The WACMen Engine

What fuelled the Men’s Movement in the US was when a few churches recognised the absence of men in church and followed that up with a ministry targeting male only needs. In the 1990s, Promise Keepers stumbled across the idea of the century by bringing men together in environments where they already felt comfortable: football stadiums. These churches sought to bring the church to men and not the traditional way where men are invited to the church. From these humble beginnings a small revolution was started that has now spilled into the UK and Australian churches. Organisations like Promise Keepers, Church for Men, Band of Brothers and Forge to name a few have emerged as catalysts for a movement that is now coming to a church near you whether you like it or not!

The strength of the movement lies in the fact that it resonates with many men who for a long time have felt that something was not quite right within traditional church culture and its’ view of typical male behaviour. Local churches experimented and men found something alluring about being invited to Men’s Breakfasts’ and midweek meetings. Many attended these exclusively male events with a sense of trepidation, curiosity and yes – guilt. Some men’s meetings missed the mark and consequently had poor attendance because they leaned towards a “men need to get in touch with their feminine side” theme. Other meetings however, were a huge success as men were given back the right to express themselves as males among a band of brothers who understood their struggles and kept rock solid confidences - unlike your average church meeting. Well run men’s events are greatly appreciated and well received wherever they are held and are now beginning to catch on in most churches. The thing about the Men’s Movement is that it is a grass roots movement because it started that way.

I recently attended a Chaplain training weekend in Perth as a part of my state school chaplain responsibilities. I car pooled with a young upcoming Church of Christ pastor/chaplain who is finishing his theology degree this year. We struck up a conversation about denominational similarities and I discovered he was a convert to the Men’s Movement. We agreed on every point and he said he sees the same things as described in literature about the issues surrounding men as vital to a growing church. Needless to say he is now a happy subscriber to WACMEN adding to the growing number of men from other faiths who like what we are saying and doing.

This story was repeated at the venue the next day as I spoke with a wide range of denominational chaplains who were either aware of or already involved in men’s activities in their local churches. One seminar was offered among our choices as specifically dealing with Men and the problems facing boys. The bottom line here is that this issue regarding men and church has permeated most denominations fuelling men’s groups that are popping up all over the place. As the dots are connected, the demand for services from networks like WACMEN will only increase and opportunities to serve will become greater.

Even Promise Keepers are changing their original tactics of large gatherings. The revised vision statement reads: "Impacting churches to transform their cities by equipping leaders to disciple men in the masculine context." They are recognizing what God is already doing. "We've left the stadiums and we're going to the churches," says the leadership. – Christianity Today

So the engine of WACMEN or any men’s movement for that matter is deep down in the basement of your local church community. Local men with a vision to increasing God’s Kingdom by introducing changes that revive the masculine spirit provide fuel for the pistons that make the engine run. Starting a group that aims to give men permission to be men and rediscover their true God-given masculinity will do more for your church than any bible based seminar on the market I know.

The good news is that there is a momentum building at the local level in our state churches. Even now I am receiving calls from men who want to do something in their church but don’t know where to start. Demand is already telling me that the engine is turning over. Getting the message out there to the local churches has been a bit tough. One response from one pastor I received when I asked him to promote WACMEN with his local men was “I’m retiring”. I hope and pray we can all see the value of WACMEN until we can get to Camp next year – then I estimate we will see a big jump in activity.

Anyone wanting to start a local Men’s group should contact us by email at donga1@westnet.com.au and we will send you some basic stuff to get you started. We are planning to have a speaker at Camp next year with information along these lines as well.