January 2008
Understanding Men by David Murrow 
(excerpts from the book "Why Men Hate Going to Church")
Ministry and the Masculine Spirit - Part 2
Very few churches offer ministry opportunities that captialize on men's skills and experience. We'll continue with ways churches can unshackle men to serve fully.
Give Men Risk
Few Western Christians ever risk anything for their faith, nor do we call them to risk. Dallas Willard believes that "only risk produces character," but he is saddened because "we use our ability to hear God as a device for securing a life without risk." Let me say this plainly: Christianity based on risk avoidance will never attract men. If our message is full of don'ts, be careful's, and play it safe's, men will turn their backs. Christianity is not an insurance policy; it's abundant life!
Give Men Adventure
Randy was a nominal churchgoer for many years, but never really came alive in his faith until he went on a two-week mission trip to Peru to build a water project in an impoverished village. "I had no idea how real the gospel was until I went on this trip. We depended on God every minute of every day," he says. "He helped us through one tight spot after another. As we were taking off, our airplane was hit by bullets from a rebel paramilitary group. It was like being in the book of Acts!" Randy returned from Peru a changed man. Adventures with Christ change men in a way church attendance never could.
Let Your Men Make a Meaningful Contribution
Neil Carter notes, "In a highly liturgical church like a Catholic or Episcopalian church, only the minister and one or two others get to do anything that matters...Men despise their passive role in most churches, whether they have been able to label their frustration or not."
Oftentimes all a man needs for a spiritual awakening is a chance to use his gifts for God. Thom Rainer tells the story of Steve, an unchurched husband who showed up for a church work party. After a day of hard labor and hanging out with followers of Jesus, Steve asked how he, too, might become a Christian. Another pastor tells of a computer expert who met the Lord after being asked to help set up the church's network. He saw something special in the lives of the church staff. These men came to Christ without attending a worship service and without ever hearing a formal presentation of the gospel. They served Christ and, through that service, heard His call.
The lesson is clear: if we want to win more men to Christ, ask them to deploy their gifts in the church, even if they are not yet in Christ. Not every role is appropriate for an unchurched man, but men are sometimes changed through service instead of sermons.
Charge Men Money
If a man has to lay his money down, he'll perceive a value. But if a man pays nothing, he'll think it's worth nothing. You don't have to charge a lot. A modest materials fee for a class (say $10), is enough to get men to commit, but not enough to discourage low-income folks from signing up. The goal is not to enrich the church, but to ensure a higher level of commitment from men.
Recognize the Importance of Entry and Exit Points
Traditionally, churches have had one entry point: the worship service. But since men hate going to church, we need new methods for introducing them to the gospel. Men's ministry may offer a number of effective entry points: small groups, large groups, seminars, men's events, sports leagues, and so forth. Men's ministry provides guy-oriented events to which men can invite their unchurched friends. Men need to meet some Christian guys and make friends before they're ready for the next step.
Don't forget exit points. Rick Warren writes, "To resign from a ministry in some churches, you've either got to die, leave the church or be willing to live with intense guilt." One of the main reasons men do not step up to minister is the never-ending commitment that's implied. Ask a man for a short-term commitment, and he's more likely to say yes.
Most Important: As Men Minister, Make Sure They're Being Discipled
This is a major tragedy of today's church. We put men to work for God, but we do not disciple them! One more time: what's our goal? To make disciples! But our current model - teaching people and setting them to work in the church - is not getting the job done. Men need meaningful work and genuine discipleship.
Read the other articles in this issue:
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