Comments on: War-themed ministries.

By: Alleycat

Alleycat — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:57:54 +0000

Having said all that, Ephesians 6 is VERY clear that we are in a war against “…the powers of this world’s darkness..” (verse 12). So when Satan slaps my cheek, I’m supposed to turn to him my other cheek as well? I really don’t think that’s what Jesus meant when he said to turn the other cheek.

By: Alleycat

Alleycat — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:51:05 +0000

A lot of this is a response to the stereotype that Christian men are wimps and wusses who are cuckolded, who you can bully and push around and they will turn the other cheek. Think about it: even if your church does not allow women to be pastors, deacons, adult Sunday School teachers, missionaries, deacons, etc, women still run the church. What color is the carpet in your church’s sanctuary? How often does your church have flowers at the front of the sanctuary during the service? How many arts and crafts classes, MOPS groups, quilting groups, etc take place in your church? What colors are the candles in an Advent Wreath? How many men volunteer in your church’s nursery? Why do men show up in droves for an opportunity to run the sound system or volunteer for the IT committee? It’s because men have a heart to serve God, but churches have no place they feel comfortable to serve as men. Men (collectively, and I know there’s always exceptions) have gifts that many churches are blind to. So, to make up for the pink and purple candles, the potpourri smell permeating through the sanctuary, the lack of service opportunities for men who like to build stuff with their hands, and the raised eyebrows when a man volunteers in the nursery, churches tend to put a faux masculine finish on the same old stuff, slap references to Ephesians 6 on it, and present it as a “Men’s Ministry.”

By: Alleycat

Alleycat — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:29:17 +0000

Your post reminded me of a book I read a few years ago called “The Compleat [sic] Gentleman” by Brad Miner. Basically it teaches that a Gentleman is composed of 3 parts: The Warrior, The Lover, and The Monk. And as a Gentleman, you have to develop all 3 parts equally well. Take care of your body and keep yourself healthy (Warrior), be romantic and spontaneous with your wife (Lover), be there for your children (also Lover), read and improve your knowledge of God, science, the arts, philosophy, etc (Monk).

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:08:34 +0000

I wish more women’s ministry programs did stuff like this.

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:55:28 +0000

Me and a buddy are starting a men's ministry. We're both military, (he's an officer cadet, and I'm a NCM) And we're talkin about showing Pride and Prejudice…

Is that okay for a Guy's night?

We want to present an image of strong, eloquent, excellent men.

By: Curtis Honeycutt

Curtis Honeycutt — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:09:43 +0000

Our men's ministry hasn't done a war-themed study yet, but they have done fighter pilots…that's pretty close.

By: thoughtriver

thoughtriver — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:30:10 +0000

so awesome!

By: Cindy Alvarez

Cindy Alvarez — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:33:40 +0000

I remember Royal Rangers! The girls' version of girl scouts was called "Missionettes"! Anyone remember them?!

By: Bryan S.

Bryan S. — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:18:23 +0000

No remembering necessary, they come to my church EVERY YEAR. (it is march 2010 as I write this)

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:36:44 +0000

its definitely a funny observation. Its not new. early christians used Roman military language in many rituals and liturgy.