Come on Dad, It's Time to Step Up

Would you mind if I share some startling research with you regarding the importance of regular attendance in church worship services among men? Did you know that in younger and growing churches in America, they have a balanced number of men as well as women that attend worship services. And did you know, that church studies show that in older and declining churches, there are more females than males. If that doesn't surprise you a little, read on.

James Twitchell, a marketing professor from the University of Florida, discovered that in a study of megachurches like Bill Hybell's Willow Creek church and others, aggressive efforts are made to attrct men to church. Why? Because research shows that "men are the adopters in religion." Twitchell writes, "If they (men) go over the tipping point, women follow, children in tow."

A study in 2000 from Switzerland provides insight in the importance of male attendance on the religious development of children in that country. In summary, if a father does not attend church services, no matter how regular the mother may be in her religious practice, only one child in 50 will become a regular church attendee. But if a father attends regularly, then regardless of the religious practice of the mother, at least one child in three will become a regular church attendee. In other words, research seems to indicate that a balanced male-female ratio in church attendance and participation coorelates positively with spiritual growth in the family.

I have pastored for 27 years. I have heard many people say that the key to having a strong church is to have a strong youth ministry. I have never bought into that. I have always believed that the key to the church was the men. Strong men means a strong church. Weak men means a weak church. What we need in the church today is for more men to step forward and confess with their mouths what Joshua did in Joshua 24:15, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

I believe God is doing that at Kings Point. God is raising up strong spiritual men who are not afraid to lead by example and in integrity. How about you? Are you leading your family in spiritual matters? Or do you some how think it's going to happen with you on the sidelines. Research shows "it won't happen without you taking the lead." By the way, the bible says that too.