lot of practical info in here, but it feels rather dry. All in all, How to Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry feels like it would excel in a different format. Two stars.
Steve Sonderman knows what he’s talking about; he was one of the first full-time men’s ministry pastors (starting at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin in 1992). He knows that you can’t build a ministry alone, that every church is different, and that there’s no such thing as an overnight men’s ministry (even if that’s what churches often want). Sonderman lays out the steps as a five-year plan, which unfortunately doesn’t work well as a book. You end up answering exercise questions that you know will be different years down the line when you’ve actually done the work. Overall, the material feels like it would work better as a long-term online program rather than a book you can’t really grow with in the cover-to-cover timeframe.
And then there’s the non-stop sports analogies. I know, men like sports, power tools, fast cars, right? I’ve used these metaphors to connect with men, but I didn’t care for a book structured all around that format. A brief sports analogy can really drive a point home; a ministry book full of chapters on “Developing the Coaching Staff,” “Scouting the Players,” and “Game Day” just left me sitting on the bench (that extension of the metaphor was for you, Sonderman). This isn’t to say that How to Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry doesn’t have its moments. I liked that Sonderman never held a men’s retreat (the classic men’s ministry cliché), that he really promotes planning, and his belief that everything in men’s ministry should connect to the next thing, not just be some big hurrah that you hope ignites a huge, self-sufficient ministry all by itself. There truly is a lot of practical info in here, but it feels rather dry. All in all, How to Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry feels like it would excel in a different format. Two stars.
September 23, 2014
An excellent and thorough resource for anyone interested in building a powerful and self-sustaining men's ministry. Sonderman draws upon his vast experience in this area and gives us a roadmap from start to continuation. From identifying, building and equipping leadership to bringing men together in special events, Sonderman presents a strong foundation for a vibrant and vital men's ministry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in building or improving a men's ministry.
May 15, 2016
This was a helpful guide for men's ministry. Lots of good insights.
February 5, 2019
If you are looking to start a men's ministry, this is the book you need. Very practical, full of tips, and Biblically sound.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews