Men's groups
How to run a men's Bible study that men actually come back to
Most men's groups fade not because men don't care, but because meetings drift into small talk or turn into a lecture. A simple, repeatable format fixes both. This guide gives you a 45-minute structure, books to start with and questions that move from information to honest application.
Keep the group small and the format fixed
Three to eight men is the sweet spot: small enough that everyone talks, large enough that one absence doesn't cancel the meeting. Split into twos or threes for the honest part if the group grows.
Use the same structure every week so nobody wonders what happens next. Predictability makes it easier for quieter men to open up.
A 45-minute meeting format
- 5 minutes — Check-in: each man answers one quick question (a high and a low from the week).
- 10 minutes — Read: read the passage aloud, twice, ideally by two different men.
- 15 minutes — Discuss: What does it say? What does it show about God? What does it ask of us?
- 10 minutes — Apply: each man names one specific action for the coming week.
- 5 minutes — Pray: pray for each other by name, including last week's actions.
Good first books for a men's group
James is five short chapters about trials, words, money and a faith that acts — ideal for a 5- to 10-week study. Mark gives a fast, vivid picture of Jesus. Proverbs suits a looser format where each man brings one verse that challenged him.
Avoid starting with a long or symbolic book. Early wins build momentum.
Questions that get past small talk
- Where did this passage make you uncomfortable?
- What would change this week if you actually believed this?
- Where are you most tempted to ignore this teaching?
- Who in your life needs to see this lived out?
- What did you commit to last week, and how did it go?
Keep men coming back
Start and end on time; men protect meetings that respect their schedule. Follow up on commitments gently: the point is support, not scorekeeping. Proverbs 27:17 pictures men sharpening each other — friction with purpose, not judgment.
Give men something to do between meetings. A short daily routine keeps the conversation alive during the week.
Using FORGED with a group
Some groups ask every man to do the same short daily routine between meetings. FORGED provides one: a practical challenge, a World English Bible passage with a plain-English explanation, and quiet prayer, about ten minutes a day. Day 1, Bible Basics and the glossary are free; the full 90 days are part of Premium.
The free Sermon Notes tool also works for capturing group discussion. See our free men's group kit for a printable invitation and leader script.
Scripture · World English Bible
“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.”
Proverbs 27:17 (WEB)
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 (WEB)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (WEB)
Common questions
How long should a men's Bible study be?
About 45 to 60 minutes. A fixed format — check-in, read, discuss, apply, pray — keeps it focused.
What book should a men's group study first?
James is a strong first choice: short, practical and full of discussion. Mark and Proverbs also work well.
How many men should be in a group?
Three to eight. Larger groups can split into twos or threes for the application and prayer time.
Do I need to be a Bible expert to lead?
No. A leader's main job is to read the passage, ask good questions and keep time. It's fine to say 'I don't know — let's find out.'