The Church Revitalization Podcast – Episode 255
We increasingly live in a world where men are portrayed as redundant, unnecessary, and unneeded. This cultural narrative has seeped into various aspects of society, including the Church, leading to a concerning trend: men are leaving the church in disproportionate numbers. The implications of this shift are significant, as the absence of men in the church community can weaken the overall health and balance of the congregation. According to Pew Research, the percentage of men who identify as Christian has decreased from 86% to 79% in 2014, showing a significant decline in male religious affiliation.
However, these trends are not inevitable. A biblical perspective reveals the indispensable role that both men and women are called to play in the life of a healthy church. The Bible offers a counter-narrative to the one promoted by society, affirming the distinct and complementary contributions of men and women. When the church embraces and lives out a biblical model of manhood and womanhood, it creates an environment where both genders can thrive—spiritually, relationally, and missionally—regardless of societal pressures or trends.
The question remains, however: what are the root causes behind the exodus of men from the church, and what can congregations do to reverse this trend? Understanding these underlying issues is crucial for developing effective strategies to re-engage men in the life of the church.
In this article, we’ll explore three compelling statistics that illuminate the core challenges contributing to men’s departure from the church. These statistics will provide insight into the broader cultural and spiritual dynamics at play. Following this, we’ll present three practical solutions that your church can adapt and apply to address these challenges. These solutions are designed to be flexible and contextual, ensuring they resonate with the unique culture and needs of your congregation while aligning with biblical principles.
Cultural Shifts & Changing Expectations
In 2018, a study by the American Psychological Association (APA) highlighted a growing cultural shift: traditional notions of masculinity—embodied by traits such as stoicism, competitiveness, dominance, and aggression—are increasingly being questioned and redefined in modern society. This shift has created a significant tension for many men, particularly those who were raised with these traditional ideals. These men now find themselves grappling with a cultural landscape that often views these once-valued traits as problematic or outdated.
While it’s important to acknowledge that some historical representations of masculinity have not always been healthy—sometimes promoting harmful behaviors or attitudes—the current trend of emasculating men in society has had profound effects, including within the church. This cultural shift has led to a sense of confusion and conflict for men, as the traits they were once encouraged to embody are now frequently at odds with contemporary societal expectations.
This tension is reflected in the dynamics of modern church services as well. Many contemporary services have become increasingly focused on emotions, often emphasizing a form of worship that resonates more with stereotypically feminine expressions of faith. For instance, worship songs are often set in musical keys that are challenging for the average man to sing. These keys tend to be higher, making it difficult for men to engage vocally in the worship experience.
The result is that many men feel alienated during worship, reduced to passive observers rather than active participants. Instead of engaging fully in the service, they may find themselves standing with their hands in their pockets, disconnected from the communal experience of worship. This lack of engagement can reinforce feelings of irrelevance and exclusion, further contributing to the broader trend of men distancing themselves from church life.
The Solution: Return to Basics
The first step is to reaffirm and teach a biblical understanding of masculinity. Churches should be intentional in their discipleship programs, offering studies and resources that help men understand what the Bible says about their roles as husbands, fathers, leaders, and servants. This teaching should highlight the strength, resilience, and humility that characterized men like David, Joshua, and Paul, while also addressing the softer virtues of kindness, compassion, and empathy that are equally part of a godly man’s character.
Worship should be revisited with men in mind. While contemporary worship has its strengths, it’s important to incorporate diverse musical styles and expressions that resonate with men. This might involve including hymns or songs in lower keys, introducing moments of silence and reflection, or even incorporating more liturgical elements that appeal to a sense of tradition and reverence. Worship should be an inclusive experience where men feel they can fully participate and express their faith.
Disconnection Between Church Activities and Men’s Interests
A study by the Barna Group revealed that 61% of men report feeling bored or disconnected during church services. This sense of disconnection is a significant factor that can lead to their gradual disengagement and eventual departure from church life. The root of this issue often lies in the nature of the activities and experiences that many churches currently offer.
In many congregations, church activities are predominantly centered around social events—such as gatherings focused on fun, food, or casual discussion and dialogue. While these activities can be valuable in building community, they often fail to engage men at a deeper, more meaningful level. Most men have an innate desire to contribute, to feel useful, and to know that their presence and skills are making a tangible difference.
However, in today’s church culture, there is a growing trend of outsourcing the operations and practical functions of the church. From professionalizing ministries to relying on paid staff for tasks that were once the domain of volunteers, many churches have unintentionally sidelined the average congregant. As a result, men, in particular, may feel that there is no meaningful role for them to play within the church. They attend services, but they are not given the opportunity to contribute in ways that align with their skills, passions, or sense of purpose. This lack of engagement can lead to a feeling of being unneeded and undervalued.
When men perceive that the church does not need them—whether in leadership, service, or practical roles—they are more likely to disengage. Over time, this disengagement can turn into apathy, making it easier for them to leave the church altogether. The challenge for churches is to recognize this dynamic and create opportunities where men can step into roles that allow them to actively participate and make a meaningful impact.
The Solution: Re-engage Men Through a Leadership Pipeline
To counteract the disengagement many men feel in church, it’s crucial to implement a leadership pipeline that actively involves them in meaningful roles. Here’s how:
Develop a structured process to identify, train, and deploy men into leadership roles at various levels. This pipeline ensures men see a clear path for growth and contribution within the church, fulfilling their need to feel useful and necessary.
Shift from outsourcing tasks to creating opportunities for men to engage in practical, hands-on roles. This could include managing church operations, leading service projects, or participating in community outreach. When men are involved in tasks that align with their skills and passions, they are more likely to stay connected and engaged.
While social events are valuable, ensure that there are activities that challenge men intellectually and spiritually, such as leadership training, in-depth Bible studies, and mission-driven projects. These activities should align with the leadership pipeline, giving men clear, purpose-driven roles within the church.
Irrelevance of Church in Addressing Personal and Professional Challenges
The 2020 State of the Church report by Barna highlights a troubling trend: only 36% of men find church relevant to their personal or professional lives. This statistic points to a deeper issue that many churches face today—a growing disconnect between the church’s offerings and the lived experiences of men, particularly in how they navigate their professional and personal spheres.
For many men, their closest relationships outside of family are rooted in their professional lives. Work is not just a source of income but a significant part of their identity, purpose, and social connection. In these spaces, men often form strong bonds through shared challenges, goals, and accomplishments. However, when they step into a church environment, they may find that the activities and messages do not resonate with their daily realities, especially those related to their careers.
This disconnect is particularly problematic because it suggests that the church may not be addressing the full spectrum of men’s lives—especially where they spend a considerable amount of time and energy. If the church is seen as irrelevant to their work life, it can be difficult for men to see how their faith integrates with the challenges and decisions they face every day. This lack of relevance can lead to a sense of alienation, where men feel that the church does not understand or speak to the pressures, struggles, and opportunities they encounter in their professional lives.
Moreover, this disconnect can weaken the church’s role as a source of community. If men are not finding meaningful connections within the church that relate to their professional lives, they may seek out those connections elsewhere, further diminishing the role of the church in their lives. The result is a gradual drift away from active participation in church, as it becomes increasingly seen as a separate and less significant part of their life.
For churches to bridge this gap, they must focus on reinforcing the intersection between faith, community, and vocation. This means creating environments where men can see the direct relevance of their faith to their professional lives and where the church becomes a place that supports their holistic well-being—spiritually, relationally, and vocationally. By addressing this disconnect, churches can foster deeper connections and become more relevant to the lives of men, encouraging greater engagement and participation.
The Solution: Integrating Faith & Vocation
To make church more relevant, it’s essential to demonstrate how faith directly impacts and enhances a man’s professional life. Churches can develop programs or sermon series that explore the biblical principles of work, leadership, ethics, and purpose in the workplace. For example, organizing workshops that address how to navigate ethical dilemmas at work from a Christian perspective, or how to lead with integrity and faith in a secular environment, can help men see the direct application of their faith in their careers.
Another approach is to create environments where men can form meaningful connections that bridge their faith and professional lives. Churches can establish professional networks or groups where men can discuss challenges, share opportunities, and mentor one another. These networks can also be platforms for community service projects or business ventures that reflect Christian values, further integrating their vocational life with their faith community.
Churches should also acknowledge and address the specific professional challenges that men face, such as work-life balance, stress, career transitions, or unemployment. By offering support groups, counseling, or practical resources tailored to these issues, the church can become a place where men find the support they need to navigate their professional lives while staying grounded in their faith.
Conclusion
Addressing the disengagement of men in church requires intentional efforts to bridge the gap between faith, community, and vocation. By developing leadership pipelines, integrating faith into professional life, and creating opportunities for meaningful involvement, churches can reclaim their relevance in the lives of men.
This approach not only enhances the personal and spiritual growth of men but also strengthens the overall health and vitality of the church community. By meeting men where they are and addressing their unique needs, churches can foster deeper connections and more active participation.
Watch this episode on YouTube!
Scott Ball is the Vice President and a Lead Guide with The Malphurs Group. He lives in East Tennessee with his wife and two children. (Email Scott).