A friend sent me an article and said that I might be interested in commenting on it. It's good to know that I have friends that think I have an opinion about everything ... because I do. You can find the article here: [Link].
In the "Features" section of the Orlando Sentinel, Mark Pinsky reports that "experts say that most Sunday-morning sanctuary pews are filled with women." So, the problem is deeper than reported. "Experts" have to "say" because most of us do not know because most of us don't go to church and see for ourselves. So, why do you not go to church?
But, I digress. The idea of a "man-church" appeals to me because a lot of churches are feminized. Men like objectivity. But every time I turn around I see that a Methodist church is ordaining a woman pastor, or a Presbyterian church is ordaining an openly gay clergyman, or a Roman Catholic church is under fire because a priest has been caught in an inappropriate relationship with an altar boy. These are broken rules; and deep down in our core, we men don't like it. The more we learn about God, the more we find that his rules aren't subjective. I don't think there'll be figure skating or "Dancing with the Stars" in Heaven; but bobsledding and the long jump are sure to be there!
Again, I digress. Being all things to all people is not only a good idea; it's a requirement for a healthy church. A man-church is a wonderful way to reach out. But focusing solely on Jesus' toughness and masculinity is as dangerous as focusing exclusively on his compassion and tenderness. A lopsided view of Jesus -- or God -- is unhealthy and, at times, can be dangerous (e.g., white supremacists, abortion clinic bombers, Jesus People Movement, etc). Therefore, a man-church should be an outreach ministry where men are encouraged to get involved in a local church. It shouldn't be a replacement for church.
That's my opinion. Make it yours.
Update: I don't like the use of "unhealthy" in the fourth paragraph. The word is too bland and undefined. A lopsided view of Jesus -- or God -- ignores his complexity and, therefore, he becomes a god of our own creation or imagination which, at times, can be dangerous. Ah, that's better.