Very few have not observed the rise among some of a more masculine faith, of a call to get more men to church. John Stackhouse, in Partners in Christ, opens his 19th chp with the claim that the church has been increasingly feminized since the Second Great Awakening. Women make up more than 50% of the church, and that means at some level it is more satisfying to women than men.
Stackhouse evidences feminization of the church in music and the Jesus is my boyfriend music. The more robust (=masculine?) themes of “Onward Christian Soldiers” are dropping off the musician’s list. Preaching, too, focuses on emotions. [Stackhouse is operating with some stereotypes of what constitutes feminine here, and it is can probably be said these same have been part of the claim that the church his more feminine.] Less talk about how Christianity helps with work. [Does this help explain the appeal of Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life?] The activities of the church are skewed toward more historically feminine activities: homemaking, hospitality, small group sharing, etc.. Where is the guy stuff?, he asks.
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