by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 27, 2011 | Current Affairs, Dating, Decisions, Empowerment, Men, Relationships, Women
The beauty and challenge of pastoring an urban, thriving, and large congregation are the number of singles who attend.
Our church is filled with people who’ve never been married, recently divorced, and widows. Since I counsel them all, most are eager to get back into the game before they’re healthy and ready. Since I’m a pastor, I approach dating from a biblical perspective and having a relationship with God is a given. However, since I like to keep it real and relevant, I decided to strip away the layers and give it to you – “straight up – no chaser.”
If you’re dating…considering dating…I advise you to NEVER break this rule for anyone:
If a man or woman doesn’t like you for who you are, just stop.
Why? If you have to change who you are to attract, or keep them, you are cheating both yourself and them.
Whoop, there it is (Man, I’m showing my age). What are your thoughts? Sound off?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 22, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Easter Weekend, Leadership, Men, Mentoring, Self-Leadership, Top 5, Vision
Mars Hill is the kind of church men would love to attend.
Every Sunday, church pews fill up with despondent women who are forced to worship without the men in their lives. A recent survey by Ellison Research found that 31% of men never attend church even on holidays believing that church is for women, weirdos and wimps.
This sad statistic prompts parishioners and ministers alike to ask: “Where are the men?” While it’s true that several men spend their Sundays satisfying their vices for sports, beer, and sleep, men who don’t attend church usually have more substantial reasons for not attending.
However, I’d like to share five reasons why I believe Mars Hill is a church men would love to attend. (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 11, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Empowerment, Leadership, Men, Self-Leadership, Worship
People often joke: “You have a greater chance seeing Marvin Gaye (R.I.P) at the Superbowl than seeing men attend church.” Although some men attend church regularly, it is a fact many do not attend…at least not with the frequency and regularity women.
Churches from every country, race, and ethnic group all ask: Where are the men? According to Church for Men website, “Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in the typical worship service in America. Some overseas congregations report ten women for every man in attendance. Volunteer ranks are heavily female.”
This is not the case at Mars Hill. Men regularly attend our worship experiences and are not embarrassed or afraid to worship God. In fact, there were a few occasions when our men led worship. If you find this hard to believe, check out the picture below. That’s right…men kneeling at the altar…going after God with everything they have.
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 23, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Men
Are you enjoying the journey as we investigate the circumstances surrounding Christmas? Personally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our journey together. We already know God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He chose a teenage girl to give birth to our Savior – Jesus. Today, I invite you to look at Joseph, Mary’s husband. Like her, he was a part of God’s divine plan.
Why Did God Choose Joseph?
Allow me to cut across the yard and say: Joseph was OBEDIENT.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20
Joseph was struggling with his dilemma when God spoke to him (I know i would’ve struggled too). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife (Matthew 1:24). Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do (consistently).
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14
(more…)
