“And he (Jesus) said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19
I don’t know a lot about fishing but I get the basic idea. Fishing involves knowing the best places to fish for the types of fish you want to catch, using the correct bait and knowing the best tactics for “reeling them in.”
In order to catch men we also need to cast a line in the right place, with the right bait using the right strategies. Our church events can bring people close who are not necessarily interested in religion, but who are looking for community, connection, and purpose. We need to be prepared to engage with those who we are attracting so that we might catch some.
To engage with people who are attracted to our events consider the following needs.
A. We need to want to actually catch them. I like to go fishing because I enjoy being outside, the fellowship of those I’m with and the satisfaction I get from catching something. But, I don’t like handling the fish let alone cleaning it and preparing it to eat.
I think we have a similar attitude when it comes to catching men. We enjoy the events that attract them but we are not very comfortable with, or trained well enough, to engage with them once they attend. To catch men we must want to actually catch and disciple (clean) them.
B. We need to fish with many types of bait. How well do we know the attitudes, cares, dreams and needs of those we are seeking to connect with? How can we find out? When we bring people close through our events we can then intentionally interact with them using surveys intended to learn what their gifts, skills and passions are and then bring them together around these. We could also conduct dream exercises to learn what they care most about and are willing to work with others to make happen.
C. We need to be patient. Just like fishing, it takes time to connect with people attending our church events. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight. Keep casting your line and eventually you will catch some fish.
We are very good at brining our neighbors close through our various church services and events. We are not as good at intentionally engaging with them in ways that would lead them to becoming followers of Jesus. It may be because fishing is easier and more enjoyable than catching fish.
When we truly want to catch men, we will prepare ourselves well for the entire experience and be patiently committed to it over time.
If your church is interested in learning more about engaging those you are brining close please complete this form.
