I just finished a men's retreat last weekend. It was meaningful because the group I was in was a diverse group all in different places with God all with different backgrounds yet we all had some common struggles. When we dug in and were brutally honest we got dirty. Some of the filth and sin we released by confession had been kept inside like a malignant tumor for decades. These were septic experiences and were painful to admit but so very healing to release.
Perhaps the reason so many men have left the faith is because they don't feel they can be real and deal with these septic experiences. To reach and rescue us God had to crawl into the mud and mire.
It feels like the church has largely quit on men. There is not a place for the wild, rough man at the table and they are legion. There is a certain degree of macho bullshit that much be penetrated to reach the inner man who struggles with shame, overcompensates for his weaknesses and is too proud to cry.
God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits! (Psalm 136:23-26 The Message)
What are our behavioral expectations for men at church?
What does it mean to be authentic?
What is it that causes you shame and pain in your life?
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