From time to time we hear a story of a stock that goes through the roof! Those who "get on board" early make a big profit.  
 
At present, a stock that is undervalued in our division is Men’s Ministries. Some don’t think it’s important. But those churches who catch a vision for it and who seek to understand men’s felt needs will see a dramatic rise in its value in the near future. 
 
This will happen due to two phenomena: (1) the success of Women’s Ministries in our churches, (2) the phenomenal growth of Promise Keepers. In 1995, 750,000 men paid $55 each to participate in regional stadium events. This year, 1.5 million men are expected to attend. 
 
One day the president of the Florida Conference, Obed Graham, came into my office and said, "The women are being blessed by the Women’s Ministries Retreats, and now they are asking what we intend to do for the men." At the same time, he said men, themselves, were asking what we were going to do for them. 
 
Men give birth 
 
It was then that a ministry for men was born in the Florida Conference. During the first year, regional men’s meetings were conducted, and in March of this year more than 400 men attended the first statewide men’s convention at Camp Kulaqua. Things will never be the same! Something wonderful happens when men come together in the name of Jesus Christ! 
 
The purpose of Men’s Ministries is to provide an atmosphere for men in our churches that encourages their spiritual development. Men learn how to be godly men from other godly men. 
 
The development of Men’s Ministries is not a "me too" or a "backlash" against Women’s Ministries. It has been reported that recently there were 1000 television commercials that belittle manhood. If our families are to reflect the healthy balance that God intended, then men must be affirmed as to the role that God means for them to play and must have mentors who will encourage them toward that goal. 
 
There is the option, that as an organization we do nothing for men, and simply default to Promise Keepers. Although Promise Keepers represents a spiritual renewal among men of all faiths, it does not reflect what it means to be Adventist men! The theme of the Florida Conference Men’s Convention this year was "Adventist Men: Men of His Word." next year, it will be "Adventist Men: Doers of the Word." 
 
We believe that coordinators for Men’s Ministries should be appointed at all levels of our organization. Special events for men should be systematically held throughout the year at church and conference levels. 
 
What will we get if organizations in our church promote godliness among both men and women? We will get godly families! 
 
So, now is the time to buy stock in Men’s Ministries. It is an idea whose time has come!. 
 
Richard W. O’Fill lives in Orlando, Florida. Reprinted from Passport

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