The Significance of Men

Here are some stats from a book entitled Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow:

• 61% of the church = females
• 39% of the church = males
• 90% of boys who grow up in the church will abandon it by the age of 20 (yikes!)

How about these stats:

• If children bring Christ into their home, 13% of families will follow
• If women bring Christ into their home, 39% of families will follow
• If men bring Christ into their home, 94% of families will follow

Murrow contends ”that the church caters to women, children and the elderly by creating a safe, predictable environment. This alienates anyone fond of risk taking, including young men and women, but men are affected most. In order to reach men, Murrow suggests, churches must “adjust the thermostat” to embrace the masculine spirit: let men lead; give them tasks; encourage pastors to show strength and teach men through object lessons, letting them discover truth for themselves. Two of the best outreach methods: start rigorous mentoring programs and help men make friends with other men (except taken from an Editorial Review on Amazon.com).

This is why I believe sports ministry has the potential to impact a huge number of people in a short amount of time.  This is why men’s softball and basketball leagues are so important.  Is there a better way to help men make friends with other men?  I play softball and/or basketball with what I would consider my five “best” friends in Charlotte.

~ by Scott Tyson on May 17, 2007.