New Wine and CVM have formed a new partnership aimed at stemming the continuing departure of men from the church.

They are joining forces to host events specifically geared towards men who do not feel the Gospel or existing church models are for them.

The initiative is being pioneered under the title ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’, and will bring together experts in evangelism and male spirituality to head up seminars and talks.

The first event was held just before the New Year at the Soul Survivor Church in Watford and attracted an audience of 700 men.

Another Iron Sharpens Iron event taking place in Manchester this Saturday and has sold out completely.

Rev Carl Beech, CVM Director, said: “Our movement exists to see millions of men in this country encounter the message of Jesus. Over the last 20 years 38% of believing men left the church. The decline is pretty terminal, and if the trend continues in 30 years time, there could be zero men left in church communities in the UK.

“We are hugely excited to be in partnership with New Wine to reach men. We both have the same vision of seeing local churches transform the UK and we both see reaching men as fundamental to seeing that vision fulfilled. By working together we can achieve so much more for the Kingdom. We're full of anticipation for what God is doing!”

Beech will join Manchester church leader Anthony Delaney and New Wine Regional Director Mark Melluish at this Saturday’s event.

Melluish welcomed the partnership between New Wine and CVM.

“New Wine has chosen to partner with CVM because of the heart that we share to reach this nation through the local church,” he said.

“Reaching men is key to that dream and the New Wine/CVM partnership headed up by Carl Beech and myself, is something we believe could see this dream become reality.”