Iron Men: A Global Cry for the Men of God

Recently, my church’s women’s ministry began fasting and praying for the “Iron Men” men’s ministry at our church.

Iron Men represents many things, but the first thing that came to my mind was Proverbs 27:17:“As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” (AMP).

This got me to thinking about the global body of men all over the world, and just how much of a need there is for this type of fellowship among men everywhere.

I was having a discussion with some of my friends and sisters in Christ about how important men are, not only to the Church, but also to their homes. Studies show that the faith of a child is significantly shaped by that of their father. Men as the head of the home goes so much further than just their ability to financially provide for their family. They also influence the spiritual growth of their family. It’s no surprise that the men are who the enemy seeks to destroy first (think back to Adam and every man that ever fell). If he can destroy the head, he’s got the rest of the body.

“Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.”

‭‭-1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In our world and society over generations, we’ve seen so many things seeking to break and tear down our men. From the streets to the system. From quick money to fast women. From mental health to spiritual darkness and confusion.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.”

‭‭- 1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I believe wholeheartedly that the answer to the revival we wish to see on earth will begin when we see more men taking up this very call and mantle that God has mandated for them.

The problem, however, is an overall need for more spaces for men to sharpen one another. I consistently see opportunities for women through conferences, bustling women’s ministries, women’s retreats, therapy for women…but not enough for the men.

Additionally, with the spaces that are for men, many aren’t able to attend because they’re juggling busy work lives, providing financially for their families, battling mental health challenges, lacking desire for fellowship, confused about their faith all together or in bondage to the sin in their lives. So either there’s little opportunities for men or not enough men able to steward the opportunities.

So as my church is praying and fasting for the men over the next month, I feel led to encourage all those reading to do the same for the men in your lives…your fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and future husbands…the men all around the world. My desire is to see a global body of Iron Men…fighting for the Kingdom, their families, their faith. Taking up their positions as men of God, growing in their intimacy with the Lord, standing firm in their faith. Being all that God has called them to be.

And to the men of God, if you’re reading this: encourage your brothers, pour into them, invite them to your men’s fellowships and small groups, pray for them…reach out to other men of God for help…ask questions…sharpen the iron of the brother next to you. All it takes is one to start it off.

“But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians]. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character]. In a similar way urge the young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely [taking life seriously].”

‭‭-Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬