Men and Church.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 February 1934, Page 6

Men and Church .

Why?

Problem of Attendance Discussed. “ jtin I) OUT why men do go to church, and I think you will find the best approach to a solution,” said Dean Julius last night in opening the discussion at the first of a series of six weekly round table conferences on the question “ Why don't men go to church?” Other speakers advanced various reasons ranging from disbelief in church doctrine to motor-cars. The conference was held in St Luke’s schoolroom after Evensong, and Dean Julius presided over a fair attendance. “ It is an extremely brave step on your part to undertake such a conference as this,” said Dean Tulius. opening the discussion. “ There have been conferences on this subject as far back as I can remember, »and people have thrashed the matter out and sought a solution. Schemes for popular services and popular sermons and schemes to get young men together by socials and dances have been put forward, but. none of them worked. ** Most efforts to brighten the church failed and deservedly so. No man should come to church motivated by promise of gift or reward. His'Object must be to worship in its simplest and highest form. It is not for you to descend to tickle the fancy of those who don’t want to worship, for worship itself demands the best a man can give in body, mind and spirit. Maintaining Ideals. " The ideals of worship must not be lowered. If we want a man to come to church, tell him what it means. > While one faces previous failures in trying to get men to come to church, I think ‘it is right to tackle the problem again. It would be a poor-spirited policy not to try again.” It was no good discussing the problem from the viewpoint of the man, continued the Dean. The 1 church dealt with individuals. Smith, Jones and Robinson were the men they wanted to get, not big numbers. It was true, indeed, that the church without men lacked something essential, for all sections must fulfil the duty of worship. " Find out why men do go to church, and I think you will find the best approach to a solution." he said. “If we could get from each man a true and honest account of why he goes to church, I feel sure we would get somewhere The great mass of people .come to church with no intention of worshipping, and it is necessary for the church to help them. M r e must see that our services bring them into touch with God and that hindrances are removed. Ser%*fces should be made understandable. Many hindrances have been removed, but the church can go a long way vet. Then there is another problem—as old as the bills-—the stranger who comes in from the outside and won’t understand your services.” Church’s Teaching. Mr Peter Trolove said that he felt like Daniel in the lions’ den. It was manv years since he had given up the habit of going to church, because he did not agree with its doctrine. “ I have a high appreciation of what votir cherical gentlemen are up against. One reason why I do not go to church is because I know more about the future life than our pastors or masters I 3:71 one of those neople who are called spiritualists," he explained. Dean Julius said that Mr Trolove’s objection was fairly severe, as he did not approve of the church’s teaching. However, people went to church to worship rather than be taught. There is too much class distinction and snobbery in all the churches to-day," said Mr A. r eenawav. “ Cold welcomes are given to most people, and T think that if the church was more cordial, more men would attend.” Dean Julius said that lack of brotherhood and class distinction in the old davs were a great hindrance. He did not think that tbev anplicd now. Mr F. Brewer suggested that the church should live in the spirit of the age and give business men a lead. They wanted Divine guidance in their daily life, and should be taught citizenship as a dutv to God. their neighbours and themselves. The concept of citizenship was very varied, and a lead from the church to young and old would, he thought, be appreciated. Practical Guidance. “ Theology is not much appreciated Sunday morning and night. Practical guidance is what is wanted." he added. Several points were raised by another speaker, who urged that church music and art should be improved and modernised, iuvenile training improved so as to instil a desire to go to church and an explanation given of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. He said that he thought one of the reasons why men were not coming to church was the widespread belief that science had passed theological development. In this case, a little knowledge was indeed dangerous. Mr I. Weir said that he would like to see the matter discussed bv the heads of the various churches, and suggested a revival of the old Council of Churches. Another suggestion, nut forward bv Mr G. R. Richards, was that the increased use of motor-cars for week-end trios had meant that former churchgoes had lost the habit and broken comnietelv from the church.