Men and church

So far, I've managed to escape this option! One time, I led a group of women to Starbucks instead! We had a great time getting to know each other over coffee.

 

Actually, I don't think hugging someone who is not you wife or holding hands with others falls under "stepping out of our comfort zone." The latter has more to do with takings steps or risks to do ministry or spread the gospel, etc.

I think if someone is not comfortable hugging a woman who is not his wife, he shouldn't do it. If someone doesn't want to hold hands, they shouldn't have to. Touching is very personal. Also, some people with a certain kind of past might not be comfortable with it.

Physically touching beyond a handshake or something like that is not necessary to connect with other Christians. I am fine with hugging women but don't really like hugging men unless I know them really well.

 

I've seen a lot of men who don't mind this at all, they're involved with attending church not becasue we do or don't do stuff this guy thinks is for women, but because of faith in Christ.

 

Amen, brother. :thumbs:

 

No one said anything on a sexual level of concern about holding hands. Feel sad all you want, "prayer circles" were not begun by men. That should tell you of the effiminant nature of its beginning. Most women like real manly men, others seem to like it when men are under their control. Effiminancy is a way of debasing men. Can anyone show a bible reference to men holding hands in a prayer circle? How about a reference to a prayer circle, period?

 

I've never been in a church that holds hands in circles to pray. But then again, we don't break off in groups to do anything----not Sunday School, not junior church, not nursery, not young adults class, or old adults class. We all meet in a small room where we sing, pray, testify, and preach.

 

My early life was in old ye olde England, where men did not do personal things in public. I never kiss nor hug my wife in public. I never offer my handshake to a woman. It is up to the woman to offer her hand first, and then I will shake her hand.

On the other hand, I was 8 years a military chaplain, and during a time of war. I held the hand of a dying man on the battlefield, as I prayed over him.

Yes, there are times when we step out of our "comfort zone", for the sake of the needs of people.

In many churches I pastored, it was not unusual to ask the congregation to turn to their neighbour in the pews and shake hands....it might even be a woman. The handshake is equated with the "holy kiss".

I don't believe for a moment that shaking hands or hugging has anything to do with one's spirituality. but has everything to do with one's cultural upbringing. I have never seen men kiss and hug at a football match!

So far as men feeling uncomfortable in attending church, someone has mentioned spiritual conviction rather than what others are doing is the proper answer. We need more man-to-man activity and conversation in our lives, period!

Cheers,

Jim

 

Ya Big ol....Bunch of sissys!... too afraid to hold someone's hands.. just because they happen to be the same gender as you!...

ONLY men not secure in their manhood have problems with showing emotions...

Christ cried... And Jesus was a real man...

Christ is also holding us in his hand... and we men are also considered part of the Bride of Christ.. .HOW's that for effeminate???!! LOL

If you are a Christian Male, you are part of the Bride of Christ.. He is your bridegroom.

If that bothers you...

Get a backbone ya sissy!... and realize that it is OK to be sensitive as a male...

Real men are sensitive. Look at Jesus!

 

I tend to find holding hands distracting because, of course, I want to hold that special someone's hand, and then when I do, all I think about is holding his hand. So much for prayer. Except "Oh God, thank you for letting me hold his hand."

 

So THAT'S the real reason why men don't want to come to church! They are hiding from Saggy!:smilewinkgrin:

 

Tim! Tell us how you really feel! :laugh::laugh:

 

This is how I was raised - men don't offer to shake the woman's hand but wait to see if she offers her hand first. I wish men would follow that more.

 

I'm not sure we each are a bride of Christ. The corporate church is the bride of Christ. I've had issues with this from some women's teaching that we are all Christ's bride. That is not biblical imo.

 

I agree Marcia.. I was just going to an extreme to make a point. LOL...

 

Well stated

 

Don't confuse compassion and consolation with sensitivity. [attack snipped].

 

Do you have Scripture to prove hand-holding is bad?

P.S. I don't like holding hands in church like that.