Statement of Need
Recent research by Gallup and Pew Research Center documents a substantial decline in church participation across the United States.
Key findings include:
- Weekly or near-weekly church attendance declined from approximately 42% of adults in the early 2000s to approximately 30% in 2021–2023.
- Nearly half of American adults now report seldom or never attending religious services.
- Christian identification has declined from 78% in 2007 to approximately 62% today.
- Men remain less likely than women to participate in religious life, particularly during their prime working and family-building years.
At the same time, many men report:
- Increased loneliness
- Reduced social connectedness
- Lack of meaningful friendships
- Difficulty discussing personal challenges
- Reduced participation in civic organizations
- Greater uncertainty regarding purpose and meaning in life
Research suggests that faith communities can serve as important sources of social capital, support networks, mentoring relationships, and opportunities for community service.
Why Focus on Men?
Men often serve as key influencers within family systems.
Multiple studies have found that when fathers actively practice their faith:
- Children are more likely to participate in religious activities.
- Specifically, young boys are more likely to attend church when the father attends.
- Families are more likely to engage in shared spiritual practices.
- Marital stability tends to be higher.
- Intergenerational transmission of faith is strengthened.
Research from the Institute for Family Studies, Communio, Pew Research Center, and others suggests that fathers play a particularly influential role in shaping the long-term religious engagement of children.
Yet many men report feeling disconnected from traditional church programming yet desire more practical, relational, and purpose-driven opportunities for spiritual growth.
Men in Balance is uniquely positioned to address this gap.
Benefits Associated with Religious Participation
Research has associated regular religious participation with:
Stronger Marriages
Studies have found that couples who actively practice their faith together often report:
- Higher marital satisfaction
- Greater relationship stability
- Increased commitment
- Stronger conflict-resolution practices
More Engaged Fatherhood
Religious participation is associated with:
- Greater father involvement
- Increased family interaction
- Shared family values
- Stronger parent-child relationships
Improved Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Researchers have documented associations between religious participation and:
- Greater life satisfaction
- Lower levels of loneliness
- Increased optimism
- Greater resilience during adversity
- Stronger social support networks
Increased Community Engagement
Faith communities remain among the nation’s largest sources of:
- Volunteer service
- Charitable giving
- Mentoring
- Community outreach
- Disaster response
Stronger Social Capital
Religious communities often provide:
- Friendship networks
- Support during illness
- Assistance during unemployment
- Grief support
- Practical help during family crises
Program Goals
The Get Back in Church Initiative will:
Goal 1
Increase meaningful spiritual engagement among men.
Goal 2
Strengthen marriages, parenting, and family relationships.
Goal 3
Reduce social isolation and loneliness among men.
Goal 4
Increase men’s participation in faith communities and service activities.
Goal 5
Develop a sustainable model for involvement that can be replicated by churches and community organizations.
Program Activities
Men’s Discussion Groups
Monthly gatherings focused on:
- Marriage
- Fatherhood
- Purpose/Meaning
- Work-life balance
- Faith and doubt
- Sex/Intimacy
- Friendship, Fellowship
Men’s Breakfast Forums
Community-based events featuring speakers, discussion, and networking.
Service Projects
Hands-on volunteer opportunities designed to connect men through meaningful community service.
Mentoring Program
Pairing mature men with younger participants seeking guidance and support.
Family Enrichment Events
Activities designed to encourage family participation and strengthen relationships.
Digital Outreach
Development of:
- Podcasts
- Short inspirational messages
- Online discussion opportunities
- Resource libraries
- Online radio station operating 24/7 with interviews and vignettes about men’s issues (now in operation at meninbalance.org/radio)
- The Get Back in Church website active now with additional suggestions and guidance
Church Partnership Network
Collaboration with local churches across denominations to create welcoming pathways for men who are disconnected from congregational life.
Expected Outcomes
During the first three years, Men in Balance expects:
- A minimum of 500 new men engaged through program activities
- 250 men participating in ongoing small groups
- 100 mentoring relationships established
- Increased measurable church participation among participating men
- Increased volunteer service hours
- Improved self-reported family relationships
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Increased spiritual engagement
- Increase of financial giving, filling of leadership roles in churches