There are no happy mediums that I’ve found; every church I’ve been in takes one side of the idea way too far. In one, I think I’m at a self motivational speaking conference; at another, I’m quite sure KKK meetings are held after Wednesday night service.

I’m so thankful to live in a modern age where we don’t have to depend on the church for our sole means of nourishment; can you imagine not having a printed Bible? Just having to take someone’s word for it, in this day and age? Scary.

I think that the church is not only losing its men, it is also losing it’s young people. We are left uninterested and unchallenged.

Our church recently started a mens ministry that includes events like barbeques, motorcycles, hunting, and the like–men stuff.

unfortunantly that still leaves me lost and alone, searching for my place in the church.

and it does matter that our churches are touchy feely shopping malls. If a man who is on fire is able to stay there, good. But it certainly hinders our men from becoming that man on fire.

Welcome to the June 4, 2007 edition of carnival of Christian advice.
We have some great entries this time, though I cannot vouch for or guarantee the sites linked here or their links. I always do my best to weed out the bad apples, but it’s…

I think a real “manly man” wants to know Christ intimately and is ready to jump into His refining fire. … There’s no way a church that looks like a shopping mall could stop him.

I have chill bumps. Really. Excellent point! The issue is bigger than gender, but rather extends to a compromise in the message.

Thanks for joining in.

I think it’s less of an issue of catering to women than it is of catering to those who want to be “safe,” to use your term. Many congregations are looking for candy-coated church where they can come, feel good, see and be seen, and go home and not think about it until the next week. So rather than risk a drop in attendance or offerings, pastors give them what they want – they focus on God’s perfect love and downplay his perfect justice and amazing power. And they create a safe atmosphere to go with their safe message – enter the soft colors, soft music, and non-confrontational environment.

I think a real “manly man” wants to know Christ intimately and is ready to jump into His refining fire. He won’t shy away from its inherent struggle and pain. A truly strong man will show it in his character, and his desire will drive him forward, regardless of his surroundings. There’s no way a church that looks like a shopping mall could stop him.

“Jesus is no weenie.” Hey, that’s the quote of the day!