Men are Leaving Churches in Record Numbers

Statistically more men are unchurched than women, and a Family News in Focus story suggests that the discrepancy is growing due to many churches gearing their culture and messages towards women. One church in Peoria, Illinois is trying to find ways to attract men to their church, such as using the term "Head Coach" rather than "Pastor." The Grove challenges men to raise the bar on their marriages, their work life, and their relationship with God. David Murrow, author of “Why Men Hate Going to Church," said, “There’s a reputation among men that church is something for women, weirdoes and wimps. It’s not something a real manly-man would do. You walk into the typical church of a hundred, hundred and fifty people, and you’re going to find soft cushiony pews, fresh flowers on the alter, a lace doily on the Communion Table, quilted banners on the walls.” But it’s more than the ambiance that has men staying home. “Guys are all about mission, they’re about adventure they’re about challenge, and the more you can turn the church culture toward those things, the more you’re going to interest the guys.” The Grove is finding that women will come along to a place where the men feel comfortable, too.