“The Church often doesn’t attract men,” says Bishop Donald McFarlane. “We need to speak their language, meet them where they are, and model true strength.”
At NFCM, reaching men is not an afterthought. It is one of the things our church cares about most.
When men know Jesus, families follow
Joshua’s declaration to the twelve tribes still speaks to us today:
Choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
We long to see families turn from modern-day idolatry and serve the Lord, and so we are deliberate about reaching the men of our society. We believe wholeheartedly that when men, fathers and husbands, know Jesus, their families will come to Christ, and the ripple effect is encouraging for the Kingdom.
The struggles men face
“Many lack accountability and support,” the Bishop says. “Sexual purity and identity in church spaces are real challenges. We must be intentional in reaching them.”
Society has painted men as introverts when it comes to personal matters. But when men are given a non-judgmental space, they feel comfortable to share and be healed. Men are comfortable sharing with men. You can see it at any barbershop, where men will talk for hours.
Roast breadfruit and a game of dominoes
That is why NFCM’s approach to men looks a little different. In the Bishop’s words: “You can’t counsel men like women. Do it over roast breadfruit or a game of dominoes. Be present in their space.”
Our men’s ministry stands on three pillars: evangelism, support, and mentorship of the next generation.
Evangelism: the Men’s Prayer Breakfast
A staple on our calendar, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast is one of the ways we share the gospel. Each man is encouraged to bring an unsaved male friend, family member, neighbour or associate, and the programme is built around delivering the truth of God in a practical, relatable and real way.
Support: retreats, linkups and special projects
Whether it is over a game of dominoes, a barbecue in the cool hills of St Andrew, a hike, or upgrades to the sanctuary, our men have grown stronger through time together. Retreats and linkups include presentations on financial, mental and spiritual wellness.
Mentorship: the next generation
When we look at the culture and its impact on our young men, the need for mentorship is obvious. Our young men are being enticed by the world and its standards. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to become all things to all people, so that by all possible means some might be saved.
So our approach is not to judge young men but to meet them where they are: to understand their circumstances, offer guidance from our experience, demystify the Scriptures and guide them on righteous paths. Our men deliberately identify youths and young adults in the fellowship and adopt them as mentees, and our retreats include a mentorship component.
Young people are our future, and we believe in playing our part in restoring godly standards in our land through the next generation.
Change agents at home, in church and in society
Our aim is to support, encourage, empower and equip the men of NFCM to be change agents in society, and leaders in their homes, churches and communities.
If you are a man looking for a place to belong, grow and be real, you are welcome at NFCM. Bring a friend.
Drawn from the Department of Men & Sports feature in the NFCM 18th Anniversary Magazine (2023) and Bishop McFarlane’s interview in the 40th Pastoral Anniversary Magazine (2025).