Winter 1991

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Jesus attracted women to faith in a way unprecedented for his day. He was also capable of drawing children to himself, to the point of irritating his disciples. Yet this same Jesus, who describes himself as "gentle and lowly of heart," also commanded the attention and devotion of rugged fishermen and worldly-wise tax accountants.

That's even more remarkable when we consider the state of today's church, the body that ministers in his name and with his power: most churches find they reach women and children in significantly greater numbers than they do men.

The reasons for this imbalance are complex, as are the ways to right it. But as I've spoken with churches whose ministry with men has improved significantly, I've noticed at least three steps a congregation can take to help men feel the church is also a place for them.

First, pastors might consider how the Christian message is presented in sermons, classes, and symbols of the church. Such an analysis often shows churches that with a few simple changes, men will feel included.

After looking at its artwork depicting Christ, one church removed it. Most of their prints showed a semiangelic Jesus, halo about his head, feet floating above the ground. Jesus was presented as a wispy, feminine character who seemed to have spent his days brushing his hair to a silky luster. The church concluded that this was not exactly a figure who inspires men to follow him into spiritual battle.

A Seattle-area pastor shaped one particular Bible study not around the meaning of Jesus' words and acts-his usual approach-but around the personality of Jesus, looking at Jesus' words and acts to show who Jesus is. "People first have to get to know the real Jesus," he insists. ...

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