The Elephant in the Room
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “the elephant in the room”. It’s used to refer to an uncomfortable situation that exists within a group (church, family, business, etc) that everyone is aware of but nobody wants to talk about it or ask “the” question. More often than not the reason for the reluctance is the answer/solution could be embarrassing to a leader.
That being said, I think one of the reasons pastors don’t talk about the lack of male participation in their churches is because they run the risk of being identified as a primary issue. I am a pastor and I’ll ask the question or more to the point I’m asking those of you who read this blog to ask the question of as many guys as possible. It’s a very simple, two part question: “Do attend church on a regular basis” and “if you don’t, why not?” No arguments, no rebuttals, just record their answer and thank them for their time. Please send their answers to me at dee.lauderdale@gmail.com or post them on the blog. I want the unvarnished truth. If that means the answer is boring sermons or sermons that are too long, or whatever, don’t ignore the elephant.
- Dee Lauderdale
A Sojourner’s response:
Dee-
You want MY opinion on this? HA HA!!
OK here goes and this is my unadulterated opinion.
Lack of male participation in alot of churches IS the pastors fault. Why? Because most pastors are wimps. Pencil neck geeks who don't know anything about life outside of the four walls of their church building. They have their head stuck in a commentary. They are more feminine than masculine. I actually know a pastor who can't throw a baseball. I mean my almost 4 year old daughter can throw better.
Now, I am going to put this in perspective. I am an attender, not a pastor anymore or even in any leadership in the church. My friend Tony and I have been friends for years now. I remember when he announced his wife was pregnant with his daughter. He's the real deal. He will butt heads with you and not flinch. I know if we stepped into a bad situation and we had to use fists to get out of it, he would have my back. In a heartbeat too.
Closer to home? Bryan is one of my best friends. Last Sunday we were both yelling at the TV during the Chargers-Patriots football game. I can be me around him and we can cut up guy like. Even with the long hair, I can trust him.
I want to know that when we charge the gates of hell that my pastor knows what combat is like. Show me the scars on your knuckles from fighting. Not the footprints on your butt from getting it kicked.
Unfortunately, alot of guys who stand behind the pulpit every week don't know what it's like to have callouses on their hands. Be a tentmaker and realize what the world goes through. Even just for a season.
Ya see, it boils down to this... my Jesus isn't a wuss. His disciples were far from it either. His followers today and those leading His church for the Kingdom better not be. We must be WARRIORS!
Does that make sense?
