Why is it so difficult to get men involved with the church?
We don’t have to spend long in many of our churches up and down the country to realise that, in many congregations, there are a lot more women than there are men. Why is this, and is there anything that we can do about it?
Perhaps standing in rows and singing is OK at a football or rugby stadium on a Saturday afternoon, but not at 11 o’clock on a Sunday morning? Or is to do with the fact that guys may feel uncomfortable in situations where they are expected to be open or vulnerable? The reasons are no doubt many and complex- the question for the church is: how do we address this imbalance?
As Stephen McGuire, the Scotland Director for Christian Vision for Men (CVM) explained, the latest findings from a YouGov survey* in 2014 highlighted what we can all see evident in our churches. The main summary of the analysis reported the following:

• 8 million fewer men than women in Britain say they are practising Christians
• Un-partnered men, especially the working class, are least likely to attend a place of worship and attend less frequently.
• Men with no dependent children present in the household continue to say they are practising Christians but attend less often.
• Middle class single men in the minority – Double the number of middle class un-partnered women attend than un-partnered middle class men.
• ½ million – The number to bring men up to the same percentage of regular attendance (once a month) as women.

CVM have come together with the Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) Project of the Church of Scotland, to organise the first ever “Quickfire” event in Scotland. As Murdo Macdonald, Policy Officer with the SRT explained: “Our lives are often shaped by technology- especially digital technologies. In many areas- such as online gambling- men are more directly affected.”
“Science and technology bring us all great benefits- but often present us with challenges. We are very excited about the opportunity that the Quickfire event will give us to explore a number of issues relevant to our Christian faith, in a more relaxed and informal setting than you might find in church”
Stephen McGuire continued: “This is where Christian Vision for Men (CVM) come in. We have a clear vision to introduce 1 million men in the UK to the life transforming message of Jesus. Our strap line or mission statement is simply “Introducing men to Jesus and the Church to men.” We work and partner with all denominations of church in the UK, providing evangelism and discipleship training, the latest thinking and a whole suite of ever expanding resources to equip those on the front line. Our flagship event The Gathering in June 2016 attracted over 2000 men for a weekend of camping, bible teaching, music, comedy and more. Over 150 men made first time commitments to Jesus during the course of the weekend and 200 more recommitted their lives to his service.
We could fill the remaining space that this article allows with stories of men whose lives have been transformed by an encounter with Jesus, but we realise that we are still just scratching the surface of what still needs to be done. We see men in church struggling in isolation, not knowing who to turn to for advice or help when the going gets tough. Issues such as pornography, debt, online gambling and mental health are crippling men and they are embarrassed to seek help even amongst their peers within church. I know from first-hand experience that this is true and the damage that it is causing to men up and down the country.
Christian men are struggling to deal with the issues in their life, let alone have the confidence to actively proclaim their faith to their family, friends and work colleagues. We need to put the confidence and grit back into men so that they can actively and effectively evangelise and disciple the men within their spheres of influence.
This is why we are excited to be partnering with the Church of Scotland Society, Religion and Technology Project to bring Quickfire Scotland to Barclay Viewforth Church, Edinburgh on Saturday 4^th March 17.
“Quickfire Scotland” is a unique event, and a first for Scotland, that brings seven of the top speakers in their field together for a day of fast paced, mini ‘TED Talk’ style 15-minute klaxon (and NERF gun) controlled talks. Whilst dealing with some serious topics there will be plenty of fun as the speakers avoid running over time and being fired upon by NERF guns. Throw in a hog roast for lunch and we have a great day in store for all who come along.
“Thoroughly enjoyed it! Fun, fast paced, no boring talks here, short, sharp and literally to the point and food a perfect men’s event – loved it.”
Colin Campbell – previous Quickfire attendee
 
We have lined up some great speakers to speak into a whole variety of topics some of which we don’t hear too much about in church.
Ian Black – Social Media an effective tool for evangelism
Ian will bring his many years of experience of developing some of social medias most followed platforms to help us understand the potential that it has as an effective tool for evangelism.
Paul and Nicola Reed – Internet Pornography. What’s the harm?
Paul and Nicola will share from their own personal experience with the added unique perspective from a wife’s point of view of the damage that internet pornography can bring and what steps can be taken to combat this dangerous addiction.
Justyn Rees Larcombe – Internet Gambling. A few quid won’t matter!
Online gambling is a massive industry that is growing rapidly. Justyn will share his own amazing story. He had wealth, a big house, a Porsche, a Mercedes. He had a beautiful wife and three sons. He lost it all through an addiction to online gambling, blowing three quarters of a million pounds in three years. Realising he could fall no further, he turned back to Christ and, in the space of two years, found incredible restoration.
Neil MacLennan – Bridging the Digital Divide. What can the Church do?
Neil is the director of Sanctus Media which exists to serve and resource the local, national and international church in providing specialist video and internet services. He will be sharing the best advice on how the church can make better use of the digital world to actively reach people.
Steven Turnbull – Men and Their Sheds. Do we all need a cave to retreat into?
Steven is a psychologist who has a strong track record working with elite sports professionals, business leaders, companies and individuals to help them fulfil their full God-given potential. He will be sharing his latest thinking on the need for men to have that quiet place to retreat into when the going gets tough.
Richard Johnston – Battle For The Mind
Mental health is a huge area and a growing problem for men in the church. Richard is Director of Christian Mindfulness, His main passion is to help people connect with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) through contemplative and meditative practices. This includes mindfulness which can be hugely beneficial in the areas of stress, handling emotions, low mood, anxiety and depression.
Bill Sharp – Sports Chaplaincy Evangelism
Bill is a director and chaplain of East Stirlingshire Football Club. He will talk about his role as a football Chaplain and will cover these topics: name for the nameless, answer for the doubting and a place for the excluded.
We have lined up the top speakers in their field for what is sure to be a day not to be missed. For more information and booking details head over to www.cvm.org.uk/quickfire
“I found the Quickfire event in Chesterfield to be a really engaging day. I was personally challenged by the guys speaking. More speakers presenting for a short time meant that we were challenged on different aspects of faith from a man’s perspective. I would recommend this event to other Christian men as well as those who have not yet found faith and believe all would benefit.”
Gordon Mackie – previous Quickfire attendee

There is a famous song written away back in in 1976 by Elton John and Bernie Taupin called “Sorry Seems to Be The Hardest Word”. Some of the lyrics include:
It’s sad,
So sad;
It’s a sad situation.
And it’s getting more and more absurd.
It’s sad,
So sad.
Why can’t we talk it over,
Always seems to me;
That sorry seems to be the hardest word.
Maybe it’s just because I have passed the 40 milestone or maybe it’s because I am turning into a grumpy old man but I think these days ‘thank you’ or even a simple ‘thanks’ can be the hardest words to utter.
I first began noticing it during the summer when I was in London for a week as part of our holidays, I would stop in the street or in a shop to let someone pass, give up my seat on the tube for someone or just let someone in front of me in a queue. People struggled to even look me in the face far less say thanks. I was beginning to wonder if this was just a London thing……apologies to any Londoners reading this.
The following week we headed to Disneyland Paris and the pattern continued…..my grumpy old man syndrome was kicking in big style and it was really starting to bug me. I was looking forward to getting home to Scotland and for the usual Scottish gratitude to once again bring a smile to my grumpiness.
Boy was I wrong, perhaps after my holiday experience I was just more sensitive and aware but it seemed to get worse. Whether I was driving about town, walking through the town, eating in a restaurant or even in church, the whole act of gratitude and simply saying thank you was disappearing.
You see I don’t think it is just a London thing, it seems to be a society thing. Thank you seem to be the hardest words.
So my question is “How are you doing on the gratitude front?” You see as Christians we are meant to shine as lights so that others may see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). When we omit to show gratitude our light begins to dim and we start to blend in rather than standing out in the culture around us.
Thankfulness is a prominent bible theme and we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Are we standing out as Christian men and expressing our gratitude in all in things or are we in danger of being known as a group of grumpy old men?
Photo Credit: Rodion Kutsaev

I came across this quote from John Wayne the other day and it really got me thinking. “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway!” For some of us the thought of evangelising to our mates or work colleagues can scare us to death.
What will they think of me? What if they ridicule me? What if they laugh at me? What if they ask me questions that I can’t answer?
Often we get scared and don’t saddle up and share our faith. But it is our faith that enables us to stand up, step out and saddle up. Throughout the Bible we see great examples of faith working miracles in the impossible situations of life. I love Hebrews 11 and how Paul looks back at some heroes of the Old Testament and how they achieved amazing things because of their great faith. Guys like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and many more. Verses 16 – 18 in the Message translation sum it up perfectly:
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.

Each of these people could stand up, step out and saddle up because they lived out their faith as a lifestyle. They didn’t rely upon or trust God in the big things or the important decisions but in every area of their life, no matter how big or small.
As we begin to live out our faith as a lifestyle we can be ready to stand up, step out and saddle up when God asks, not just when it suits us! We will become ready to share our faith with our mates no matter what the results are or even the ridicule that may follow.
Hebrews Chapter 11 also says this (v 11-12):
By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That’s how it happened that from one man’s dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions. (Message)
It takes faith to stand up, step out and saddle up, but when we do amazing things can and will happen.
Photo Credit: Christian Spies

The other week I was off work for 3 days due to a sickness bug, nothing serious just one of those bugs that seem to knock the stuffing out of you completely and leave you rolling about the floor wishing your mum was around to nurse you better.
I had to cancel meetings and miss a 2 day conference that I was due to attend. As I started to feel better and didn’t have to remain within 10 feet of the toilet, I started to feel sorry for myself in the way that only us blokes do. I was wishing that I had a little bell that would alert my wife to come running with the chicken soup and a cloth to mop my brow…
My mind began to wander to the missed opportunities due to cancelled meetings and I began to follow the conference on Twitter, realising that fantastic Kingdom business was taking place and I was missing it!
As these negative thoughts started to go round in my mind one thought kept on coming back: “God doesn’t really care about you”. Now of course this statement is totally rubbish and untrue, God loves us so much that he sent His Son to die for us, even when we were his enemy. But it made me realise how easy it is for negative thoughts to start in our minds. The enemy of course loves this kind of thinking and is actively engaged in trying to convince us that God is against us.
The danger comes when we start to focus on and believe the negativity that can often sneak into our thinking. We start believing the lies that the enemy is subtly telling us, often placing these thoughts over the truth of scripture. After allowing these thoughts to affect my thinking for a few hours while I was feeling sorry for myself, I was quickly brought back to what the Bible says about the matter. I really love the weapons that God has given us in our daily battles with the enemy and the reminder to put on our armour every day.

Put on all the armour that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks  For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armour now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. Ephesians 6:11-3

As we face new challenges each and every day let’s remember to put on our armour, resist the enemy’s plans and focus on the truth contained within scripture and not the negative thoughts that can often plague our thinking.
Photo Credit: Henry Hustava

I was a bit early arriving at my meeting in a town centre church and as it was Scotland’s one day of summer I decided to go for a walk around the town. This is something I really enjoy especially in a town I am visiting for the first time. As I still had a good few minutes before my meeting I decided to grab a coffee, sit outside and watch the world go by.
As I enjoyed my well-deserved coffee, I began to notice that people were walking around looking down. No one really seemed to be looking up, smiling or acknowledging each other. It was almost like they were trapped in their own little bubble.
This got me thinking as to where we as Christian guys fix our gaze. Often we are filled with sorrow or regret and we are constantly looking backwards. We analyse things that happened in the past and replay it in our minds over and over again. Often we try to imagine what would have happened if we had done or said something different. I am sure that you don’t need me to tell you that this is a totally futile exercise and just causes us further hurt.
Another thing we constantly do is keep looking around, especially when we have a problem. We are worrying about a situation or a problem, desperately looking for a solution, trying to do everything on our own, in our own strength. Of course we are men and can fix anything!
Instead of constantly looking backwards or around us, we need to refocus our attention upwards. Faith looks up towards God and what He has done and is doing for us.
When we are struggling with sorrow or regret over something that has happened we need to fix our gaze upwards and be reminded of what it says in Ephesians (Message Version) “Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!” You see when we gave our lives to Jesus, all our sins in the past, present and future have been were dealt with and we don’t need to constantly drag up the past in our minds and beat ourselves up about it.
When we are faced with problems and situations that cause us to worry, it’s time to stop looking around and trying to fix the problems in our own strength. We need to look up and be reminded of God’s promises as in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We must make prayer our first port of call and not the last, trusting that God has it all under control as He has promised.
As I was sitting outside that coffee shop, I wanted to hold up a sign that says “LOOK UP”. Advice which I also need to heed every day as I too get fed up looking at my shoelaces.
Keep Looking Up!
Photo Credit: Dennis Ottink

There is not a week goes by without some sort of sporting scandal. Whether it is officials receiving bribes, athletes getting caught up in a doping scandal, footballers diving or acting like they have been shot when someone goes anywhere near them. The pressure to win at any cost is immense, with often-huge sums of money at stake. We often hear phrases like “It’s not the taking part but the winning that counts” or “wining isn’t everything, it’s the only thing!”
Don’t get me wrong, I am very competitive and I always want to win but at times I need to ask myself at what cost? Am I willing to give up my integrity, my credibility or my witness as Christ’s ambassador to simply be declared the winner?
It was so refreshing to read about 24 yr old Ivan Fernandez Anaya, who was lying second in a Spanish cross-country race. The Kenyan leader, Abel Mutai, thought he had crossed the finishing line, and pulled up 10 metres from finishing line. Anaya could have seized his chance, but instead he shepherded Mutai across the line, coming second. He said afterwards that he recognised Mutai as the winner, and didn’t want to exploit an error. Mutai was the winner, but Anaya was the real champion!
I have way more respect for Ivan Fernandez Anaya than I do for any diving footballer or drug cheat athlete. His integrity shines through him and is of great encouragement and also challenge.
What about you? Are you willing to risk your integrity just to win? We are often the only windows of Jesus that many people have, are you up for turning others away from Jesus because you wanted to win at all cost?
The bible reminds us that we will always be found out when we cheat “He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely, but he who takes a crooked way will be discovered and punished.” Proverbs 10:9 (Amplified Bible) Is it worth cheating just to win? I don’t think so!
Photo Credit: Abigail Keenan

My pastor from church sends out a daily text to a number of people, a little snippet or thought for the day to encourage and equip the reader. One of last weeks texts included this quote from Willis Whitney – “Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to; all they need is one reason why they can.”
As I read it, it really struck home to me and challenged me big time. Even now as I write this blog I know that I need to go for a training swim as part of my Grand Challenge later in the year but hundreds of excuses are flying through my mind as to why I shouldn’t head to the gym and swim at least 60 lengths.
Often we know that we should share our faith with our work colleagues, guys in the gym, mates in the pub and even our family members but when it comes to it we can all think of thousands of reasons not to.
“What if they laugh at me?”
“What if they ask me a tricky question that I don’t know they answer to?”
“They wont listen anyway!”
“The probably wouldn’t be interested anyway!”
These are just some of the obvious ones that immediately spring to mind, I could go on and on with excuses.
But, as Whitney says in the quote above we only need only need one reason as to why we can and that reason is faith. Throughout scripture we read about ordinary men doing extraordinary things all because of their faith. They knew that with God all things are possible, not in their own strength but in His.
One my favourite portions of Scripture is Hebrews 11, the faith hall of fame, hear we read about spiritual giants and the great things that they accomplished, all because of their faith in God. Its inspiring reading and its my go to passage when the task ahead of me seems too big.
Not only do we have faith that enables to do amazing things, we also have permission from Jesus to go and join him in the adventure. As we read in the Great Commission, Jesus confirms his authority and gives us His permission to go out into the whole world.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
So lets be inspired by the faith of the great men of Scripture and use faith as our one reason as to why we can.
I am off for that swim!

I was recently reading about a guy called George Dantzig who’s work in mathematics and statistics have shaped the way in which airlines schedule their planes and crew, shipping companies deploy their vehicles, oil companies run refineries, manufacturing, revenue management, telecommunications, advertising, architecture, circuit design and countless other areas. His legacy is felt far and wide and affects us much more than we realise, however the start of his genius can be traced back to one singular moment.
In 1939 as a student at the University of California, George was studying statistics under Professor Jerzy Neyman. Arriving into class late one day meant that George missed the disclaimer that the 2 problems written up on the board were in fact unsolvable problems and he believed them to be the class homework. George scribbled them down in his book and went to work.
Although it took longer than normal homework and seemed a little harder George ultimately solved 2 of statistics unsolvable problems. In his own words “If someone told me they were two famous unsolved problems, I probably wouldn’t have even tried to solve them.”
Sometimes we make far too many assumptions as to what is and what isn’t possible. George solved those problems because he didn’t know it couldn’t be done.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 “with God all things are possible.” And to just reinforce and make sure we don’t miss the point he inverts it in Luke 1:37 (ESV) “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
I think that when we look at a problem we let our logical assumptions triumph over our theological beliefs and we have our reality defined by human assumptions rather than a divine revelation of scripture. We often forget the simple truth: Jesus can make your impossible possible!
If we let our theological beliefs triumph over our logical assumptions we will reach only one assumption:
God is able.
That should be our only assumption every other assumption is false. He is the God who can and does make the impossible possible.
I genuinely believe that if we want God to do a new thing, we can’t keep doing the same old thing and expect a different result. We need to unlearn every assumption that we have made, except for one.
God is able.

I absolutely love wildlife programs; I could literally watch them all day. I am constantly amazed at the wonder of God’s creation; I marvel at the new discoveries made and how perfectly in balance nature is. It is no wonder I join with the Psalmist in saying “Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.” Psalm 148:5
I was watching a program recently about Kangaroos and I learned that they are one of only a handful of animals that cannot move backwards along with Emus and questionably Penguins and Alligators.
I loved the thought of only being able to move forward no matter what the situation or circumstance is. Even when danger is apparent there is no option but to move forward, I like that notion.
Sadly as Christian men danger is all around, whether it’s the enemy whispering his lies into our minds at vulnerable moments, friendly fire coming our way as we poke our heads above the parapets, the pressure to blend in rather than stand out in the workplace or the trials of day to day to life, danger can be all around us.
Too often as we face danger instead of moving forward we retreat, move backwards and stop journeying forward into what God has called us. At times we spend so much time looking backwards, focussing on the defeats, the attacks or worse still retreating because of the fear of potential danger that isn’t even there.
I want to encourage you to keep your head up, keep moving forward not backwards. Trouble will come, we will make mistakes but don’t let the fear of the danger cripple you from moving forward and having a go in the first place.
As we move forward into new territories it is important to look behind us and realise what we learned from our successes and more importantly our failures but don’t dwell there. Don’t think that because you failed once then you are a failure full stop, that’s simply not true, its a lie that the enemy feeds us to hold us back and keep us down.
As we move forward into whatever God has called us to lets keep these words of Paul firmly in our minds.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Image Credit: Eamonn Maguire

As I was chatting to a local church leader and a very good friend of mine about coming to preach in his church in a few weeks we started to joke about how he would introduce me and more specifically what title he would give me. They’re a few he could choose:
Stephen McGuire – CVM Scotland Director.
Stephen McGuire – Cinnamon Network Scottish Ambassador.
Or by the time I come to speak in his church, Stephen McGuire – AOG Probationary Minister.
As I left that conversation I felt really challenged by the Holy Spirit that none of those titles meant a thing and that what I really wanted to be known as was Stephen McGuire – a man having a go for Jesus. An ordinary bloke gripped by his faith and getting stuck in, sometimes messing up, sometimes getting it wrong but always willing to have a go. That’s how I want to be known!
As we read through scripture we encounter loads of ordinary guys who were gripped by their faith and had a go. I can’t help but get inspired by the stories of these guys. Guys like Moses, an 80-year-old shepherd who led a nation out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. Then there’s Nathan, a prophet with loads of courage who didn’t shirk the responsibility of delivering the hard messages to Kind David. What about Peter, he began life as a fisherman and ended up walking on water and boldly proclaiming the Gospel.
Then we start to look around us and we see guys who aren’t looking for accolades or fame, they just want to serve Jesus. Like the guy who puts the chairs out every week, most people don’t even know who does it but they are always done. Or the guy coming off a night shift and coming straight to church to lead worship. What about the guy willing to give up his job and salary to follow God’s call and put everything on the line.
Acts 4 describes Peter and John as ordinary, unschooled men yet they led thousands of people to Jesus. Never believe the lie that God can’t use you and your shortcomings to do something amazing. God took a shepherd boy and made him King of Israel. God used a donkey after all to deliver a message. God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
There is a great line in the film Rambo where John Rambo played by Sylvester Stallone says “Live for nothing, or die for something”. I want to live my life in such a way that I die doing my best at having a go for Jesus in whatever path or direction he calls me. I love what Jesus says about this in Matthew 23:11-12:
Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. (Message Version)
God takes nobodies and makes them somebody… all by His grace.
Image Credit: Taylor Nicole