We sometimes hear discussions about the role of women in the church, but much less is said about the responsibilities God has given to men. Yet the New Testament places serious responsibilities upon Christian men. God calls men not simply to occupy a seat in the assembly, but to become faithful, mature, active servants in the body of Christ.
Paul gave Christian men a powerful charge:
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NASB)
Being a godly man is not primarily about authority, position, or recognition. It is about accepting responsibility and using our lives in service to Christ.
Discipleship comes first
Men Must First Be Faithful Disciples
Before a man can effectively lead anyone else, he must allow Christ to lead him.
Jesus said:
“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23 (NASB)
A Christian man cannot fulfill his responsibilities merely because he is male. His life must be surrendered to Jesus Christ.
He should be a man of prayer (1 Timothy 2:8), a student of Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15), morally pure (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5), self-controlled (Titus 2:6–8), and committed to growing spiritually (2 Peter 3:18).
The church needs men whose Christianity is evident not only on Sunday but throughout the week.
Faith begins at home
Men Must Be Spiritual Leaders in Their Families
One of a Christian man's greatest responsibilities begins at home.
Paul wrote:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25 (NASB)
Notice the model for leadership: Jesus Christ.
Christ's leadership was sacrificial. He loved, served, taught, protected, and ultimately gave Himself for His people. Therefore, biblical leadership in the home is never an excuse for selfishness, harshness, or domination.
A Christian husband should love his wife sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25–29), treat her with understanding and honor (1 Peter 3:7), and remain faithful to his marriage covenant (Hebrews 13:4).
Fathers also have a special responsibility toward their children:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4 (NASB)
A father should not leave the spiritual education of his children entirely to his wife, Bible-class teachers, or the preacher. God expects fathers to help teach their children His truth.
The pattern of Jesus
Men Must Serve
Jesus completely changed the world's definition of greatness.
He said:
“Whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant.”
Mark 10:43 (NASB)
Christian men should therefore be among the first to ask, “What needs to be done?”
There are people who need encouragement. There are widows and elderly Christians who need assistance. There are younger Christians who need guidance. There are visitors who need to be welcomed. There are Bible studies that need to be conducted and countless practical needs within a congregation.
Jesus Himself said that He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
If our Lord was willing to serve, His disciples should be willing to serve as well.
Prepare the next generation
Men Must Teach and Encourage Others
Older and spiritually mature men have an important responsibility to influence younger men.
Paul instructed Titus:
“Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds.”
Titus 2:6–7 (NASB)
Paul demonstrated this principle personally through his relationship with Timothy. He taught Timothy, encouraged him, corrected him, and prepared him to teach others.
Paul told Timothy:
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)
Imagine what could happen in a congregation if every mature Christian man intentionally helped another man become stronger in Christ.
Men need godly examples. Younger men especially need to see Christianity lived before them—not merely explained to them.
Character before position
Qualified Men Should Aspire to Leadership
God has established leadership within the local congregation.
The New Testament identifies elders, also called overseers or shepherds, who care for and oversee the congregation (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1–3).
Paul wrote:
“If any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”
1 Timothy 3:1 (NASB)
The qualifications for elders are given in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. These passages emphasize character, spiritual maturity, family leadership, knowledge of God's Word, and a good reputation.
Likewise, 1 Timothy 3:8–13 gives qualifications for deacons.
Not every Christian man will become an elder or deacon. However, Christian men should develop the kind of character God values in spiritual leaders.
A healthy congregation needs men who are preparing themselves to accept responsibility rather than continually waiting for someone else to do the work.
Truth with Christlike character
Men Must Protect the Truth
Christian men must know God's Word well enough to recognize error.
Paul told Timothy:
“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 1:13 (NASB)
Jude similarly urged Christians to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3).
This does not mean becoming argumentative or harsh. Paul said that the Lord's servant “must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all” (2 Timothy 2:24).
We defend truth while demonstrating the character of Christ.
Strength that depends upon God
Men Must Pray
Paul wrote:
“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute.”
1 Timothy 2:8 (NASB)
The church needs praying men.
Men should pray for their families, congregation, elders, preachers, missionaries, struggling Christians, the lost, and opportunities to spread the gospel.
Prayer reminds us of something essential about biblical manhood: our strength ultimately comes from God, not ourselves.
A visible faith
Men Must Be Examples
Perhaps one of the greatest contributions a Christian man can make to the church is simply to live faithfully.
Paul told Timothy:
“In speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB)
Other Christians are watching us. Our children are watching. Younger men are watching. Our neighbors and coworkers are watching.
A man's example can either strengthen the credibility of the gospel he professes or weaken it.
Accept the responsibility
The Church Needs Faithful Men
The question is not simply, “What positions can men hold in the church?” The more important question is: “What kind of men does God want us to become?”
God wants men who love Him wholeheartedly, know His Word, love their families, serve others, teach truth, encourage the weak, pray faithfully, defend the gospel, and accept responsibility for the work of His church.
You may never preach a sermon. You may never serve as an elder. You may never teach a large Bible class. But there is work you can do. There is someone you can encourage. There is someone you can teach. There is someone you can serve. There is an example you can set.
Christian men should not stand on the sidelines waiting for someone else to do the Lord's work.
Stand firm. Serve faithfully. Lead by example. Love others. Know God's Word. Pray continually. And wherever God gives you an opportunity to serve, do His work in His way.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.”
Colossians 3:23 (NASB)