Back in college, Michelle and I decided to try out the church that supported the college ministry. So, one Wednesday night we hoof it over to the church to attend worship. Everyone met in the sanctuary to sing a couple songs and have a prayer. Some guy stood up and made some announcements, then asked if anyone had anything else to add. Afterwards, we all stand up to head down stairs to class. Michelle and I were kind of walking and talking at the time, when before we knew it, the crowd was separating: men on side and women on the other. The men were going to one side of the downstairs, while the women went to the other side. Two classes: A men's class, and a women's class.
In my class, we talked about: the man being the head of his family, what the man says goes, the woman is supposed to be silent in church (scriptural reference here), you need to be at church as often as possible, and a few other topics I don't really care to mention.
After about 30 or so minutes, the class was dismissed, and we started filing out towards the stairs. That is where the men and women starting merging back together. I scanned the crowd for Michelle, and finally found her. She had this expression on her face that can best be described as a deer in head lights. Walking up the steps, we don't say a word to each other. The phrase "shell shocked" comes to mind.
On the way back to the dorms, Michelle describes her class. It was of a similar nature as mine, but from a female stance: your husband (just understood you would have one) is always right, if you have questions about the bible, wait until you get home, he will tell what is right, etc. They then knitted some napkins for the shut ins.
Needless to say, we never went back. Because of this experience, I have always been very wary of men only and women only classes. Until now....
Farragut has to have one of the best Men's class that meets on Wednesday nights. Along with that, the women's class is top notch. I may be a little biased as Michelle is teaching the class currently, but that is my right as her husband.
Back to the Man Class. For a few months now, this class has been growing in popularity. For a while, however, it hasn't been that popular, and no one could really put a finger on why. But what is going on now is absolutely amazing. Well, at least for me. You see, most of those that hang out in this class are who I would consider play makers. By play makers, I mean guys that I would go to to help me with a particular decision. I ask them advice. I trust there opinion. I hang out with these guys "outside of church". When decisions are being made within the church, these men are usually a part of the committees making the decisions. Not just me, but other people trust these guys as well.
Not only do I respect these men, but they are all professionals with jobs NOT in ministry. They are doctors, sales men, entrepreneurs, scientists, and retirees. They show Jesus in their work, how they raise their children, how they treat their wives, and how they interact with each other. It is blatantly obvious that they have a love for God and a love for others. There are no egos. We all share our "personal views" on what the scripture says, and sometimes disagree. However, when it comes to the absolutes and truths of the bible, we are in harmony. Any one of these men could teach this class. And for whatever reason, they are starting to come together on Wednesday nights to talk about Jesus in one class. If you are not already involved in a bible study on Wednesdays, why don't you come and join us?
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