Why are men bored with church?

By Roger Fields

Statistics show most men who attend church are men who grew up in church.

Church does not attract athletes, sportsmen, construction workers or a vast array of any men in our culture.

This quote from David Murrow’s book, Why Men Hate Going to Church, sums up the problem:

Early Christians were known for risk taking, power, aggression and heroic sacrifice. But somewhere in church history, somebody monkeyed with the definition of a Christian! Today, a good Christian is known mostly for meekness, sensitivity, passivity and sweetness. This standard of Christian behaviour is very tough on men (even those who are sold out to Jesus) while it’s easier for women to achieve. Men have gotten this message: You’re flawed the way God made you. You need an extreme makeover.

And we wonder why men hate going to church.

Here are some reasons why most men do not connect with church.

1. Men are not challenged at church.

Challenge is the love language of men. Men thrive on challenges. Men want to save the world, defeat the enemy and kill the dragon. Most church messages are focused on relationships and love, things men need to hear but lack the hardcore challenge that motivates them.

2. Church decor is feminine.

Flowers and pastels dominate the decor in most churches. There are scenic pictures of meadows, flowing curtains and pleasant music. Church does not provide an environment men would choose in their spare time.

3. Prayers are weak.

Listen to the things we ask God to do: "Lord, keep us safe. Give us a safe trip. Bless our food. Protect our families." Security is a high priority for women but not men. Our prayers reflect women’s needs, but not men’s.

4. Our dress code is still too proper.

This is getting better in some churches, but a man should be able to go to church dressed like he was going to Home Depot…and fit right in. Lots of men not only don’t want to wear a tie, they don’t want to wear a polo shirt either. Men should feel comfortable in their cap and sleeveless shirt.

5. Jesus is depicted as wimpy.

The Jesus of the Bible was a confrontational outlaw in His culture. He didn’t conform. He never backed down. He was a force to be reckoned with who threatened the Jews and the Romans. Jesus is rarely depicted that way in modern churches.

http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/163727-5-reasons-men-are-bored-church.html?p=1