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Of all the difficult issues affecting the Christian singles scene, one rises to the top: Where are the men? That's the question Camerin Courtney and Todd Hertz explore in their insightful article "O Brothers, Where Art Thou?" When featured in last week's ChristianityToday.com Connection Newsletter, the article received a number of responses from Christian brothers—and sisters—who have recognized the absence of men and offer reasons or solutions for the problem. Here are some of their replies.

Finally, the Great Christian Man Shortage is an issue that "rises to the top"! It's been a big problem for years, and I'm astounded at how little attention it's received in the Christian media, particularly in terms of how it affects single women.

—Jennifer

I think one of the main reasons men aren't drawn into church is that we preach a self-centered gospel. God's plan for discipling the nations is rarely talked about in church. Most teaching from the pulpit is about our own personal lives, our personal walks, and our personal needs. We need to get over ourselves and get on with the program of advancing God's kingdom in creation. That aim not only appeals to men, but it's what God created us for.

Men are doers. I'm not talking about giving men projects to do around the church. I'm talking about engaging men's minds in strategy, vision, and planning.

—Mark

My first reaction to the article: "Oh, great! Now I'm supposed to pray for men to come into the church without any 'selfish motivation'?" It was selfish motivation that led me to read the entire article in the first place!

—Missy

I found it puzzling that prayer was one of the only solutions offered for the women to help correct the problem of missing men in the church. Perhaps Christian women should think of taking it upon themselves to go out and "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Is it possible that the Holy Spirit is calling the Christian women of this world to evangelize their fellow man?

—Mark

I believe godly, strong men need to rise up in the body of Christ and encourage single Christian men to come to church and get involved. It's not a woman's job to do that. Because in general, if I'm evangelizing a man, he's likely to come to church just because he wants to date me, not because he wants to pursue God.

—Pamela

Single men who call themselves Christians are probably not what the Word of God would describe as "men of God." I think the two main reasons for this are ignorance and immaturity: ignorance of what the Word of God calls us to be, and immaturity in wanting to follow the culture instead of accepting our responsibility to God. However, I believe the same could be said about many Christian women today. I find myself asking, "Where are all the real Christian women?"

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