Able Men

Originally posted 10-29-07

I Chronicles 9:13

And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

The typical U.S. congregation consists of an adult crowd that’s 61% female, 39% male.
On any given Sunday there are 13 million more adult women than men in America’s Churches
Midweek activities often draw 70 to 80% female participants.


This gender gap is not just an American phenomenon; churches around the world are short on men. However, if you examine the world’s major religions, you will find that only Christianity has a consistent, nagging shortage of men. But look in the Bible and you’ll see that Jesus had no trouble captivating men. Fishermen dropped nets full of fish and left all to follow Him, but today’s church cannot convince men to commit to a few hours a week. But let me tell you that God is still looking for able men to serve him. God is still calling men to take a stand on the front lines. Who are those able men?

They are men of availability (Isaiah 6:8 ):

The greatest ability is availability. It doesn’t matter what abilities you possess if you’re not available to God. In scripture, God used ordinary men who made themselves available and He did amazing things through them. Men like Isaiah, Abraham, Moses, David and Paul all impacted thousands and perhaps millions because they answered, “Here am I, send me.”

They are men of dependability (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matt 25:21):

The parable of the talents, “…thou hast been faithful in over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.” When God finds a dependable man, He gives that man great responsibilities. God chastises the unfaithful and blesses the faithful. And He does that in your life and mine as well.

They are men of mobility (Mark 16:1):

When God speaks do we move? Or is our favorite song I Shall Not Be Moved? God has called each and every one of us to a mission in His kingdom. But even simpler than that, when God speaks to us in service, on the street, at the job site, do we respond to Him? God is looking for mobile men, who move at the call to prayer, worship, witness and devotion.

They are men of stability (Galatians 5:1):

Many times we see our fellow brothers succumb to the very things that the Lord has delivered them out of when they were saved. It’s imperative that we remain stable in our walk with the Lord. Samson was in the wrong place when he lost his strength. David was in the wrong place when he lusted for Bathsheba. Peter was in the wrong place when he denied Jesus. You won’t be able to stand for the Lord if you are not in the right place in your walk with Him.

Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Let’s do our all to become able men.