A night at The Bloke

Last night I went to a men’s event called ‘The Bloke’ at Riverview Church. The whole night was dedicated to all things male; complete with drag racers, bikes, a bucking bronco and live bands. The event is staged about 3 times a year by the church with the aim of specifically having contact with men who would normally never go near the place. It’s a clever idea and perhaps one that other churches could pick up on. The cost is about $20, that includes a free beer and hot dog upon entry. Usually there is an interview with a well known guest – last night it was Steve Bradbury (our only speed skating gold medallist) – and a wrap-up talking about stuff that men relate to.

You can tell that the church puts a lot of time and effort into the night. Its well organised, professional and thoughtful; the short talk at the end was useful without being sentimental or preachy. I’d like to see more churches do something like this. I can remember the days when a men’s event usually involved a missionary in a safari suit, a badly cooked dinner and an hour long sermon – I was too embarrassed to bring any of my mates. I know we’ve come a long way since then, but it seems to me that men’s stuff is still a ministry that is neglected by churches.

I still struggle with the idea that somehow when it comes to events like these, churches seem to have the attitude that ‘second best is good enough’. In a world where well produced, professional entertainment can be seen on TV for free, is it any wonder that men choose to stay at home rather than come to a church ‘men’s breakfast’ or some other event that has been organised on the cheap? As churches, we need to put money into these events – even if we can only afford one a year! Yes! I know, money always seems to be in short supply. But I think we need to take this seriously, and that means putting real money and effort into the event – quality stuff, professional work, good speakers! If we are serious about ‘reaching the lost’ then we need to ditch the ‘she’ll be right attitude’ that can and still does exist in many churches. We live in a world where people are more discerning about their choices and less likely to put up with something that doesn’t come up to scratch. Its true that we can’t all do something as big as this, but we can do it better, we should do it better – there is eternity at stake here.