what master's men means to me   Find out more about the ministry of the Free Will Baptist Master's Men Department at www.nafwb.org/mm.

Members of local Master’s Men chapters share their thoughts about the ministry of Master’s Men

When Ken Akers asked me to explain what Master’s Men means to me, I thought it would be an easy task. I quickly realized that the ministry of Master’s Men is complex and of great importance—not only to me, but to my local church and the denomination as well. This ministry helps men fulfill their God-given roles as spiritual leaders in their church and homes. The history of Master’s Men in my own church provides a great example!

When I first began attending First FWB Church, Austintown, Ohio in 1995, the church had no organized men’s ministry. A well attended monthly men’s breakfast, however, suggested the need for one. Our local chapter was established in early 1998. Since that time, Master’s Men has become a strong, vital arm of ministry in our church. We sponsor annual church events for our congregation and the entire community, take care of the church grounds, and complete small tasks for widows and the disabled. Although the pastor has an inner circle of deacons who aid him physically, mentally, and spiritually, Master’s Men makes his circle of support much larger. We pray for him and for each other on a daily basis, sharing struggles, concerns, and problems. We hold one another accountable, and during monthly meetings, we study and grow in God’s Word by using Direction Bible Studies published by Master’s Men. These excellent studies address important topics relevant to Christian men, helping us to become the men God wants us to be.

So, back to the original question, “What does Master’s Men mean to me?” Simply put, Master’s Men shows me the nature of God, assures me of His love, and allows me to see the mercy and grace He so willingly extends to me—all while building relationships with other Christian men. My faith in Jesus Christ has grown through the influence of Master’s Men. That growth enables me to share the Good News boldly with the lost around me. Master’s Men is a ministry of action more than words, speaking loudly through the way I live. Master’s Men teaches me to be a real man, yet reminds me that I can do nothing in and of myself. Jesus is my strength. Through Him, nothing is impossible.

Master’s Men constantly reminds me that real men are monogamous, completely devoted to their wives and families. I have learned to keep my relationships in order of priority with God first, family second, and ministry third.

I believe the Lord purposely planted Master’s Men in my local church—just for me. Through Master’s Men, He continues to mold and shape me into the man He wants me to be.  Don’t let your church miss out on the blessing of Master’s Men!

William "Bill" Saltsman
First FWB Church, Austintown, Ohio

Heritage FWB Church, Columbus, Ohio, began as a Master’s Men chapter in 2004. Since that time, Master’s Men has been instrumental in helping the Heritage men’s group in two key ways: fellowship and holiness. Master’s Men provided resources that helped our men’s group quickly implement activities and allowed the men of our church to engage in greater fellowship. Our relationships are no longer limited to the brief exchanges and hellos on Sunday and Wednesday. Now, the men of Heritage have regular times of fellowship where we get to know each other, share our burdens, and discuss topics relevant to Christian men.

We have also enjoyed the excellent Bible study resources offered by Master’s Men. At each monthly fellowship breakfast, the Master’s Men chaplain prepares a devotion based on one of the lessons in the Direction Bible Study Series. Each lesson is uniquely geared toward issues facing Christian men today. The Bible study helps our men to grow in holiness and faith in God through Jesus Christ. These materials are a tremendous testimony to the ministry of Master’s Men, focused on the spiritual development of Christian men everywhere.

Clay Burgett
Heritage FWB Church, Columbus, Ohio

What Can Master’s Men Do for Your Church?

• Provide Fellowship

• Build Accountability

• Promote Bible Study

• Stimulate Spiritual Growth

• Revive Evangelism

• Realign Priorities

• Emphasize Family Values

• Teach Men How to Be Better Christians

Find out more about the ministry of the Free Will Baptist Master's Men Department at www.nafwb.org/mm.