Mission Statement
T0 promote Christian Fellowship and the strengthening and establishment of Churches after the New Testament pattern.
Background
Men For Christ is a free and voluntary association of men of the Christian churches of south central Kentucky. It began in Columbia, Kentucky, in the early 1950's. The need for new congregations was discussed in meetings of the South Central Kentucky Christian Ministers Association. The decision was made to get the men of the churches together to discuss the idea. On Monday night, January 28, 1952, at the Columbia Christian Church, Men For Christ conducted its first meeting. Roy Belt of Elizabethtown was elected the first president of what was to become a highly effective church-planting movement among the churches of the area. Ever since then, meetings have been held monthly (except December) on the fourth Monday night of each month.
Meeting Formats
The monthly meetings are an inspiration to all who attend. Made up entirely of men, they begin at 7 p.m. with a dinner served by the host church. This is followed with a rousing song session, a sermon by a recognized worker in evangelism, and the business session. The executive committee meets during the dinner hour and receives reports of all committees and prepares any actions that need to come before the general body. More than 150 men from various congregations are currently attending the meetings.
Respecting Each Church
The first congregation started by Men For Christ was the Owensboro Christian Church. Many congregations have been helped by Men For Christ. The group has come to the aid of congregations who have lost property by fire or flood; who have faced financial difficulties, whose ministers have been seriously ill; and they have helped new churches that started on their own without Men For Christ’s initial support. In the early days, evangelists were hired to help congregations, to preach revivals, and generally to help strengthen the churches. Today, help is generally provided through regular monthly support.
Care has always been taken to respect the independence of the local church. Even new congregations are urged to organize temporary boards to govern their affairs. Men For Christ maintains a close relationship with each new work.
Sources Of Funding
The Men For Christ funds generally come from three sources. An offering is taken at each monthly meeting. Many of the congregations include Men For Christ in their budgets or missions giving. Thirdly, some of the men make a pledge as an Ambassador. They pledge to pray for the success of present and future works, to faithfully attend the meetings and encourage others to attend, and pledge their monthly financial support in amounts ranging from $10 to $50 per month.
The Votaw Trust Fund
Among a long list of faithful men with a heart for the cause was the late Curtis Votaw of Harrodsburg. His faithful presence, commitment, and prayerful generosity led to in 1994 his history-making bequest of $2 million plus dollars to Men For Christ for the purpose of perpetual lending of funds for their church building mission. Mr. Votaw’s generosity has enabled Men For Christ to assist many more congregations and has contributed greatly to winning more souls for Christ.
Communications And Accountability
In an effort to keep in touch, Men For Christ publishes a monthly newsletter, The Builder. Announcements and a schedule of meetings provides a link to the organization when a meeting must be missed. To keep the membership aware of financial matters, a monthly report of the Treasurer is included. Also, our website will help us to keep members instantly apprised as to some of the recent updates and additions to the Men for Christ schedule.
The Future
Men For Christ has accomplished much during the past 55+ years. However, there is still much work to be done and the opportunities for new congregations is apparent. Won’t you join us?