Journal: Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Volume: JBMW 05:2 (Fall 2000)
Article: The Wildman Transformed
Author: Russell Powell

The Wildman Transformed

Russell Powell

The Thin Veneer Of Men’s Ministry

Christian history documents many instances of “Christianizing” secular events. Easter was originally a Pagan festival and is increasingly more and more like its heathen original than anything “Christian.” Likewise, Christmas, outlawed by the Puritans in a great display of prophetic insight, has long since reverted to a celebration of sheer materialism. When Christians ride on the coattails of any secular movement or event, we always run the risk of having that movement’s origins return to haunt us.

You can just imagine a spectator at Cardiff Arms Park in Wales describing the atmosphere before a Wales/England rugby football match: “…We held hands and sang our hearts out. Praising what God had made, thousands of happy faces — men of all backgrounds — united in one song ‘Bread of Heaven… feed me now and evermore….’ I felt a great sense of encouragement being with these men. I thought, despite the difficulties… we will prevail….”

It is somewhat disturbing to see how this proclamation sounds so much like a Promise Keepers rally might sound.

The men’s movement in society has sprung out of a series of social changes, and Christian work among men has also been given a strong push by those same develop-ments. It is important that we think clearly about those changes and the origins of the secular movement, to make sure we are being faithful to God when we minister to men. We don’t want a christianizing of the Wildman — that primitive, tribal man some pagan men’s movements try to capture — we want lives changed by the power of God’s Spirit. We want to see the Wildman transformed into God’s man.

I am not just throwing stones from the sidelines. I have, and will retain, a deep involvement in ministry to Christian men. Our Lord commands it, and I have marveled at His work in the hearts of thousands of men. However, I want to offer words of warning and counsel. We need to build our ministry to men on the lasting Rock of Jesus Christ and God’s Word. We must resist being influenced by a transitory social phenomenon. The rugby quote above could be referring to a successful Christian men’s meeting. But after reading the source, it becomes apparent that it is a very different type of fellowship. How do we take hold of the opportunities to minister to men today, without being hijacked by the secular agenda of the men’s movement?

The Secular Men’s Movement

The men’s movement that has emerged in many countries since the Seventies has not been a single unified development. Rather, it consists of several divergent branches, each of which spring from a common origin: the changing role of women in society. As w...