What Church?

[gamechaser]

I am not asking this to cause the religion debate we just had but to find out where church goers attend. I feel that churches are not always delivering enough to men and the view of the "Christian Man" to most people is not of strength, power, boldness, leader, teacher, or adventurous. But more of weak, boring, hen-pecked, and the list could go on.

At least this was my thoughts when I was hiding from God. But as I dove into the bible I realized that God is both loving and powerful. He is quoted as being the Warrior God. I just think that men in general are becoming feminized in today’s society and even in some churches. I feel that this may be part of the reason why men are not in Church as much as women.

I hope by finding out what churches we attend we can discuss what activities men have at their church or should have so we can help to connect and push for more outdoor fellowship groups and events. This is not to create a new sportsmen club but to help fellow believers do life together and to help redefine the true meaning of being a man.



God Bless

[gamechaser]

I attend Northridge Church and we have a mens ministry group. The group supports small groups for bible studies, mens seminars, sporting teams, and a motorcycle riding club. We do not have a archery league, a summer camping trip, an outdoors men club, or away for people to find out what activities we are involved in.
What made me think of this is when I was at a seminar last year and I wore my HS Strut hat. A guy came up to me and commented that he never would have thought he would have seen that here. Then he asked what unit I applied for? It gave us something in common.

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy-

Shepard Fellowship Church - Waterford.

[Steven Arend]

Grace Lutheran Church (WELS), St. Joseph Mi.

http://www.gracestjoseph.org

Steve

[Kings Around]

I attend Bailey Christian Church. Our church has a men's weekend fishing trip with their son's on Fathers day weekend to Canada. Unfortunately I haven't made one yet, but it is fairly rustic and kind of "gets you back to nature".

[STEINFISHSKI]

Homefront Church, Grandville, MI.

http://www.homefrontchurch.org/

We have a men's ministry and do some fun things together. We have done men's oriented Bible studies, monster truck rally in the skybox seats of one of the guy's employers, football games, euchre tournament (proceeds to the new youth ministry), and soon a Texas hold um tourney. We even are planning a chili cookoff against the women's group.:lol:

I couldn't disagree more with your feminization label. From my perspective of the Bible men should be the backbone of Church and family life. I do agree though that it is mainly women attending and serving in the Church. I have been blessed enough to have a father, and several men in our Church as mentors in my life. Our men's ministry has encouraged more men to become involved, and a part of our Church family.

[Jigster]

I attended 2 fundemental Christian churches over the past 45yrs of my life.
I'm 48yrs old. I served in almost every way a person can from sundayschool
teacher to youth group director to young married class instructor plus praise band...etc.....etc. At this time my wife and I haven't been to church since May. We got tired of the "programs" and folks just "playing Church" and having no real idea what they were there for or what the Word tells us a church should be. We spoke to the Pastor and he looked at us like we had Lobsters Crawling out of are ears. We now get together on Sunday just the 2 of us and have our own P/W Bible study and prayer time both silent and together, along with communion. It has been wonderful. I do miss the Christian fellowship and such and I don't think this is forever. We still Tithe to the church. We are open to whatever the Lord has for us and are waiting..........

Jigster

[aquaticsanonymous]

I am not asking this to cause the religion debate we just had but to find out where church goers attend. I feel that churches are not always delivering enough to men and the view of the "Christian Man" to most people is not of strength, power, boldness, leader, teacher, or adventurous. But more of weak, boring, hen-pecked, and the list could go on.

At least this was my thoughts when I was hiding from God. But as I dove into the bible I realized that God is both loving and powerful. He is quoted as being the Warrior God. I just think that men in general are becoming feminized in today’s society and even in some churches. I feel that this may be part of the reason why men are not in Church as much as women.

I hope by finding out what churches we attend we can discuss what activities men have at their church or should have so we can help to connect and push for more outdoor fellowship groups and events. This is not to create a new sportsmen club but to help fellow believers do life together and to help redefine the true meaning of being a man.

God Bless

Wow, what an interesting thought you had there. I too have often thought about the revelation that man is becoming feminized. I believe that this happened when women began working out of the house as they had began to be independent. I am not saying that is a good or bad thing, only that it is now a neccessity in todays society. The result, however has severe impacts on the nuclear family. Many women now, "wear the pants" leaving children confused as to their parents role. Alot of us men have caused some of this because we did not want to step up and be the strong christian man that God created us to be. Thank goodness that some leaders in the church have saw this need and are now teaching men to be what God intended us to be. Women are, and always will be looking for strong christian men to lead and guide there families. They are not looking for weak, weany, hen pecked men.

River of Life Christian Church, Pinconning MI

[theredmission]

ROC International in Northville (On Beck by the Prison/Baseball Fields). We have a variety of men based ministries the four biggest probably being a motorcycle group, sportspersons club (hunting, fishing, etc), a group called menszone (sports based group that just hangs out and watches games, plays cards etc), and a couple different sports teams (hockey, softball, golf). Theres also a full size fitness center w/ exercise equipment, weights, and a pool which is a good way to get guys connected. The sportspersons group has been a great success. We usually have 3 main events each year, a shotgun shoot, fishing tourney, and 3-d shoot each of which typically has great turnouts.

[Blueump]

Faith Baptist Church of Cadillac

http://www.faithofcadillac.com/

We are an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. We interpret the Bible literally and focus on love, evangelism and spiritual growth. We are a relatively new church that is growing. We usually run about 60 or so for a Sunday service so we are still quite small...but the Lord is blessing!

Personally, I teach the adult Sunday School class (we are currently studying the book of Daniel), I lead the songs and am the chairman of the deacon board. I also preach occasionally at other area churches, as well as ours, when the pastor is sick or gone.

[gamechaser]

All these activities are great. I hope everyone understands where I am comming from. I believe that men are the spritual leaders of the house and should be the backbone of the church. I also believe that we need to try our best to bring more men into the church. I have talked to many worldly men that have a misconception of what a Christian Man is susposed to be. My hope is to attempt to bring men into the Church/Christian Fellowship by giving them a safe fimiliar atmosphere they will feel comfortable attending. Once a person feels safe and relaxed they become recpetive and less guarded. It works with golf outings our Church throws for men where we are urged to invite non-believers. It might start my having a annual phseant hunt at a local preserve that begins with a mens breakfast and mens bible study that focuses on men of the bible. This is away to envite the guy from work or the neighbor next door that may not be willing to go to church with you on Sunday. I think that us as Christian men need to focus our attention on not only witnessing to non-believers but helping change worldly views of what it means to be a man. I also believe that we can use the activites we enjoy most as a platform to help introduce God to new believers and allow fellowship amongst believers.

[Westlakedrive]

I recently read a book called "Wild at Heart'"
Its a good book and deals with some of these same issues (among a lot of other good points tempation etc)
men are warriors etc and how churches dont always deal correctly.

[fasthunter]

I am not asking this to cause the religion debate we just had but to find out where church goers attend. I feel that churches are not always delivering enough to men and the view of the "Christian Man" to most people is not of strength, power, boldness, leader, teacher, or adventurous. But more of weak, boring, hen-pecked, and the list could go on.

At least this was my thoughts when I was hiding from God. But as I dove into the bible I realized that God is both loving and powerful. He is quoted as being the Warrior God. I just think that men in general are becoming feminized in today’s society and even in some churches. I feel that this may be part of the reason why men are not in Church as much as women.

I hope by finding out what churches we attend we can discuss what activities men have at their church or should have so we can help to connect and push for more outdoor fellowship groups and events. This is not to create a new sportsmen club but to help fellow believers do life together and to help redefine the true meaning of being a man.



God Bless
Very good point. I've actually felt the same way about our society in general lately. My wife also oddly feels the same way. Which of course makes a good couple for us.:lol: While I still love my wife and respect her role I still see the roles between a man and a woman in a relationship being VERY different. Men should be leaders and when they fail to do so things turn awkward and things don't pan out as well. I agree with your comment. Oh, just so you know I haven't been to church in a while, but I did used to go to Northridge Church as well. I actually was thinking of joining the motorcycle club there as well. However, my idea of riding is racing on the track and there's not enough for that club:lol:.:evil:

[Cooner]

Gamechaser, Amen Brother!!!This a topic very near & dear to my heart.I attend Iron Creek Community Church in Manchester.I'm blessed to have a preacher with a sawlog for a backbone & grit to boot.He's a bigtime deer hunter & doesn't sugar coat his sermons.No scripted sermons, no 3 points & a poem. Not something drier than last years birds nest. He's always telling us men our roles as Christian men in our homes,workplace ,society & in GOD's house.You gotta love a Pastor who's out in his blind out behind the church house, bags a deer & then comes in the back door takes his cammy's off puts on a tie,jumps in the saddle & starts preaching GOD's word:D.

A few books you may enjoy on this topic are as follows:

1. NO More Christian Nice Guy.
2.Wild At Heart
3.Tender Warrior
4.Man In The Mirror



Just to name a few.We have about 4-5 members that are from Bellville & attend our church.

Jesus Christ was the ultimate man's man.He was no wimp. Scriptures call him the Lion Of Judah!

Men in America have given up their roles as men-period!!!Masculinity bestows masculinity. How in the world are our young boys even going to know when they've reached manhood???What rites of passage exist for these young boys.We are raising a generation of boys who will grow up to be...boys.Our mothers can't raise a boy to be a man.That's the fathers role & we've dropped the ball bigtime.

Satan works to destroy our communities in two ways. First he works on driving the Father & Mother apart(He's been real successful there).Secondly he seperates the fathers from their kids.Talk about devastation-welcome to America.As men we need to look back up to our heavenly Father & start doing right. Take your family to a Bible believing church this Sunday.When the cup gets filled sometimes the saucer gets blessed if ya know what I mean.

[initforfun]

St. Thomas a'Becket In Canton. FR. Casey rocks!!

[gamechaser]

This is the stuff I was looking for. I have read Wild At Heart and The Way of the Wild Heart. Both excelent books. My wife also read the Captivated Heart I believe. It is the womens version. This is a great subject for us to discuss on this forum. It alone is a witnessing tool for others. Maybe we could come up with an outing we all could do together and invite other men to attend. We could share in some good fellowship and introduce them to Gods word. It is something we all should take to prayer. God is laying this on my heart to do. I do not know how or what he has planed but I am trusting in him to lead us.

Thanks again for all your responses and God Bless.

[Rumajz]

Pioneer Memorial Church
Berrien Springs

[kcarlson]

Kentwood Community Church

Kentwood MI (Grand Rapids)

I Pray that we will all do a better job of bringing the gospel to sporstman that don't know Christ Amen.

In Christ,

Kevin

[Rubber1]

Victory LIfe Church in Battle Creek!!!!! We have a chili cookoff on the day of the U of M/MSU game. This year we had at least 20 recipe's entered. I believe men of faith are betrayed as weak because that is what the wORLD wants. I'll take my beatings as strong christian man does. Our strength comes from God, and I pray that we're all bold enough to share it. It was when I became a Christian, I found out just how weak I was. I remember one time, when I was standing in line to see The Passion a few years ago, a couple teenagers walked by saying "look at all these weak christians". One of the guys in line said " apparently they have'nt had thier asses kicked by a christian lately"!!!

[stillwaiting]

Redemption House in Clinton Twp. Small church, also an equipping center for the spiritual gifts God gives us, Eph. 4: equipping of the saints (us). Prophesy, tongues, worship, banners, etc.

Focus on the love of Jesus, to have an intimate relatiionship with Him.

P.S.: I have talked to a lot of women about "christian men", and the answer always seems to be, the men are now starting to come back to church, and while they were gone the women were always there.

www.redemptionhouse.org (http://www.redemptionhouse.org)

[2PawsRiver]

River of Life Church, Watervliet Michigan:)

[SHANK]

Riverside Church in Three Rivers....awesome church!

I attend Men's Fraternity every Wednesday.

Check it out: http://www.mensfraternity.com/

[Boardman Brookies]

St Francis, Traverse City or St John's, Essexville

[spiritofthewild_06]

We used to go to Langston Bible Church, but we are in the process of finding a new church. Its kinda difficult because I was raised Lutheran and my wife is undemoninational, I hope we find a happy medium!

[Huntinggirl]

Southpoint Community Christian Church. Non-Denomonational Church In Trenton.
They have a number of different Ministries, both male and female, different types. From Bible study to home improvment. I know that last fall they started a men's sports ministry.....Of course they had a hard time answering me when I mentioned looking into a females version on the same thing.

[STEINFISHSKI]

I just think that men in general are becoming feminized in today’s society and even in some churches. I feel that this may be part of the reason why men are not in Church as much as women.

God Bless

After thinking and praying about this I don't believe that men are necessarily more feministic, but less chauvinistic when in Christ. It has been so ingrained in my life that it is hard to let go and change how I process it.

Think of it like at a construction work site. A guy shows up kicking lumber and throwing tools, cursing. Most guys would say maybe he had a bad night, and laugh thinking nothing of it. If that same guy shows up sobbing saying he had a fight with his wife and it might be over, most guys would just avoid the situation completely. Maybe they are too "masculine" for self expression. Us guys tend to suppress our normal feelings out of survival, so showing them may seem feminized to most men.

[twohats]

Our Lady Of The Woods - Woodhaven

[Kevin_D]

New Life Vineyard, Midland,MI

[spiritofthewild_06]

We used to go to Langston Bible Church, but we are in the process of finding a new church. Its kinda difficult because I was raised Lutheran and my wife is undemoninational, I hope we find a happy medium!

I ment to say Non, not Un, but you all knew what I ment...right! Oh it was one of those days yesterday!

[huntnbrush]

I attend Spring Arbor Free Methodist church. We began focusing on men's ministries 2 years ago, I am actually on our men's ministries planning team. We have many things going on: "Men's Fraternity" was the first thing we started it really is a great curriculum that speaks specifically to the subject of being a man. The first year is titled "the Quest for Authentic Manhood".
We also do a men's retreat each fall which has been a great time to connect with other guys and help each other grow. We have an annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach (in its 6th year). I am planning a wild game dinner this spring. We have 2 breakfasts a year to keep guys informed and involved. We are doing a Habitat for Humanity build this summer. We are having our second annual father/son canoe trip this summer-on father's day weekend. We also have many small groups that meet together-mine is one where every guy in it is either a hunter or fisherman (or both).
Stay encouraged guys we can make a difference in our communities.

[n.pike]

Mio Baptist when we are home in Glennie. Lots of outdoorsmen there, and men that are not afraid to get there hands dirty. Truckers, mechanics, lumberjacks. I miss the fellowship there, there were guys you could count on for their spiritual leadership, and yet knew the "had your back"


Fairhaven Baptist in Westland down here. A different atmosphere than Mio, but the pastors is definately a man's man. My brother and family have been members there for 20 years, and he is a strong leader in the church.

[casscityalum]

Novesta Church of Christ(Cass City)

Hold weekly bible studys and and mens outtings. Mens cookoffs, and pedal bike trips. Last week went to Bass Pros with a big group. Holding a fishing trip coming up(Free fishing weekend) Also take a trip up to TC for the summer free fishing weekend. Also have a skeet shoot and Bow contest for the church. Also go on the Northern Mens retreat.

[xdetroitx]

Woodside Bible in Rochester, and I also go to Heritage in Macomb Township sometimes. I also belong to A.A., which I do consider a spiritual fellowship. I am going to attend a men's bible study starting Thursday night. I have not been real active lately due to full time school and work. I do attend weekly, but I use to pretty much live at my church.