Time and time again people have said to me "Men just don't like to sing", "Men won't express emotion". "Rubbish", I cry "of course they do!" But where and when is interesting; in a football stadium, check; in the shower, check; at a rock concert, check. At Church... not on your nelly misses. But WHY? Why is it that once a man walks into a Church he leaves his emotions at the door? Or if that is not the case then why is it that as Church leaders we are so incapable of reaching the male emotions.
A friend posted this link on his blog some time back where the implication is that even Mr Redman has bought into the belief that men don't sing: http://takeyourvitaminz.blogspot.com/2009/08/on-men-and-church-singing.html Oh Matt, they do, they do! But how are we going to release them, give them freedom to sing with the same "soul baring" fervour as they do at a Noel Gallagher gig or a football match?
If you want to read more about Noel's solo gig, go ahead I love this quote:
Swords, give men swords.
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds ridiculous, but have you ever held a sword, it makes you feel primal, instinctual, male. I think men are a bit scared of loosing their identity in church, their manliness, but if you hold a sword there is no danger of loosing your maleness (your manhood perhaps, with an ill timed swipe, but manliness, never).
I'm not entirely sure of the logistics, but I think there is room for a sword wielding ministry for men, to recapture what it means to stand as a man of Christ, taking up the sword of the Spirit and recognising that to weep tears of dependance on God is the highest form of manly outward expression.
Anyone know a good Sword-smith?