When you think about inviting a friend to church, do you envision walking in the front door together, or meeting just inside? Sure, it can happen this way, but this particular method of connecting others with a church is on the decline.

More and more people are using the side door, so to speak. A “side door” ministry is an intentional group or gathering that provides an opportunity for connection around a common interest or activity. As with most things, relationships are key: first connect people to people, and then connect people to Jesus.

A group of guys at New Covenant recently started a side door ministry, but you probably won’t hear them call it that. Jason Bowman, Craig Coder, Justin Jorgensen, James Kleveland, and Nate Veldhuizen launched MenVentures — a vehicle to bring men together through a variety of outdoor adventures, and ultimately, to point them to Christ.

“We are all part of the same small group and have built friendships through shared interests in these activities,” James says. “We hope to provide an opportunity for other men to connect together through outdoor activities as well.”

James says any and all guys are welcome to join them. While the group doesn’t have a set schedule yet, pursuits of snowshoeing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, shooting, cycling, and camping are all on the list of activities they seek to do as a group. MenVentures set up a website, or you can reach out to any of the men directly to learn more.

So what’s your passion? What could your side door ministry be?
We pray God will reveal a way of connecting with others through shared activities.