Leader Action Pack

Your goal is to remove friction and get started. Do not overcomplicate it. Follow these steps this week.

1. Pick a Date, Time, and Venue: Consistency is key. Choose a time that works for most men and stick to it.
2. Invite the Men: Use the WhatsApp template below. A personal invitation is powerful. Call, don't just text.
3. Explain the Model: Tell them this is a completion-based journey. There's no pressure to keep up with a date; progress is made by doing the work. Each chapter unlocks the next.
4. Set Up Mentorship: At your first meeting, have each man open the app, navigate to the Mentorship section, and select you as their mentor. This is crucial for accountability.

This structure is a guide. Adapt it to your group, but always respect their time.

• 10 min: Welcome & Prayer: Start on time. Open with a short prayer, asking God to lead the discussion.
• 20 min: Discuss Key Reading: Don't re-teach the chapter. Ask 1-2 simple questions:
  • "What was one thing that stood out to you from this week's reading?"
  • "How does this truth challenge the way you currently live?"
• 25 min: Practical Challenge Discussion: This is the core. The goal is obedience (James 1:22). Ask:
  • "What did you DO in response to last week's challenge?"
  • "What was hard? What did God show you?"
• 10 min: Commitments & Prayer: Have each man state one small step of obedience for the coming week. Pray for each other by name.
• Optional: Assign "buddy check-ins" where two men briefly check on each other midweek via text.

Your role is to facilitate, not to preach. You are a "guide on the side," not a "sage on the stage."

• What to Ask: "What is God saying to you?" and "What are you going to do about it?" These are your most powerful questions.
• How to Respond: Encourage honesty. Clarify biblical truth when needed. Always call them back to simple obedience. Celebrate small wins.
• When to Escalate: You are not a professional counselor. If a man reveals issues of abuse, severe addiction, or suicidal thoughts, you MUST immediately bring it to your church's pastoral leadership or a qualified professional counselor. Do not try to handle it alone.
• Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group. Create a safe space by modeling confidentiality. Do not force men to share.

1. WhatsApp Invite Message

Brothers, I'm leading a 12-week discipleship journey called "Rise Up, Man of God" and I want you to join me. It's a practical, no-fluff guide to becoming the spiritual leaders we're called to be. We'll meet weekly to hold each other accountable. Are you in? Let me know.

2. Weekly Reminder Message

Reminder: Rise Up group tomorrow at [Time] at [Venue]. Make sure you've completed Chapter [Number] and are ready to discuss the practical challenge. Praying for you.

3. Group Covenant (Read at first meeting)

We agree to: show up on time, be honest about our struggles, listen with respect, keep everything confidential, and apply what we learn.

4. "Choose a Mentor" Explanation

This app allows you to share your private journal reflections with a mentor for accountability. During our first meeting, please open the app, go to the 'Mentorship' tab, and search for my name to select me as your mentor. This allows me to see only the entries you choose to share.

5. Closing Prayer Prompt

"God, thank you for these men. Help [Man 1's Name] to [his commitment], help [Man 2's Name] to [his commitment]... Give us the strength to be doers of Your Word this week. In Jesus' name, Amen."

• Low Engagement: Are you talking too much? Ask more questions. Call on men by name if needed. Make it clear that practical application, not theological debate, is the goal.
• Men Falling Behind: The completion-locked design helps, but life happens. Privately check in with the man. Ask, "How can I pray for you?" Do not shame him. Encourage him to take the next small step.
• Sensitive Disclosures: If a man over-shares or reveals something serious, thank him for his honesty. After the group, speak with him privately and guide him toward pastoral care.
• Conflict/Dominance: If one man dominates the conversation, gently redirect: "Thanks, [Name]. Let's hear from someone who hasn't shared yet." Address conflict privately with Christ-like love.

Your journey as a leader starts now. Begin by completing the Preface yourself. Lead from the front by doing the work first. God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called (2 Timothy 2:2). Trust Him to work through you.