Manly Christian Men Singing Manly Christian Songs

This Fall I attended the Grace Agenda: Gospel Presence conference in Moscow, ID (http://www.graceagenda.com).

This was the first conference I have ever attended as a pastor, and I was very much encouraged and edified by the hospitality of our hosts, the fellowship of other Christians, and the informative and engaging speakers.
Many of these things I was expecting, but what I didn't expect was to be so moved by the powerful singing!

The Friday session split the men and women, and I met with the men at the Nuart Theater (a renovated movie theater in downtown Moscow).  At the beginning of each session a hymn was sung... or rather, belted out! Beautiful and powerful, the sound of so many Christian men singing out praises to the LORD caused my inner being to respond with an exultant "YES!".  I could not recall ever having been in the presence of so many men passionately and enthusiastically lifting up songs of praise.  The singing was a balm to my soul and tonic to my spirit.  It moved me, and awakened in me a hunger for something I hadn't realized was missing.

There were no instruments, but I don't think it was their absence that made the praise so special.  Would their addition have detracted from the sheer driving force of the sound of a multitude of men praising God?  I think not. But what it did tell me was that a "rockin' worship band" is not needed for moving and powerful praise.

I want to feel that again, to experience the fellowship, comradery and joy of Christian men standing and praising God together in song.  This desire has birthed an idea, and the idea has birthed an event.  I am planning to have our church host a "Manly Christian Men Singing Manly Christian Songs" evening of praise and song.  The goal is to bring Christian men together to SING in exultant worship before the Lord.

Lord willing, you will be hearing more about this.  Much prayer, planning and work needs to take place in order for this to occur.  And as much as I am doing this for my own (somewhat selfish) reasons , I am much more concerned that God be glorified in what takes place.  With that in mind, I have started compiling a list of hymns and songs that men like to sing.  My criteria is as follows:

1. Theologically rich
2. Glorifying to God (if the song is mostly about you and your feelings - no thanks)
3. Scriptural
4. No empty or banal lyrics
5. No ad nauseum ad infinitum chorus repetition.
6. Fairly well-known. It is tough to sing out boldly a song you aren't familiar with.

If you have a song or songs in particular you would like to suggest, or if you would like to help out, or know of a strong song leader who could lead such a gathering - please send me a note at   jwilson@eaglecreekside.org - I would love to hear from you!

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”  Rev 4:11