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March 22, 2007
Church — it’s not just for women any more
Presbyterian Men national conference to explore ‘church for men’
LOUISVILLE — Overcoming the stereotype that church-going is “a women’s thing” is the theme of the 2007 national conference of Presbyterian Men (PM), April 26-29 in Louisville.
Deadline for hotel registration is April 4 and PM treasurer J. Tom Allen of Richmond, VA, says available rooms are filling up fast.
Keynote speakers for the conference are David Murrow, author of the best-selling book, Why Men Hate Going to Church, and Roland Martinson, author of Coming of Age, a book that assesses the church’s relationship with young men ages 18-34.
Murrow hypothesizes that most churches seek to offer a safe, nurturing environment, which studies show is most appealing to women and older adults. “On the other hand,” Murrow writes, “men and young adults are drawn to risk, challenge and daring. While our official mission is one of adventure, the actual mission of most congregations is making people feel comfortable and safe.”
Through the plenary presentations, workshops, worship and Bible study the conference will seek to find ways the church can be more appealing to men. Guest speaker at the April 29 finale banquet will be the Rev. Dean Thompson, president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The conference will also include a tour of the Presbyterian Center and national offices of the PC(USA) and will kick off with an April 26 evening dinner cruise on the Ohio River aboard the historic “Spirit of Jefferson” (call 502-574-2355 for reservations).
For more information, call PM President Floyd Gilbert by phone at 757-467-6435, or by email
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