This is a slam-dunk, especially when you and your guys all live in the same neighborhood.

Right now, there are people living within 1000 feet of your door who want to do something bigger than they’re able to handle by themselves. You just don’t know about it yet.

The new people who moved in up the street hate the vines that are rotting their back fence. An older guy is worried about getting on a ladder to repair the screens on his porch. And that young couple, as capable as they are, just needs a crew of guys to show up with shovels and knock out that lingering backyard project.

So how do you and your guys find out about these things? You ask women. Among all the women connected to your group, chances are someone knows someone who needs something: a deck repaired, brush cleared, or a retaining wall built.

If not, just give it some time. Keep an ear out during normal conversation, street waving, and hanging out at the pool. When you hear someone is doing something that sounds pretty big, ask if they’d like some help. Tell them you and other guys in the neighborhood like getting together and doing this stuff. And there’s usually beer afterward…they’d actually be doing you a favor.

Here’s the cool part: you will only have to work at finding the first 3 opportunities before word spreads about “this group of guys.” From then on, your women will conveniently hear about all kinds of opportunities to help people that really need it. Count on it. Even better, guys you don’t even know yet will walk up to you and say “next time you do something like that, call me.”

A few other key points to consider

1. Know when to leave it with a pro. If you’re in doubt, don’t do it. You’re not there to replace an expert who knows not to cross those two wires you’re holding in your hands.
2. Hang out afterwards and enjoy. We used to spend a day cutting felled trees and then share a few beers with the property owner. We called it “beer and chainsaws.” (We did those in the reverse order, obviously.)
3. Don’t bring up the fact that this is a men’s group or use words like “serving,” “Christ-like,” or “ministry.” And don’t wear matching T-shirts that say something goofy like “Doin’ good for God.” We will show up and revoke your man card. Just be a help to someone who needs it…you’re doing it because you want to, that’s all.