MUSICIANS' FELLOWSHIP - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH - 1:30 PM - SANCTUARY: If you have a musical gifting, please join our gathering for worship and the Word.

"Why Men Don't Go To Church"

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV) "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

There is a very dangerous attitude that has crept into the hearts and minds of men which keeps them away from spiritual things. The dad or husband is working and working and working, to provide not only for the needs of the home, but also for the "wants." And when he is through working, what's left goes to a hobby and ultimately the family suffers. The man suffers. God's church on the earth suffers.

I have an interesting book on my shelf that a pastor friend recommended to me entitled, Why Men Don't Go To Church. I haven't read it word for word, but I have browsed through it, grabbing the big points the author is making. In short, the author makes many suggestions to change churches so they can "attract" more men to worship.

As an under-shepherd of Jesus, I'm not at all interested in changing the church to "attract" more men. As a spiritual leader, I'm not even interested in getting men to "come to church." I think the book's title is a little off. A better way to ask the question is: "Why aren't men seeking the Lord?!" If guys would earnestly seek the Lord, our churches, our communities, and our homes would be filled with godly men!

So to you men today, my encouragement to you is to seek the Lord! Go for it!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

RESPONSE:

FROM A FRIEND IN RUSSIA: "At first when I came to America (in August) as an exchange student I really was homesick and wanted to go home. Then I found out there was a Russian kid in my history class. I felt a little bit better, but I was still having class I didn't really like - biology. So a guy told me about a technical theatre class and I took it instead of biology. But I had to go to biology class once again, knowing I'd feel badly. But there was a sub. And when she was taking attendance she saw my Russian name in the list and whispered "hello" in Russian. So after class we had an amazing conversation. As I found out she liked to travel a lot so she knew a few languages, including Russian. Then I had tech class, I worked on a play, 'Brighton Beach Memoirs,' met a lot of new people, and I didn't want to leave.

On Christmas my host father's mother sent me a Holy Bible as a present. Later I worked on another show, a musical, 'Into the Woods,' and that's where I met Tyler and other guys who have become really good friends of mine. Tyler invited me to Calvary Chapel and it was such a blessing, I loved it. I understood how important things are and how good God is. I understood that I need to worship, give love, receive love, and spread the Word of Jesus. I understood that all the things that happened in the beginning of the year and that kept me going, led to wonderful things; they simply brought me to the church. Whenever God leads, he provides.

I'm very thankful to Tyler, who brought me to Calvary. And also I want to say thanks to all the people at the church for creating such a great and friendly environment. I miss Calvary and everyone there. I remember on Sunday when you were saying about waiting on God and it meant a lot to me because at that point I was about to leave America. But I didn't leave God, the church, or my American friends; I'm with them in spirit. Even though there is no Calvary where I live, I listen to Sunday worship at Calvary by internet, which I'm thankful for."