As long as we're talking...Here's the case FOR denominations in the the church

Read BEFORE you jump to conclusions...or label me a hairy tick.

Obviously, I see some redeeming values in what are usually called "Denominations" or I wouldn't be writing this. It's a tough topic. Very tough. I am just as concerned about why so many people disdain them as I am in arguing for their support. I am well aware of the problems within the more traditional church structures in mainline and evangelical bodies.

For one thing, a lot of people feel disenfranchised by the more traditional structures. Understandably so.

A lot of people feel as if the Lord has been locked out of the church by many Denominations. Understandably so.

However, there are as many difficulties with many Non-Denominational faith families, as well. Because of the lack of structure inherent in the very nomenclature, this is just as understandable.

My observation of a lot of non-denominational families is that some of them reject all oversight and/or correction. Simply put, there is no Bishop or group of Elders in place at all, let alone one that can provide oversight or needed discipline. The only qualification to lead a lot of non-denominational churches is the ability to gain followers. There simply isn't anyone to judge whether the leader meets Biblical guidelines for leadership. My concern is that a lot of them only exist because someone or a group of someones didn't want accountability wherever they worshipped previously.

A great solution, in my view, are Spirit-filled denominations such as the Assemblies of God or the United Methodists. They seem to do a great job combining the Liturgical with the Charismatic. One thing that I appreciate about Spirit-filled denominations is that it takes more than a "calling" to mount a pulpit. Even with the calling, there is preparation required. This is in line with Biblical teaching. A lot of people seem to have a distaste for denominations based upon limited exposure, in my view. I have worked with a worshiped in a number of them. Everybody doesn't have it wrong. Many churches have it quite right!

Also, denominations existed in the New Testament in a sense. They weren't called "COGIC" or "Baptist" but some variations in worship are necessary simply due to geography, some due to having different leaders. Paul advised us to remember that we are all of the family of God, who gets the increase, and that we should not quarrel about our differences. Paul, Peter and Apollos certainly had different teaching styles/approaches.

All traditions aren't bad.

(BTW, there is a lot of value in the traditional hymns and some GREAT THEOLOGY, too. I guess the best of all worlds would be modern arrangements of traditional hymns from time to time. I know for a fact there is some very bad theology in a lot of modern Christian music in the name of trying to be "free" and "relevant" to these times.)

To quote a friend: "Solid Biblical teaching, leadership in love, and Holy Spirit filled worship is not an option--it is MANDATORY!" Such things ARE happening in some denominational churches the same way they ARE MISSING from a lot of non-denominational churches.

These are just a few thoughts.

How about your thoughts?

As long as we're talking...here are some reasons why so many men stay home on Sunday.

A lot of people, male and female, clergy and laity, complain and bemoan the relative absence of men in the pews on Sunday mornings in America. It's not arguable. The statistics tell the tale. However, there are a lot of reasons for it beyond some people's presumption that men are just fundamentally less spiritual and unconcerned. That's ridiculous!

Here are a few thoughts to consider. Maybe you'll see some ways you can shift some of your own attitudes:

1. Most of the examples, stories and points are really geared towards women's issues, hurts and pains in most church services. I've been to a lot of them. There's nothing wrong with that, but preachers are alienating and isolating the men. Some realize it. Some don't.

One reason I don't like it is that A) that's not the full counsel of God and I believe He wants us to preach the whole Gospel. B) It's easy and some preachers are lazy.

It is flat-out easier to get "Amen's", emotional responses and then GIVING from women. Women tend to demand less and give more, so it becomes an easy path to grow your church and stroke your own ego.

2. Then there's the matter of all the "Jesus is my Lover" songs that we sing. Again, there may be a place for that. But Jesus is a Conquering King and not a Master Lovemaker the way we make it. There are more songs with "I want to be loved by YOU" and "I want to be in your arms, LORD" and so on that I can't even count.

The old hymns would talk about His majesty. His power. His lordship. We are very sensual and self-centered with our music these days. Most men don't want to be "caressed" by their King, Ruler or any other man.

We sing these songs and (unknowingly) isolate men and wonder why so few want to be around the things of God.

3. The liturgy is often very feminized. You want more men to serve in the sanctuary and sing in the choir but then mandate that everyone must wear the "color of the day" that Sunday and it's....teal? pink? pastel yellow? For real? So I have to go buy a pastely yellow shirt to serve God this weekend?

Nothing wrong with it, per se. But we have to remember that we're making 1/2 of the population feel unwelcomed.

4. Abuse of order. Some preachers like to preach about submission and order and then abuse that by trying to extend their domain into our households. No man wants to have his home run by another man or be in a position where he's not even an authority in his own realm.

Then there's the matter of leadership. Men want to be involved and their natural expression of this is the desire to lead. But this requires a vacuum because many men aren't going to fight for it. If we see women step back intentionally, creating room for leadership and involvement, we will see more men come forward.

5. "Title Inflation" In a lot of fellowships, a "regular guy" is treated like a NOBODY, so a lot of men aspire to titles. They don't get respect in a lot of other arenas and want respect in the church. Deacon Jones is more respected than Brother Jones or Sam. Well, if Deacon Jones is respected, then Minister Jones is even more so! Then Pastor...but when a Pastor wants to elevate himself even more, he may change his title to Bishop or Overseer or Grand Bishop or Chief Apostle...and so on.

We inflate and alienate the guy off the street even further.

6. What is spirituality? Why are women considered more spiritual? Don't we need to examine our definition of this term? The way we have it defined now has a man who likes to watch football or doesn't want to be in a 5-hour service feeling "unspiritual" right now.

Do I have to cry when the oil is poured on me for it to work?

Do I have to tear up when I've heard the voice of God?

Maybe I heard the voice of God tell me to pray for my wife more? Maybe the Lord told me to come home early instead of stopping by the bar? Am I spiritual now? Or do I have to fall out at the altar?

What do you think? What are some ways we can increase the male participation in the church? You can see from my thoughts that I think the way we "do church" itself could be improved. We'll see improvements in our homes and communities, too, when we do.