What is Men of Iron?

Men of Iron is a Christian mentoring and discipleship ministry that utilizes the theme of the Knight of the Middle Ages. We use the historical with modern focus. The historical side draws from the history of the European knight in costuming and accoutrements, period style events, and structure. The modern side employs an advancement process to become a modern day knight, men mentoring younger men in Christian values and lifestyle and offering a unique type of fellowship that can be found in very few places.

The time period/region that Men of Iron draws from is the European Knight that existed 1050-1325. It was during this period that history saw the rise and development of chivalry, the code of chivalry, tournaments, and Christian Knighthood.

Men of Iron has three essentials that drive the overall ministry; The Vision, The Mission and the The Goals of Men of Iron.

The Vision

The vision of Men of Iron is to use the theme and color of knighthood as a vehicle to capture a young mans interest. The young men of this land are in need of a place to belong. They need to be welcomed in and surrounded by servants of the High King to help forge them into Godly warriors who will carry the message of the Gospel. This is Men of Iron.

As these young men graduate high school, they enter a place in the church where they are too old to be boys, not yet considered men and expected to act like they know the difference. More often than not it is during this time that many young men drift away from the church.

2019 Barna research statistics on why young people leave the church tells us that 58% of young men ages 18 -29 leave the church after growing up as an active part of the church. For many this is for a time but for an alarmingly large number, they leave for good.

A 2024 Pew research landscape study found that those who identify as Evangelical Protestants 18-29 years of age only make up 14% of the total of that group. When broken down by denomination the percentage in the same age category in most cases drops to half that number. These are those who say they are still an active part of the church. The data shows that some are returning after 30, but this is only a 10% increase. The hard truth is the church struggles to keep young men engaged after 18.

Few have seasoned mentors that will partner with them and train them, point them to a goal and work with them to achieve it. Men of Iron helps to fill that gap and works to keeps young men 9th grade and older engaged in the church. We seek to create resilient disciples.

What is a resilient disciple?

They are the ones who have made a commitment to Jesus, who they believe was crucified and raised to conquer sin and death. They are involved in a faith community beyond attendance at worship services; and believe that the Bible is inspired by God and contains truth about life and the world.

They want a place to belong, a place that provides meaningful relationships that will last. These resilient disciples want to be challenged spiritually to become greater disciples. They want meaningful relationships and to use their talents and gifts to honor the Lord. Men of Iron fills that void in their life.

Our Mission

The mission of Men of Iron is described in Proverbs 27:17: “As Iron sharpens Iron, so one Man sharpens another”

Through brotherhood, discipleship, mentoring and fellowship, Men of Iron will sharpen men both young and old to greater service to the King. This is accomplished during our monthly household meetings, work meetings and tournaments. Each of these provide a time of fellowship where men young and old can connect and learn from each other, instruction in various skills and crafts related to the theme of Men of Iron and spiritual development through the presentation of devotions and mentoring.

Our goals of fellowship, discipleship and evangelism are realized in the mission. Our goal is to take unfinished men and begin to guide them through the process of finishing them for the work of the King and His Kingdom.

The Goals of Men of Iron

Fellowship-Through monthly household meetings, tournaments and feasts, our fellowship creates brotherhood among men.

Discipleship– Through brotherhood and mentoring, Men become greater servants as they become more like the King. This is found in our advancement from Page to Squire to Knight. Each of these focuses on biblical and historical examples as men learn to become a servant like Jesus (Page), a standard bearer like the Apostle Paul (Squire) and a prayer warrior like the Prophet Daniel (Knight). This advancement/discipleship process requires men to work with a mentor and others in both his household and church immersing them in a multi layered discipleship process.

Evangelism– The color and excitement of knighthood opens opportunities to present the Gospel to those who don’t yet serve the King. As those who are not yet servants of the King of Kings are exposed to the adventure of Men of Iron, the activities will be a natural outlet for the presentation of the gospel. Often the simple act of wearing medieval garb can initiate a conversation that can lead someone to the knowledge of Christ. People are curious about what they view as different. Men of Iron creates a doorway into that conversation.

The Oath of Men of Iron

I pledge fealty to my sovereign Lord, the Most High God and King.

The Code of Chivalry, Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy, Valor, Loyalty, Justice, Generosity, and Self Control will set my path as I sojourn in this realm.

By living these virtues I will bring honor to my Lord and King and the brotherhood of Men of Iron.

The Code of Chivalry