Goal: Introduce each man through a familiar object.
Step by step
- Ask each man, before the retreat, to bring one tool or choose a picture of one from a printed sheet: hammer, level, wrench, saw, tape measure.
- In groups of 6, each man says in 30 seconds which tool he is like and why. Allow 10 minutes total.
- Ask the group to notice how different the tools are and yet all useful in one toolbox.
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:18 and ask each table to name one tool the group would miss if it were gone.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 12:18 — God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted
Variation: For men who prefer not to speak, let them draw the tool on a card and show it.
Goal: Practice mutual encouragement in pairs.
Step by step
- Pair the men and give each pair 2 index cards. Each writes one strength he sees in his partner.
- Swap cards and let each man read what was written about him in silence.
- Then each pair talks for 3 minutes about one goal they have for the next month.
- Read Proverbs 27:17 and ask each pair to promise to check in once by text during the week.
Key verse: Proverbs 27:17 — iron sharpens iron, and a friend sharpens a friend
Variation: With a group of 40 or more, rotate partners twice, 3 minutes each.
Goal: Show that strength grows when men are joined together.
Step by step
- Divide into teams of 3. Give each trio 3 ropes and a table.
- Ask them to braid the cord in 3 minutes, then try to pull it apart by hand and compare it with one single rope.
- Ask: who are the 2 other men who make you stronger? Each man names them silently on a card.
- Read Ecclesiastes 4:12 and invite trios to pray together for 2 minutes.
Key verse: Ecclesiastes 4:12 — a cord of three strands is not quickly broken
Variation: For a big room, use yarn or string instead of rope and let each table braid their own.
Goal: Let each man share part of his story with his own pace.
Step by step
- Ask each man to open his phone and pick 3 photos that show who he is. Make clear that nothing private or painful is required.
- Form groups of 4 and give each man 3 minutes. He may skip any photo and keep the phone in his pocket.
- Ask the group to listen without commenting or advising during the sharing.
- Read Psalm 139:1 and close with one sentence: 'God knows us fully and still loves us'.
Key verse: Psalm 139:1 — Lord, you have searched me and known me
Variation: For men who do not like phones, use index cards and draw three stick figures.
Goal: Remember what God has done in each man's life.
Step by step
- Give each man a smooth stone and a permanent marker. Allow 5 minutes of silence to write one word on it, such as 'faithful', 'healed' or 'provided'.
- In groups of 5, each man can place the stone on the table and explain it in under a minute, or simply place it without a word.
- Build a cairn or pile in the middle of the room with all the stones.
- Read Joshua 4:6-7 and explain that the pile will remind them of God's work. Pray together for 3 minutes.
Key verse: Joshua 4:6 — the stones will be a sign among you for your children when they ask what they mean
Variation: Take a photo of the pile and display it at the next men's meeting.
Goal: Illustrate that Christ invites men to hand over what they carry.
Step by step
- Fill a backpack with a few light books (about 5 pounds) and ask 3 volunteers to wear it for a minute while you read Matthew 11:28-30.
- Give each man a slip of paper and 4 minutes to write one burden privately: work, health, money, family. Nothing is read aloud.
- Invite men to place the folded slip at the foot of a cross or table when they are ready. Staying seated is also fine.
- Pray together for 3 minutes, then promise that the slips will be shredded unread.
Key verse: Matthew 11:28 — come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Variation: At a long retreat, repeat this on the last night with a new slip: one thing I will keep carrying with God's help.
Goal: Create a quiet hour for renewal before God.
Step by step
- Send the men out for 20 minutes of silence in the building or on the grounds, with a Bible and a card that has Psalm 51 printed on it.
- Ask each man to read the psalm slowly and write on the card one sentence of prayer: what he wants God to renew in his heart.
- Nothing is shared with the group. Let men return one by one when they are ready.
- Close with a spoken prayer together, using the words of Psalm 51:10.
Key verse: Psalm 51:10 — create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me
Variation: Provide chairs in a side room for men who cannot sit on the ground or walk far.
Goal: Turn good intentions into a written commitment for home.
Step by step
- Give each man a sheet of paper and an envelope. Ask him to write a letter to his wife, children or someone dear to him.
- Suggest three parts: one thing I am thankful for in you, one thing I want to do better, one promise I am making.
- Allow 15 minutes. The letter stays private until it is delivered by the man himself.
- Close by reading Joshua 24:15 aloud together as a household pledge.
Key verse: Joshua 24:15 — as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
Variation: A single man can write to a parent, a friend or a church family.
Goal: Walk through Peter's restoration with guided questions.
Step by step
- Read John 21:9-17 slowly, then divide into groups of 4.
- Ask the groups to answer in turn: 'How did Jesus treat Peter?' and 'What did Jesus ask him to do?'. Keep it on Peter, not on personal confession.
- Give each man 3 minutes to write privately: 'Where do I need to hear Jesus ask me again?'
- Pray for each other in pairs. Nobody is required to tell the other what he wrote.
Key verse: John 21:17 — Jesus asked him the third time, Simon, do you love me?
Variation: At a small retreat, read John 21 as a group with different men reading Jesus, Peter and the narrator.
Goal: Close the retreat with prayer for each other and a clear send-off.
Step by step
- Group the men in threes by neighborhood or church ministry. Give each trio a card.
- Each man writes one prayer request he is happy to share, such as work, health or family. They pray for each other for 3 minutes each.
- Exchange phone numbers and agree on one check-in each week for 4 weeks.
- Close all together reading James 5:16, then a pastor gives a blessing.
Key verse: James 5:16 — pray for one another so that you may be healed
Variation: Nobody is expected to share more than the request on the card.
