Trying to figure out what kind of bait the fish want is one of the biggest challenges in filling your stringer for supper. I will be the first to admit that fishing for fish is very different than fishing for men, but some aspects are very similar it seems. In both situations the first reaction might be to grab the biggest or shiniest lure you have. When it comes to fishing for men, that “lure” might be a big building or some program, fancy technology, or some other material item that evokes a physical attraction.

The only problem is that in most cases, this doesn’t make for or generate permanence. Some folks might nibble the bait, but very few folks will take that bait. To catch fish you have to leave the house and go out to the lake or river where the fish are. It works the same way with men. We won’t catch them in a building or with a program. Christ’s effort and life was a “going out” ministry. The apostles left everything to follow Christ and fish for men. They followed the Master and learned how to fish. Like them we have to leave our homes and our buildings to imitate the ministry of Christ. Buildings and programs are good things to have but they are not good lures to catch men. Getting out and developing personal relationships with those around us will attract many more fish as Christ so readily demonstrated.

Some great things have happened within church buildings. Gathering together with other members of the Body of Christ to worship and fellowship is essential. I am grateful for a nice building to worship in, I have learned a lot about Christ within those walls. But fishing for men involves going outside those walls, develop relationships with people, as Christ commissioned us to do and spread the Good News!