“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 NASB
A new leadership mantra that makes sense for men’s ministry
There’s a new leadership phrase making its rounds through workshops, webinars, and conferences. Business and marketplace gurus tell us: “Your vibe attracts your tribe!” What they mean is that the most important thing for a business leader is no longer the actual business location or even the type of work they do. What is important for CEO’s and other industry leaders is how they dress, talk, and live.
Want to attract young talent? Toss out the suit jacket or tie … start wearing a black t-shirt and ripped jeans to attract younger workers. Take an extended break from the office to attend a silent retreat while spending time in a partially underground 300 square-foot Hobbit-like structure devoid of light. Or move to Mexico so you can combine working remotely with learning to surf!
Your lifestyle attracts men with similar lifestyles
That leadership phrase, “Your vibe is your tribe,” is partially true: your lifestyle attracts or repels certain men. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, your aroma (in this case your vibe) is either an encouragement to those who are also following Jesus Christ (your tribe) or an irritant to those who show little interest.
Understanding that our lifestyle attracts others with a similar lifestyle frees us up to become the men God has created us to become. For example, I like golf. This hobby attracts or repels certain types of men. For example, I told a friend the other day, “we were freezing on the first tee at 7am … it was 39* outside!” He replied that sounded like the worst way to spend a Saturday morning. (Never mind that I know he goes duck hunting and sits quietly in a blind in similar conditions!)
Your authentic walk with Christ attracts men to Christ
Whether you golf, love old cars, smoke brisket with the best of them, or enjoy mountain climbing, your authentic walk with Jesus Christ is what will attract other men. If you intentionally set out to make your men’s ministry about outdoor adventure, you could successfully attract fellow enthusiasts. If your men’s fellowship emphasizes smoking and grilling meat, your vibe will attract your tribe.
All these activities are fine in and of themselves. But let us endeavor to make sure our men’s ministries major in studying the Word and learning more about Jesus … who attracted a diversity of fishermen, tax collectors, and Roman military leaders. Let each of us double check that our vibe is laser-focused on elevating Jesus Christ … who draws all men unto Himself! (John 12:32)
© Dr. Paul Pettit
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
Dr. Paul Pettit is Director of Career Services; Adjunct Professor in Pastoral Ministries, Media Arts and Worship, and Educational Ministries and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Resources for Dads
A five-time dad, Dr. Paul Pettit has become a spokesman for the responsible fatherhood movement. Dr. Pettit has founded Dynamic Dads which offers key resources to help Dads succeed in their unique role of fathering. His website provides curriculum for either existing small groups, or for forming a new Dynamic Dads group at your church.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.
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