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Microsoft Word - BCM NEXT STEP Discipling Black Men 8-1-08
BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCIPLING BLACK MEN
Why is the discipleship of Black men crucial? How would the kingdom be advanced?
REVITALIZING THE CHURCH
In most churches Black men are disproportionately absent. Investing in the spiritual growth of
young Black men is critical to reversing this trend, and their development as Christian leaders
and ministers will be essential for the continued vitality of the Black Church.
EVANGELISM
Many Black Male students are gifted leaders and risk-takers, and can help encourage our
chapters to engage the campus with the gospel. Black men are also often the best equipped
to reach other Black men for Christ.
THE FUTURE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
High rates among Black men of imprisonment, unemployment, and absentee fatherhood are
crippling the African-American community. There are limited positive Black male roles for our
youth to help reverse this trend. Discipling Black male college students into godly men that wil
take a Nehemiah-like role in their communities post-graduation will provide the leadership
necessary to overcome our current crisis.
GOD-HONORING RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGES
The discipleship of Black men strengthens the community of believers by giving opportunities to
model healthy cross-gender relationships. Learning to make Christ-centered choices about
relationships in college can equip them to make the more important decision about marriage--
a decision which wil have a profound and long-term impact on their lives.
LEADERSHIP AND CHAPTER BUILDING
As we see in the chapter builder paradigm, leadership development is essential to chapter
growing a fellowship. Men inspire other men to leadership and will cal their peers to exercise
their gifts to advance God's kingdom on campus.
DEVELOPING WORLD CHANGERS
Black men of character are pursued to serve in many organizations, both in the university and
post-graduation. We have an opportunity to influence organizations, communities, countries,
and the world through our discipleship of Black men.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
MINISTRY DIAGNOSTIC: KEY OBSTACLES
There are a number of obstacles to effective discipleship of Black men. What are some of the
key obstacles for your fellowship? Which are ones that you have potential influence over, and
that you can prayerfully work towards changing? (If you are working in a multi-ethnic chapter,
many of the obstacles listed in that Next Steps resources will be applicable here as well.)
Take some time with your staff or leadership team to discuss the obstacles listed below. Check
the 3 issues you believe are the largest obstacles keeping Black students from participating in
your fellowship. (Obviously to do this well, you wil need to have had previous interactions and
discussions with Black male students--for some that might be your first next step.)
UNAVAILABLE
There are disproportionately few Black men on many of our campuses. Those with
leadership gifts are often involved in multiple Christian organizations on campus, and
therefore have a myriad of demands placed on their schedules. As such, it may be
difficult for them to opt into greater involvement and discipleship within the InterVarsity
context.
DISTORTION OF MASCULINITY
Many African-American males had few male role models--a disproportionate number
grew up without a father in the home. This typically has had negative effects on their
understanding of manhood with respect to women, power, leadership, etc.
LACK OF ROLE MODELS WITHIN INTERVARSITY
Most of our Black male students have little or no regular interaction with a Black male
staff worker. This impacts our ability to understand and minister to them effectively,
and their sense that InterVarsity is a place where they can be developed as leaders
and followers of Christ.
FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES UNATTRACTIVE
How does the chapter fellowship together? What does the group do for fun? If the
fellowships times and hangouts don't incorporate the types of activities many Black
men typically enjoy, they wil be less interested in being involved in the community.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
KEY OBSTACLES CNT'D
ASSIMILATION CONCERNS
For multi-ethnic chapters, Black men often perceive (correctly or incorrectly) that
involvement wil require the adoption of majority culture. Assimilation dynamics are
often a stumbling block to effectively reaching the Black community. Further, given
the historical context of Black/White relations, there are negative associations for being
a part of a "White organization." There is often an associated sense that they lack
agency or power in the organization.
RELEVANCE FACTOR
Though there are similarities between the issues that students deal with, some of the
primary struggles, needs, temptations, and sins that students face differ across racial,
cultural and gender lines. The topics and discipleship areas that the InterVarsity
fellowship emphasizes may not seem relevant to the everyday lives and interests of
many Black male students.
CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP IS UNAPPEALING
Many Black men find involvement in Christian community unappealing. They may
primarily associate it with restrictions, rules and judgments regarding dating and sex,
drinking, parties, etc.--and ultimately a loss of freedom. Following Christ may appear
as something in which they will lose much and gain little.
OTHER: ____________________
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
MINISTRY DIAGNOSTIC: FELLOWSHIP ASSESSMENT
What are the core weaknesses for your
fellowship in discliping Black men?
The principles for effective discipleship of
Black men can be assessed in the context of
the overall chapter building framework.
Greater effectiveness will involve integrating
this value into your overall chapter building
efforts.
In which areas is the integration of this value
strongest, and in which is it weakest? Where
might be the most strategic areas to focus?
Take some time with your staff or leadership team to review the categories below, check the 2
areas you believe are strongest, and 2 that are weakest. Remember that the blue bottom 3
triangles are the "behind the scenes work" that lay the foundation for the rest of the pyramid.
You may make short-term gains without those 3, but they will be critical for longer-term and
larger scale advances.
VISION
Does your fellowship's vision meaningfully include discipleship of Black men? Does the
student leadership understand why effectiveness in this area is critical to attaining the
fellowship's goals?
PRAYER
Is this an issue that your fellowship prays about explicitly? To what extent is this issue a
concern in the fellowship overall?
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Are there leaders in your fellowship who are being equipped for effective discipleship
of Black men? Are they aware of the obstacles that need to be overcome?
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
FELLOWSHIP ASSESSMENT CNT'D
QUALITY LARGE GROUPS
Are your large groups attractive and relevant to Black men? Are they taken into
account as the speakers, format, atmosphere and objectives for your large groups are
decided upon?
MISSIONAL SMALL GROUPS
Is there a ministry or small group(s) in your fellowship that sees effective discipleship of
Black men as a critical component of their mission?
NEW STUDENT OUTREACH
Is your New Student Outreach attractive to Black men? Are there intentional efforts
made to do things that would draw them?
EVANGELISTIC EVENTS
Do your evangelistic events engage issues of interest to Black men? Are they aware of
your events, and are they being effectively invited to them?
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
NEXT STEPS I: LOCATING PEOPLE RESOURCES
As you begin to diagnose your situation, you probably wil need to find people who can assist
you. These might be people who can advise or counsel you. Even if they cannot do it regularly,
they might be wil ing to sit down with you once or twice to provide insight and suggestions.
There might also be people who can speak at Large Groups or retreats, train staff or student
leaders, invest in your Black students, etc.
Look at the ministry obstacles and challenges that you listed, along with the priority needs you
determined in your fellowship assessment. Who might be good resource people? Here are
some questions that may help you find them; go through each of these questions with your Staff
or leadership team. You may need to find other students or local community members to help
you answer some of these questions.
1--Are there any predominately Black churches that students on your campus attend? Are
there people in these churches that could be potential resource people? Ask students who
attend.
2--Are there any Black Christian faculty or staff on your campus? 3--Are there Staff in your region (Black and Non-Black) who have had some success in
discipling Black men? "Who can help you identify staff outside of your region who would be
wil ing to provide guidance?"
4--Are there people on your campus who may not be Christian, but have some
training/knowledge regarding dynamics with Black men? Take an opportunity to connect with
them and see what applicable insights they have.
5--Are there people organizing events that you could take your students to which could help
them grow in ministry to Black men?
6--Have you asked other staff in the area/region about resources they could suggest? Are there
local community members or students who can help you with these questions?
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
NEXT STEPS II: STRATEGIC TIPS
As you discern strategies to move forward in this area, your best resources will probably be
people resources and material resources. Additional y, we have included some strategic tips
that have been effective in different InterVarsity fellowships. Many of these tips are relevant to
students in general and not solely to Black men. Go through this list with your staff or leadership
team, and determine some strategic next steps that you can take.
CAST A LARGE VISION HIGHLIGHTING LONG-TERM IMPACT
Because Black men are in high demand for leadership and involvement, there are many
competing forces for the most gifted leaders. It is essential to cal them to a vision of
involvement in campus ministry and kingdom purposes that explains the potential impact of
their investment in the chapter.
AFFIRM THE IDENTITY OF BLACK MEN
AS BLACK MEN
Many Black men are confronted with negative ideas of Black masculinity that are sometimes
unfortunately reinforced in Christian circles. This is often coupled with a perception that
Christianity is somehow "feminine." Seek out ways to call out and affirm their inherent worth and
value as Black and as male.
BUILD INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY WITHIN THE BLACK MALE CONTEXT
Typical ministry contexts can often be unappealing and intimidating to Black men. Seek
opportunities to interact with and understand Black men on their turf--in contexts where they
enjoy respect and "feel safe."
EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT FORMATS FOR ENGAGING IN DISCIPLESHIP
There is a tradition of discussion and debate, storytelling and testimony within the Black
community. Sometimes traditionally styled small group Bible studies that limit opportunities for
incorporating story and testimony are not the most effective ways of engaging Black men.
Unstructured and informal gatherings can be the key to discipleship. Experiment with different
formats and methods for dialogue and discipleship, and be careful not to hold any too tightly.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
STRATEGIC TIPS CNT'D
USE SCRIPTURE TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES AND FALSE IDENTITIES
Unfortunately, many Black men have either freely embraced or felt pressured to embrace false
identities that are destructive rather than edifying. Use the word of God as a way of speaking
truth into Black men's life that will liberate them from negative stereotypes.
ENGAGE BROADLY IN SOCIAL JUSTICE
Because of the rich history of involvement in social justice through the years, Black men have a
desire to pursue justice that is all too often limited to community service within their own context.
Cast vision that wil motivate Black men to not only be community changers, but world
changers.
INVEST IN INFLUENTIAL MEN
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable
men who wil also be qualified to teach others" (2 Tim 2:2). An investment in even a few Black
men can have a significant impact as they impact other men. There may be strategic men to
invest in who have great potential even though they are not currently involved in your
fellowship.
SPEND SIGNIFICANT TIME BUILDING TRUST PRIOR TO INVITING COMMITMENT
Black men are often seen as a scarce commodity to be exploited, contributing to unhealthy
relational patterns. Also, because the demands and obligations often placed on Black men are
high and because negative experiences with spiritual leaders are common, it is critical to spend
significant time building trust relationally with these men before inviting them into commitments
of leadership and service. Informal and unstructured times are important for building trust.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
NEXT STEPS III: SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES
Here are some passages that have been helpful for Staff in Discipling Black men. We've also
included a brief listing of some of the main points derived from each passage.
JOEL 2:25-27--RESTORATION
God desires to restore the years (integrity, honor, etc.) that have been taken from our Black
men. In contrast to the denigration with which men of color are often met, God promises that His
people will "never again be shamed."
2 TIMOTHY 1:3-13--STIR UP THE GIFT
Many Black men have natural leadership abilities, yet are hesitant to lead out in a Christian
context. Paul reminds Timothy of the legacy of faith passed on by his mother and grandmother
and to "stir up the gift" that is already in him and "do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord."
This scripture speaks not only to innate abilities to advance the Kingdom of God, but also strips
the excuse of not having a father that many black men could use.
EZEKIEL 3:16-21--WATCHMAN FOR THE PEOPLE
Black men undeniably have influence on their campuses and beyond. This passage speaks to
how Black men, particularly Black Christian men, need to stand up and in a sense take
ownership of the spiritual development of their brothers. It helps cast a larger scale vision for
leadership that highlights the long-lasting impact black male leaders can have on others.
DANIEL 1--ANTI-ASSIMILATION
There are many opportunities for talented Black men to choose out of the things of God. This
passage gives a powerful illustration of strong men retaining both their religious and ethnic
identity amidst pressures to assimilate.
OT CHARACTER STUDIES IN LEADERSHIP
Character Studies can be an engaging approach for discipleship through bible study. Following
the life, successes and failures of Biblical leaders can help students identify with the chal enges
and potential impact of godly leadership. Some good examples: Moses, Daniel, Joseph, David
and Solomon.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
NEXT STEPS IV: MATERIAL RESOURCES
Often there are material resources (books, bible study guides, training exercises, etc.) that can
be helpful. As you are determining the "next steps" in advancing your ministry, here are a few
material resources to keep in mind:
BOOKS AND PUBLISHING: UNDERSTANDING BLACK MALE CULTURE
Murrow, David "Why Men Hate Going to Church." This groundbreaking book reveals why men
are the world's largest unreached people group. With eye-opening research and a persuasive
grasp on the facts, Murrow explains the problem and offers hope and encouragement to
women, pastors, and men. Why Men Hate Going to Church does not call men back to the
church-it calls the church back to men.
Kunjufu, Jawanza, "Adam Where Are You." This book raises the question of why most black men
don't go to church. It asks why the percentage of African-American men is greater in Islam than
in Christianity? It asks, how can the church draw African-American males into its ranks?
Woodson, Carter G. "The Miseducation of the Negro." A classic by C. Woodson on the negative
effects of American Society on African Americans.
Simmons, Darryl, "Sound the Trumpet." Darryl Simmons explores the struggles that African
American men confront daily. Like a beacon of light, these powerful messages present an
awakened spirituality as an alternative to such escapes as drugs, crime, and sexual misconduct.
Key, William and Smith, Robert Johnson, "From One Brother to Another." This collection of voices
reflect struggles, triumphs, hopes, and dreams of African American men of all ages and
socioeconomic levels as they reflect on issues that affect them every day. The authors present
reflections on such themes as unity, peace, justice, faith, liberation, family, cooperation,
perseverance, responsibility, hope and diversity.
Hooks, Bell, "We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity." In these critical essays, Bell Hooks
examines what black males fear most (maternal sadism, loss, emasculation) and probes the
depths of their longing for intimacy, for fathers, for meaningful relationships. Highlighting the
value of a feminist approach to understanding black masculinity, Hooks looks at the way
patriarchal thought and action undermine black male self-esteem. With compassion and
generosity, Bell Hooks contends that black men become loving individuals only as they accept
full accountability for shaping their destiny.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
MATERIAL RESOURCES CNT'D
BOOKS AND PUBLISHING: USEFUL FOR DISCIPLING BLACK MEN
Jakes, T.D. "He-Motions." A spiritual guide for men on how to balance the conflicting demands
of today's world presents biblically based recommendations on how to fulfill God's intentions, in
a volume that also offers women insight into a man's emotional mindset.
Eldredge, John, "Wild at Heart." Wild at Heart takes men on a journey through which John
Eldredge encourages them to be dangerous. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in
the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk.
Stoker, Fred and Yorkey, Mike, "Every Man's Battle." Every Man's Battle shares the stories of
dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan
for any man who desires sexual purity-perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who
want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future.
Munroe, Myles, "Understanding the Power and Purpose of Men." Understanding the Purpose and
Power of Men by Dr. Myles Munroe tackles the critical issue of men's identity in the climate of
today's ever changing cultural standards and reveals how men can fulfill their true destiny and
potential.
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BCM NEXT STEPS
DISCIPLESHIP OF BLACK MEN
CAMPUS MINISTRY RESOURCE
BCM NEXT STEPS SUMMARY
TARGET AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT:
What are the 3 key obstacles you are seeking to address?
1) _____________________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________________
3) _____________________________________________________________
What two areas of chapter building are weaknesses you need to invest in?
1) __________________________
2) __________________________
NEXT STEPS TO TAKE:
What two areas of chapter building are strengths you can capitalize on?
1) __________________________
2) __________________________
Which strategic tips in particular will be helpful as you take your next steps?
1) _____________________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________________
3) _____________________________________________________________
Who are people resources that can help you take your next steps?
1) __________________________
2) __________________________
3) __________________________
4) __________________________
What might be important scriptural and material resources for taking these next steps?
1) _____________________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________________
3) _____________________________________________________________
4) _____________________________________________________________
5) _____________________________________________________________
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