By Mark Dehority

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 29:11

We understand the Lord has specific plan for everyone.

The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to be used to build the kingdom and glorify God.

Although the Lord has a plan for each of us, I don't.

In the Old Testament, God would choose a person to serve Him and then equip that person for the ministry. For example, God chose Saul through Samuel (I Samuel 9:17) and then changed His heart (I Samuel 10:9).

Rules change over time,. God once spoke to His people directly; God then identified leaders. Finally, Jesus enabled, equipped and sent out disciples.

God still calls and raises up the people, and He then surrounds them with people who equip and enable them to do the work.

My brother, Jim Boesch, tells me God could stop us all in our tracks and tell us exactly what He wants us to do. But, that’s not the way He chooses to do it. He chooses us, put us in contact with others to disciple us, and then He wants us to disciple others. This has been going on for 2000 years.

My beloved wife has mentioned that with my understanding of women, I should stick to working with men. My humble call is to equip and send out men interested in helping disciple other men. I can’t help all men. For example, if God calls you to a music ministry, I am the last person you want to help. However, in other cases, I can help men find the plan God has for them and help steer them toward those who can enable and equip them.

For those of us chosen for men's ministry this brings several learning points.

First, many of us have taken our big plans to churches or regional events. We have found very few men who understand or are excited by this ministry. When God chose Saul there were thousands around him. They were not chosen. God had a plan for all of those people but, he chose Saul for the leadership position.

Second, our ministry is not for everyone. It’s not a bigger or loftier ministry then others, it’s just a different one. We need to be on the lookout for individuals who are called to this ministry, and we need to provide them with resources they will need.

Third, we are not called to be all things to all people. Jesus touched, taught, healed and preached to thousands, but he only chose 12 men to become disciples and he had a close relationship with only three or four of them.

You may be called to speak or preach to thousands. You may interact with many people. That may be part of your ministry, but who are the few you are to disciple? Who comprises your inner circle? Who are the few you plan to help?

Mark Dehority, deployed staff member

General Commission on UM Men

mark@dehority1.com