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This seems to be a book that is passed along to alot of leadership, currently, in the Christian community. There is a hunger in the American evangelical scene for insight into gender, and David Murrow contributes nicely to the body of evangelical writing on this subject. The chapter, "Men Seek Greatness", is alone worth the price of the book. But one cannot swallow the book whole, in my opinion. David Murrow substantiates the title with lots of well researched data about church attendance over the years, as well as proportions of church volunteer service. But of course, as in all reading, the need for discerning thinking comes as the writer interprets the data. The interpretation, "men hate going to church", stands well enough. And his studies about gender are extremely valuable reading. But there are just a few observations that don't stand some deeper analysis. There are scores of insightful moments as well as, unfortunately, just a few simplistic ones. The balance in my mind clearly shows that I personally find this book worth owning and re-reading. However,I would never give this book to someone to read without mentioning my reservations. I thoroughly appreciated Part 3 of the book, "Understanding Men and Masculinity". It is a good resource to accompany such excellent books out there as Shaunti Feldhan's popular "For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men". That said, I'll note my reservations after reading this fine book. I support the observations in the chapters on the masculine and feminine spirit, and adjusting the thermostat. But because David of the Bible, "a man after God's own heart", reveals so much in his Psalms about his orientation towards a LOVE RELATIONSHIP with God, and because Jesus' crucial new command to His disciples in the book of John was to "love one another", I challenge the author and the reader to mentally insert a huge chapter on LOVE...how it is the ultimate masculine trait, because it includes all the masculine needs for challenge, self-sacrifice, risk, danger, courage, and tough endurance. Consider the warning to that church in the book of Revelation who had left their "first love". Hanging on to that in a world of temptation takes the ultimate strength, the strength of Christ alone. In conclusion -- enjoy this wonderful book, but not in isolation of the principles of love and grace that are the foundation of the New Covenant. I admire the author for contributing to the healing of the great and wonderful body of Christ, the church that has been battered by many things over the centuries, but will survive because we belong to Him.Read full review
The subject of the book is its greatest contribution. I found it very very helpful to consider this issue. His solutions are helpful as well, and every Christian leader should read this book. The references to Rick Warren's party-style churches are a blunder though: Men are not necessarily looking for entertainment, quality and jokes (Bill Hybels has recently admitted that this model draws numbers yet it dosen't make disciples), but Murrow is dead on regarding mens' need for challenge and usefullness. Women can particularly benefit. The book is well written and easy to read; more analysis is needed in this subject area. Read it, and remove the lacey flowers from your church.
David Murrow's analysis of why the average American church fails to attract most men is both funny and dead-on correct. After reading it, I compared it to my current church (which actually compares very favorably in attracting and keeping men) and former churches (not so good). I am a woman who tends to dislike too much feminine "froo-froo" and applaud Murrow's efforts in exposing this imbalance that actually hurts the church. After reading this book, I was telling a friend about it and he promptly asked to buy it from me, as he does men's ministry. I was more than happy to sell it to him. Churches must have a good balance of male and female influences or it will cease to be a powerful force in society. Thanks, Mr. Murrow, for a great perspective on men and the church. I hope it will be read worldwide and effect positive change in churches everywhere.Read full review
Highly recommended to all Pastors and Christian leaders. This book not only defines the problem of American Christianity being too female oriented but it at least begins to show the way toward challenging men to get with it and become a greater force in turning the tide of Christians being a declining influence in America and the West. If pastors nation wide would read this book and take it to heart, not only would masculine involvement in church increase and real growth begin to occur again, but also more females would want to come to church as it would become a place where they could find real men. Another benefit of Pastors reading this book would be that it would spark new ideas that are not even mentioned in the book for men to be involved in a growing church.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Guys, If you want your church to be someplace you can't wait to ask your friends to READ THIS BOOK! You will read about things that, even though quite simple, will make your church a more comfortable place for you and your friends. Stop going to a church where you have to hold hands with your buddies and create a church where men can be like the men of the Bible were...real men. It's also great for churches trying to attract teens. They are easily embarassed by some church traditions. This book will point those tradititions out.