Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church
By David Murrow
Do men really hate going to church? That was my question as I began reading this book by David Murrow. I know many men who are faithful, enthusiastic churchgoers. After reading Murrow’s book, I have to admit he has made some excellent observations.
While many men are not hostile to church, they may be ambivalent, passive and detached. “Many recognize value in the church, but they cannot see a place for themselves within it,” says Murrow.
This book explores the reasons why men don’t enjoy church. The author’s main contention seems to be that church programs are designed to appeal more to women than to men, emphasizing verbal expression, singing, and being “nice” rather than confrontational and addressing problems.
Murrow says churches present two different versions of Jesus; the Lamb and the Lion—both Scriptural. While pastors beg their flocks to behave like lambs, some Christian authors encourage them to be more like the Lion of Judah a.k.a. the King of Kings.
Although most churches are led by men, Murrow says “faithful women provide matriarchal continuity in our congregations.” He says churches “feminize” over time and young boys brought up in church often leave during their post high-school years.
I found it interesting that male and female participation is roughly equal in Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Islamic men are publicly and unashamedly religious, often more so than women. “Only Christianity has a consistent, world-wide shortage of male practitioners,” says the author.
Murrow suggests ways for churches to more effectively draw men, citing the success of some mega-churches, and those that gear their services and approach to men’s interests and personalities.
GraceUnitedMethodistChurchinLaSalle,Illinois, where Rev. Dr. Jennifer Wilson is Senior Pastor, is cited in Murrow’s book as a church where there are more men than women. Rev. Wilson is quoted as saying, “I started doing all the stuff in your books. . . Other than the Bible, your book has shifted the way I do ministry more than any other book I’ve read.” (Murrow states he didn’t pay her to say this)
Church leaders will find much to think about in this well-written book. They may also find ways to increase the number of men in their congregations!
I received this free book as part of the BookSneeze program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.”
