Some years ago, my friend David Murrow published the book, Why Men Hate Going to Church.* In his book David explained:
The modern church is having trouble reaching men. Women comprise more than 60 percent of the typical adult congregation on any given Sunday. At least one-fifth of married women regularly worship without their husbands. There are quite a few single women but hardly any single men in church.
Tough, earthy, working guys rarely come to church. High achievers, alpha males, risk takers, and visionaries are in short supply. Fun-lovers and adventurers are also underrepresented in church.
The good news is that men desperately need what only a loving, nurturing, Christ-centered church can offer. Through the ministry of the church, the following needs of a man can be met:
- To know God and really feel His unconditional love (Romans 1:20)
- To find rest for his weary soul (Matthew 11:28-29)
- To fellowship with other men who face similar issues (2 Corinthians 1:4)
- To hear God’s Word proclaimed in both practical and personal ways (Psalm 23:4)
- To feel inspired, encouraged, empowered, and understood (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
- To seek refuge from the world’s problems (Psalm 46:1)
- To find ways to deal with the daily issues he faces (James 1:2)
- To find appropriate ways to model Christ’s love to his family (Matthew 19:19)
- To receive moral and religious instruction (Psalm 32:8)
- To learn how to be a strong spiritual leader (Ephesians 4:11-13)
- To find godly mentors and role models (Titus 2:1-7)
- To exercise their spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- To lead his wife and children in following Jesus (1 Timothy 4:12)
- To worship God with other followers of Christ (Ephesians 2:21-22)
Fortunately, pioneering churches and parachurch organizations are enjoying remarkable success in reaching men for Christ. New forms of worship and ministry tailored to the needs of men are springing up in the unlikeliest places. Some of the fastest-growing churches in America are also those most successful in reaching men.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:19-25
Personal Application: Look through the bulleted list above and check the top five or six reasons that especially draw you to church. In what ways is God speaking to you personally through today’s devotional?
*[David Murrow, Why Men Hate Going to Church (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 5-8]
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5