Helping Girls by Helping Boys

I have been thinking about boys and girls in the church this week.

It started when Christopher came home from a weekend with his Grammie. In addition to stories about his train ride and fishing adventures, he told me about his great class at the First Christian Church in Fairland, Oklahoma. He had seen a video in his class in which he saw snakes, guns, and bombs. He loved it! A couple of months ago, when we visited the congregation, he loved participating as a soldier in the re-enactment of Christ's arrest. I thought, Someone in this church really knows how to appeal to little boys.

Later in the week, I read an article in Christianity Today which can be found at www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/16.22.html. One paragraph caught my attention:

"The ratio of devoutly Christian young women to men is far from even. Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men. This is the elephant in the corner of almost every congregation--a shortage of young Christian men."

It occurred to me that if churches and Christian parents could develop their boys into strong and good Christian young men, they would be doing their girls a huge favor. They would be developing a good pool of potential Christian husbands for their young Christian women.

This could mean some churches will need to change their emphasis (especially in children's classes and youth groups). When teaching about Jesus, they may need to recognize that Christ possesses some often-overlooked rugged personal qualities that appeal to boys (and men). In addition to recognizing Jesus' love and kindness, teachers should recognize his courage, conviction, determination, bluntness, and strength of character. In addition to singing "girly songs" (as Christopher calls them), churches could sing a few songs about God being powerful and Christians being strong in a spiritual battle for the souls of the people we love. Boys and men could be encouraged to be responsible, to take initiative, to protect the weak, and to challenge injustices around them (like bullying or abuse). These types of things have a particular appeal to men and boys, and they are completely Christ-like and biblical.

When churches recognize that boys have different needs than girls, they will be able to attract, retain, and develop boys. They will be able to increase the number of solid, godly men for their young women to marry someday. They will be doing a favor for every girl who would have settled for something less otherwise.

What Attracts Muslims to Christ?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).

Christianity Today has published the results of a survey of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. The survey conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary points to several factors that have led Muslims around the world to follow Jesus Christ.

Primarily, two factors attract Muslims to Christianity: the lifestyle of Christians and the biblical message. Muslims are affected by Christians who live with integrity and kindness. They appreciate Christians who will reach out to them by adapting to their social customs. They appreciate kindness. They are impressed with strong Christian marriages.

The biblical message of Christ has a great impact when it is shared. The Gospels are powerful, when they are read or studied. The concept of grace is a welcome idea. Security in relationship with God is very appealing.

In other words, Muslims are attracted to Christ when Christians live like Christians and are loyal to the Bible's message. We can do this, and it can make a great impact. The article may be read at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/42.80.html.