It’s the same game of “singling out men as spiritual creatures, with a side helping of masculinity,” but this time it’s to capture men by way of women (and Messianic Jews).
Speaking of ecclesiology and mission lately, it’s fun when secular media gets the foibles of evangelicalism:
But Promise Keepers also offered something different from a church: an unmediated relationship with God. The stadium rallies produce an intimate, almost frenzied relationship with God that create a high—which even an alcohol-abstaining Christian man might seek out. But for how long? The P.K. experience that might have created an ecclesiastical euphoria the first time might not bring the same high the next time. Bartkowski thinks that to continue to bring men back, to sustain the high, P.K. needs to present something new—always. This year, at least, that something new comes in the form of women and Messianic Jews.
The Confessional Outhouse 
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Its depressing to think I went to PK events in ’94 and ’95. I can’t remember half of the speakers names and even less of what they said. I do remember it was along the lines of try harder, do more, be a man, etc. I think maybe the Gospel was sprinkled in there somewhere as well, probably just before the massive altar call.
At least 3 of the dozen or so men I went with have since gotten divorces and no longer attend any church.
I can’t say it was all bad, the sound of 30,000 men singing together was moving. That and the sanity in the stadium parking lot after the event was over was nice for a change.
There just something not right about a sports stadium full of men and not a beer in sight.
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