Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
The State of Manhood: Faith, Family, and Work (feat. Dr. Chris Harper and Kent Evans)
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This insightful discussion tackles the significant religious shift in North America, highlighting the alarming decline in male church attendance and engagement. With references to Jim Davis's 'The Great Dechurching,' the speaker emphasizes the critical role of men in the church and society. Addressing how societal views have vilified men, the script suggests a shift from shame-based to affirmational methods to encourage men's return to church. It underscores the importance of wisdom, strong familial structures, and the pivotal role fathers play in mending homes, churches, and communities. The discussion also explores practical steps for church leaders and fathers to nurture a spiritually strong and knowledgeable generation.
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Key Takeaways
00:00 The Role of Men in the Church
07:25 The Importance of Fathers
18:51 Wisdom and Fatherhood
29:12 Chick-fil-A Obsession
35:44 Challenges of Modern Manhood
37:23 The Role of Fathers in Discipleship
44:58 Effective Communication
49:58 The Power of Asking Questions
53:45 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
54:24 Q&A Session
Resources on Manhood
Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper
How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington
How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper
Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything (2016 Nat'l Forum)
In this episode we dive into the pressing issue of men withdrawing from both the church and society, exploring the deep-rooted cultural and family problems behind this trend. The discussion highlights a troubling fact from Jim Davis's book, "The Great Dechurching": nearly 45 million people in North America have stopped attending church over the past two decades.
The episode reveals a significant gender gap in church attendance, with congregations typically being 61% female and 39% male. This disparity reflects a broader societal issue where men are undervalued and underrepresented. The lack of male engagement with faith is seen as a barrier to their spiritual growth and leadership in their families and communities.
Oxford researcher Jim McNamara points out that mass media often portrays men negatively, which erodes their self-worth and further decreases their involvement in religious settings.
Rather than shaming men into returning to church, the episode advocates for affirming and encouraging them. It stresses the need to educate and mentor men, helping them understand their roles and responsibilities rather than reprimanding them.
Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, is introduced as a key advocate for revitalizing the family as the cornerstone of society. His focus is on equipping fathers to raise godly men, which strengthens families and churches. Evans shares personal stories and insights on fatherhood, highlighting the importance of wisdom, communication, and aligning actions with God's teachings.
He also addresses common challenges fathers face, such as time management and communication, and offers practical advice on improving these areas. The episode concludes with an interactive segment where Evans discusses wisdom through the book of Proverbs, urging fathers to lead by example and be open to feedback.
In summary, "BetterMan 4" calls for a reevaluation of how the church engages with men, promoting a supportive and empowering approach that encourages men to embrace their roles as leaders in their families and communities.
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