Not Many Fathers — Men’s Ministry Small-Group Kit
A four-session small-group study for U.S. men’s ministries and leadership teams grounded in Scripture and inspired by Robert J. Cottle’s Not Many Fathers. These sessions are humble, practical, and aimed at cultivating spiritual fatherhood in local churches. Each session pairs short Scripture readings with questions designed to encourage reflection, mutual accountability, and concrete next steps. For more on the book and the author, see https://robertjcottle.com and https://www.amazon.com/Not-Many-Fathers-Othniel-became/dp/1738615030.
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Session 1: Session 1 — Called to Rise: Othniel and the Gift of a Spiritual Father
Scripture: Judges 3:7-11; 1 Corinthians 4:14-17
- What stands out to you in the story of Othniel (Judges 3:7-11)? How does God’s use of a humble leader challenge common ideas about leadership?
- Paul calls believers his children and talks about spiritual fathers (1 Cor 4:14-17). Who in your life has shaped your faith—what did their influence look like?
- What fears or barriers keep you from stepping into a mentoring role? Name one small step you could take this week toward being a spiritual father.
Pray for God to reveal one man you can intentionally invest in this year. Ask for humility, patience, and wisdom to reflect Christ rather than your own agenda.
Session 2: Session 2 — Character Before Program: Formation of a Spiritual Father
Scripture: Titus 2:1-8; Proverbs 20:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-26
- Titus 2 emphasizes character and teaching. Which qualities listed there are most needed in your life to lead others well?
- Proverbs and 2 Timothy call leaders to integrity and patient correction. How do you respond when leadership requires confronting sin or calling for change?
- What spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, confession, Sabbath, accountability) do you need to cultivate to become the kind of man others can follow? Choose one to begin this week.
Take two minutes of silent confession; then pray together for courage to pursue holiness and for the Holy Spirit to form these qualities in one another.
Session 3: Session 3 — Practices of Mentoring: Reproducible, Relational, Rooted in Scripture
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 13:7
- Paul’s model in 2 Timothy is reproducible discipleship. What practical rhythms could you use to pass faith along (regular meetings, shared reading, service together)?
- Ephesians calls leaders to equip the body for maturity. How can your leadership teams move from programming to equipping men to disciple others?
- Who in your church could you invite into a simple, reproducible mentoring relationship? Commit to one contact this week and share how you’ll begin.
Agree on a simple mentoring rhythm (example: 1 hour/month + weekly check-ins). Pray for the men you will approach and for clarity in how to begin.
Session 4: Session 4 — Legacy, Accountability, and Leading with Hope
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Hebrews encourages endurance and remembering our leaders. How has the witness of past leaders shaped your own perseverance?
- What accountability structures are healthy and sustainable for your leadership teams (peer groups, elders, mentoring triads)? What needs to change?
- Consider legacy: what one word or quality do you want men you mentor to remember about you? How will you pursue that now?
Each man briefly names one practical commitment (who, what, when) to develop spiritual fatherhood. Close by commissioning one another in prayer for faithfulness and endurance.