THE CHURCH NEEDS EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY HEALTHY MEN


men of character who strive to be good husbands, fathers, and friends.

Men who are aware of their flaws and want to repent and grow in Christ.

Men who mature from “young men who have overcome the evil one”
to being fathers who

“KNOW HIM WHO IS FROM THE BEGINNING”

BUT SOMETHING IS MISSING.


Man in the Mirror has worked with thousands of churches,

and a common refrain we hear is that it’s difficult to draw or engage young men.

Many of the activities that used to appeal to a broad range of men aren’t effectively

reaching this demographic, such as large-group meetings, traditional Bible studies, or
prayer breakfasts.

Indeed, in a recent survey conducted by Ryan Burge, respondents between the ages of 27-45 were asked why they left the church.

The #1 reason given was that they didn’t fit in.

Furthermore, the survey revealed this striking statistic:


70% OF ALL YOUNG MEN—BOTH DECHURCHED AND CHURCHED

are at least a decade removed from the peak of their religious experiences.

So how do we answer the call to disciple the next generation of men.

if the next generation feels disconnected, detached, or disinterested?


HOW DO WE BRIDGE THE GAPS?


We believe that a new approach is needed to reach younger men for Christ.

The younger men we’ve interacted with have consistently expressed interest in

A REAL RELATIONSHIP


We believe that a new approach is needed to reach younger men for Christ.

The younger men we’ve interacted with have consistently expressed interest in

THE DEMAND
IS THERE.



There is also clear evidence that older men—like you—want these relationships.

In the same study on discipleship, 83% of older men said

they would love to disciple a younger man,

but they need help to feel qualified and equipped.

Filling the NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FATHERS



we are determined to fully equip you

to develop meaningful relationships

that will change lives

and

build the kingdom of God.

To become a spiritual father is to, over time,
develop a deep, intentional spiritual friendship with a younger man.

As you walk through life together, our prayer is that, eventually, he will be prepared to become a spiritual father to a man behind him on the journey as well.



IF YOU HAVE A HEART FOR YOUNGER MEN AND FOR CHRIST,

YOU’RE ALREADY QUALIFIED.








Spiritual Fathers main players

SF – Spiritual Father.
  • SFs are mature Christian men in the second half of their life, discipling younger men in their first half.
 
SS – Spiritual Son.
  • SSs represent the younger man whom the SF will engage for at least a year.

COMMUNICATION
  • The goal is to constantly communicate with SFs throughout their XSF experience, from Orientation through the end of their year of meeting with a SS.
 
  • MIM HQ (Man In the Mirror) will send SFs weekly emails with encouragement, testimonials, information, resources, and guidance.
 
  • MIM HQ will send ADs, SFCs, and TLs the above content PLUS more detailed monthly emails with instruction and guidance on their XSF journey and how to be successful in the initiative.
 
  • ADs are expected to communicate at least quarterly with SFCs to provide support and guidance.

PURSUING A SPIRITUAL SON

 
Who – We desire to see every young man in an American church have a SF in their church actively pursuing them. Once every young man is covered in a local church, the SFs of that local church need to examine their circle of influence (work, extended family, friend, gym, neighbor, etc.) and seek God on whom they feel led to disciple.
 
SS Traits 
  • Young man: likely under 45, needs to be in a different stage of life.
  • In proximity and available: able to meet up in person at least monthly.
  • Desirous of engagement: open to meeting with another guy.
  • Helpful but not necessary: similar preferences with SF (affinities, hobbies, life stage, faith level, struggles, etc. *see Guidebook chapter 3).

How
  • SFs can pursue a discipleship relationship with SSs by being proactive yet calm. 
  • Resist putting too much pressure on the start of the relationship. 
  • Let things progress in their natural timing. 
  • Go to the pace of long-term relationships and the frequency you and the SS find most appealing.

Be proactive.
  • Ask the SS to hang out. Invite them to coffee. Do an activity.
  • Call. Text. Communicate in the SS’s preferred method.
  • Follow up.
    • The younger generation might not always respond to your communication. Be persistent.

Use plain language.
  • Avoid the terms “spiritual father” or “spiritual son” Emphasize this bullet point.
  • Be clear but also soft. Firm and gentle. Don’t suggest the SS is a screwup or has problems. Just use your own experience – “I wish I’d had an older guy around”- to explain your intentions.

Bond over commonalities.
  • What common interests do you share? (sports, career, education, entertainment, hobbies, etc.)
  • Talk about them! Nothing bonds men like shared interests.

Website

Below are helpful pages on the SpiritualFathers.com website.

Front Page – www.SpiritualFathers.com

Info about the program, statistics, links
Scheduling Page – https://www.spiritualfathers.com/schedule

For churches that want to HOST an orientation
Attending Church Page – https://www.spiritualfathers.com/coordinate


For churches that want to ATTEND another church’s orientation
and
For individuals to register for an orientation
Registration Page - https://www.spiritualfathers.com/calendar


Email headers, social media templates, promo videos, etc.
Media & Resources - https://www.spiritualfathers.com/media


SFC guide and step-by-step instructions
SFC Manual & Resources - https://www.spiritualfathers.com/host


A listing of all the journal sets, materials, and XSF merch and where to purchase them
Materials & Resources – https://www.spiritualfathers.com/store
Crosspoint Church
7619 Timberlake Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502

Spiritual Fathers
Discipleship Coordinator
Jordan V. Wells
Guardians@crosspointonline.com
858 735-4938