Why Men Hate Going to Church Week 5 Refections
Hey Guys, this Thursday is our last night! Please stop by 7:30 p.m. this Thursday at Parlor City even if you haven't seen us in a while. I have a fun send-off planned! Here's a recap from our last meeting and a look ahead.
Thursday we talked about "The Battle to Reengage Men" which details how men came back from WWII and populated our mainline protestant churches (like Lutheran) and did things culturally to reach and retain active boys such as building on gyms to our churches, building YMCAs, starting the outdoor Godly adventures of the Boy Scouts, and the active Salvation Army. Our church attendance mirrored society: 53% female and 47% male. But like the orthodontist on page 131 says, "Ignore your teeth and they will go away." It's the same with men. However, my main takeaway was this - show men just a little attention, and they respond and the church grows! We have a tremendous opportunity with men.
"Why Megachurches are Mega" said large churches aren't the answer but they do one thing right: they attract high numbers of men. Why? Their pastors started the church from nothing and tend to be risk-takers. Men like this. They are clear communicators who use visuals well. Everything is done with excellence and things end on time. Guys are never asked to sing anything, sign anything, or say anything. Large churches are constantly launching new projects which captures men's hearts. Men see other men serving as parking lot attendants, door men, greeters, and ushers. Big churches tend to have a "vertical" focus in worship (me and God) and leave the horizontal focus to those who wish to participate in small groups outside of worship.
"Pastors and Men" and "Teaching and Men" are really pointed to those of us who preach and teach. Basically Murrow says men are looking for a leader they respect and can follow who isn't afraid to tell them the truth in love.
Finally "Getting the Big Story Right" deals with how we message Christ. Is he the action superhero who saves the day, much like the action movies that dominate the big screen that guys love? Or is the message we're putting out there in church about finding a happy relationship with a loving and forgiving man? There's a great illustration on page 167 about an explorer looking for men in 1913 who wrote this in his add:
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success."
The explorer had more than 5,000 men apply for 26 slots! Men want a challenge and Christ offers just that. If we want men who will penetrate the culture with the gospel, Murrow says we must do what Jesus did and promise suffering, trial, and pain. There won't be much recognition but the rewards are out of this world! See what I did there? :)
I can't wait for this week when we will explore "What About Women," "Young Men and Faith," Men, Prayer, and a Few Other Things," "How Men Minister to Others," "How to Minister to Men," and "A Church for Everyone." As always, I welcome your thoughts below. Hope to see you all at 7:30 p.m. back in our usual back room at Parlor City!
In Christ,
-Pr. Craig
Thursday we talked about "The Battle to Reengage Men" which details how men came back from WWII and populated our mainline protestant churches (like Lutheran) and did things culturally to reach and retain active boys such as building on gyms to our churches, building YMCAs, starting the outdoor Godly adventures of the Boy Scouts, and the active Salvation Army. Our church attendance mirrored society: 53% female and 47% male. But like the orthodontist on page 131 says, "Ignore your teeth and they will go away." It's the same with men. However, my main takeaway was this - show men just a little attention, and they respond and the church grows! We have a tremendous opportunity with men.
"Why Megachurches are Mega" said large churches aren't the answer but they do one thing right: they attract high numbers of men. Why? Their pastors started the church from nothing and tend to be risk-takers. Men like this. They are clear communicators who use visuals well. Everything is done with excellence and things end on time. Guys are never asked to sing anything, sign anything, or say anything. Large churches are constantly launching new projects which captures men's hearts. Men see other men serving as parking lot attendants, door men, greeters, and ushers. Big churches tend to have a "vertical" focus in worship (me and God) and leave the horizontal focus to those who wish to participate in small groups outside of worship.
"Pastors and Men" and "Teaching and Men" are really pointed to those of us who preach and teach. Basically Murrow says men are looking for a leader they respect and can follow who isn't afraid to tell them the truth in love.
Finally "Getting the Big Story Right" deals with how we message Christ. Is he the action superhero who saves the day, much like the action movies that dominate the big screen that guys love? Or is the message we're putting out there in church about finding a happy relationship with a loving and forgiving man? There's a great illustration on page 167 about an explorer looking for men in 1913 who wrote this in his add:
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success."
The explorer had more than 5,000 men apply for 26 slots! Men want a challenge and Christ offers just that. If we want men who will penetrate the culture with the gospel, Murrow says we must do what Jesus did and promise suffering, trial, and pain. There won't be much recognition but the rewards are out of this world! See what I did there? :)
I can't wait for this week when we will explore "What About Women," "Young Men and Faith," Men, Prayer, and a Few Other Things," "How Men Minister to Others," "How to Minister to Men," and "A Church for Everyone." As always, I welcome your thoughts below. Hope to see you all at 7:30 p.m. back in our usual back room at Parlor City!
In Christ,
-Pr. Craig
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