Cultural views on masculinity are often confusing and conflicting. Some promote aggression, dominance, and independence as the ultimate signs of manhood. Others reject masculinity altogether, labeling it as toxic or outdated. Young men struggle to understand their identity when the world offers extremes that either encourage destructive behaviors or discourage masculine traits entirely. Without a clear standard, many fall into harmful patterns or lack direction altogether. Youth pastors and leaders play a crucial role in shaping a Christ-centered perspective on biblical masculinity, helping young men find their true identity in God’s design.

Biblical masculinity is not about dominance or weakness—it is about Christlike strength, humility, and leadership. Society’s definitions often fall short because they ignore the biblical foundation for manhood. Some cultural messages encourage men to suppress emotions and seek power, while others push them toward passivity and disengagement. Neither extreme reflects the heart of biblical masculinity. Instead, Scripture presents a model rooted in responsibility, service, and faithfulness. Only God’s Word provides a foundation that upholds both strength and compassion, courage and humility. Youth pastors and leaders must embrace this truth and equip young men to reject worldly distortions in favor of God’s perfect design.

Momentum Youth Conference exists to equip leaders to disciple young men with a biblical vision of manhood. Understanding biblical masculinity helps young men embrace responsibility, integrity, and faith while avoiding harmful stereotypes. At this summer’s conference, youth pastors and leaders will receive practical tools to teach a Christ-centered approach to masculinity. By grounding their ministries in Scripture, they can raise up young men who lead with love, serve with humility, and walk in the strength of their faith. This blog will provide insights and guidance to help youth leaders shape the next generation of godly men.

Biblical Masculinity: Rooted in God’s Design

Biblical masculinity begins with understanding God’s design for men and women. Genesis 1:26-27 declares that both are created in God’s image, equal in value yet distinct in role. This means that masculinity is not about superiority but about reflecting God’s character in a unique way. While men and women share the call to glorify God, biblical masculinity carries specific responsibilities, such as leadership, provision, and protection. Youth pastors and leaders must help young men see that their identity is not shaped by cultural trends but by God’s intentional design.

Genesis 2:15 reinforces this calling by showing Adam’s responsibility to work and steward creation. Biblical masculinity involves both strength and humility—strength to lead and protect and humility to serve and obey God. A godly man does not use his strength for selfish gain but to care for others with wisdom and love. This balance reflects Jesus, who demonstrated power through sacrifice and leadership through service. Teaching young men to embrace this balance will help them develop a Christ-centered view of manhood that honors God and serves those around them.

Jesus as the Ultimate Model of Manhood

Jesus perfectly embodied biblical masculinity by displaying both strength and gentleness. In Matthew 11:29, He describes Himself as “gentle and humble in heart,” offering rest to the weary. Yet, in John 2:15, He boldly overturned tables in the temple, driving out those who dishonored God’s house. His life reveals that biblical masculinity is not about aggression or passivity but about knowing when to be firm and when to be tender. Youth pastors and leaders must help young men understand that true strength is controlled, purposeful, and always aligned with God’s will.

Jesus also demonstrated leadership through servanthood, setting an example of humility and sacrifice. In Mark 10:45, He declares that He came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” One of the most powerful displays of this is in John 13:14-15, where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, a task usually reserved for the lowliest servant. Biblical masculinity is not about seeking power or dominance but about leading through service. Youth pastors must challenge young men to embrace servant leadership, following Christ’s model of love, humility, and selflessness.

Jesus perfectly balanced compassion and justice, showing that biblical masculinity includes both mercy and truth. In Luke 4:18-19, He proclaims His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the broken. Yet, He also called out sin, confronted hypocrisy, and stood for righteousness. This balance is crucial for young men to understand—biblical masculinity does not ignore injustice or excuse wrongdoing. Instead, it seeks to protect the vulnerable, stand for truth, and extend grace. Youth pastors and leaders must equip young men to follow Jesus’ example, living with both conviction and compassion.

Applying Biblical Principles

​In guiding young men toward biblical masculinity, selecting appropriate Bible study resources is essential. The article “Essential Student Bible Study Books: Our Top Picks” recommends “Holy Habits” by Noah Herrin, which focuses on developing spiritual disciplines like prayer and service—key aspects of biblical masculinity. By engaging with such materials, young men can cultivate habits that reflect strength through disciplined faith and humility through dedicated service. 

Additionally, “Get Used to Different” by The Chosen challenges readers to embrace a countercultural lifestyle, mirroring Jesus’ balance of compassion and justice. This resource encourages young men to lead through servanthood and stand firm in their convictions, embodying the essence of biblical masculinity. Incorporating these studies into youth ministries equips young men to develop a Christ-centered understanding of manhood, fostering both spiritual growth and godly character. 

Core Traits of Biblical Masculinity

Biblical masculinity calls men to a life of responsibility, where they provide for others, protect the vulnerable, and lead with integrity. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul stresses that a man who neglects his family has “denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This responsibility goes beyond physical provision—it includes spiritual leadership and emotional support. At the same time, true biblical masculinity is rooted in humility and servanthood. Philippians 2:3-8 reveals how Christ, though fully God, humbled Himself to serve and sacrifice for others. Godly men do not seek power for selfish gain but use their strength to uplift and serve those around them. Youth pastors must help young men see that leading with integrity means putting others before themselves, just as Christ did.

Along with responsibility and humility, biblical masculinity requires courage, strength, self-control, and purity. Joshua 1:9 commands men to “be strong and courageous,” reminding them that God’s presence sustains them through trials. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 16:13 calls men to stand firm in faith and act with strength. Biblical masculinity is not about being emotionless but about trusting God even in difficult times. In addition, Titus 2:6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 emphasize the importance of self-control and purity, urging young men to pursue holiness in a world that promotes indulgence. Youth pastors play a vital role in teaching young men to embrace these qualities, helping them become leaders who walk in integrity, resist temptation, and live boldly for Christ.

Applying These Principles

Momentum Ministries Partners provides valuable insights into the principles of biblical masculinity, aligning closely with the characteristics of responsibility, humility, courage, and self-control as outlined in Scripture. Eric Miller and Jeff Bogue discuss the importance of men providing for their families, protecting the vulnerable, and leading with integrity, echoing 1 Timothy 5:8, which states that neglecting these duties is a denial of the faith. This underscores the biblical mandate for men to be diligent stewards in their personal and communal lives.​

Furthermore, the episode highlights the significance of humility and servanthood, drawing from Philippians 2:3-8, where Christ’s selfless service serves as the ultimate model. It also addresses the necessity of courage and strength in facing life’s challenges, as encouraged in Joshua 1:9 and 1 Corinthians 16:13, and advocates for self-control and purity, aligning with Titus 2:6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. By integrating these scriptural principles, this podcast episode offers a comprehensive understanding of biblical masculinity, providing youth pastors and leaders with a resource to guide young men toward embodying these virtues in their daily lives.

Addressing Cultural Misconceptions

Culture often presents extreme and distorted views of masculinity, pushing young men toward hyper-aggression or passivity. Hyper-aggression tells men they must dominate, suppress emotions, and prioritize power over relationships. On the other hand, passivity strips men of responsibility, discouraging leadership and sacrifice. Neither extreme reflects God’s design for biblical masculinity. Youth pastors must recognize these harmful stereotypes and help young men see that true masculinity is not defined by culture but by Scripture.

The Bible calls men to balance toughness with tenderness, reflecting both strength and humility. Jesus embodied this balance perfectly—He overturned tables in righteous anger (John 2:15) but also showed deep compassion to the broken (Matthew 11:29). Men are called to be strong in their convictions, protective of those entrusted to them, and courageous in their faith. However, they are also called to be humble, kind, and self-controlled. Biblical masculinity embraces both boldness and grace, rejecting the false idea that men must choose between the two.

Youth pastors play a crucial role in guiding young men away from cultural distortions and toward biblical truth. This requires intentional discipleship, biblical teaching, and real-life mentorship. Encouraging young men to study Scripture, observe godly role models, and develop habits of prayer and service will help them embrace a Christ-centered view of manhood. By pointing them to Jesus as the ultimate example of biblical masculinity, leaders can equip young men to reject harmful stereotypes and walk confidently in God’s design for their lives.

Practical Ways to Teach and Model Biblical Manhood

Mentorship and discipleship are essential in shaping young men into godly leaders. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” emphasizing the importance of strong, faith-filled relationships. Titus 2:6-8 instructs older men to set an example for younger men, teaching them to be self-controlled, upright, and sound in faith. Youth pastors and leaders must foster mentorship opportunities where young men can learn from godly role models who exemplify biblical masculinity. Through discipleship, young men gain wisdom, accountability, and encouragement as they grow in their faith and character.

Providing young men with opportunities to lead and serve is crucial in developing their biblical masculinity. Whether through church ministries, mission trips, or service projects, giving them responsibilities allows them to apply what they learn in real-life situations. Jesus modeled servant leadership, teaching that greatness comes through serving others (Mark 10:45). When young men are encouraged to take the initiative—whether leading a small group, organizing an outreach, or mentoring younger students—they develop confidence in their ability to lead with humility and integrity.

Beyond leadership, young men need guidance in navigating relationships, responsibility, and faith. They face challenges in friendships, dating, work, and decision-making, all of which require wisdom and biblical discernment. Youth pastors should equip them with scriptural principles on integrity, purity, and perseverance. By grounding them in truth and surrounding them with godly mentors, young men will be better prepared to handle life’s challenges with faith and character. Investing in their growth today ensures that they will become strong, Christ-centered leaders in their families, churches, and communities.

Biblical Masculinity Overall

Raising up godly men who reflect Christ is one of the most important responsibilities of youth pastors and leaders. In a world filled with confusion about masculinity, young men need strong role models who embody responsibility, humility, courage, and self-control. Biblical masculinity is not about dominance or weakness—it is about leading with integrity, serving with humility, and standing firm in faith. By teaching young men to follow Jesus’ example, youth leaders can equip the next generation to live with purpose, honor, and godly conviction.

Momentum Youth Conference is committed to strengthening young believers holistically, equipping them to grow in their faith and live out biblical truth. This conference provides an opportunity for youth pastors and students to be challenged, encouraged, and empowered through dynamic teaching, worship, and community. We encourage you to pray for the young men in your ministry and commit to intentional discipleship that shapes them into Christlike leaders. Learn more about how Momentum Youth Conference can support you in this mission by checking out Momentum Youth Conference. Let’s raise up a generation of men who boldly live out their faith!