Good conversation. I'm a black man and I didn't go to church because I wanted to do what I wanted. I know what GOD wants, but I know what I want. I didn't want to truly submit to GOD because I wanted lust. I used the issues going on in the church as an excuse not to submit to the righteousness that GOD required of me. Atthe end of the day, pimp pastors, hypocritical leadership or not, I have to submit to God's righteousness and learn to love HIM more than my self centered desires.

As a believer and a man who goes to church I believe that the lack of men in the church is due to the dishonest message that many pastors are preaching. Preaching about prosperity and manifestation of material things as well pandering to the women due to the fact that they're the majority of the members and givers. Men can see through that easily. Us men also respond to the absolute truth more than how the word makes us feel

I am a pastor for 20 years and I love this conversation. These men are sharing their hearts. We need to change! These men can help the church fulfill its purpose and heal and empower ourselves, families, and communities. Bless ya'll

The church used to a space where men could congregate, discuss the community needs,conduct business, and support each other. The deacon board was led by professional men who possessed skills that translated outside of their work. They labored for their community and did so without much fanfare. My most significant mentors came from the church. The deacons ran the church. Pastors came and went. Those men demanded discipline, stewardship, integrity, and honesty. It was safe for men to do men things.

Don’t let other men’s sins stop you from serving God. Every man has to give an account for himself.

This may not be popular but never less it’s true. We go to bad restaurants, but it doesn’t stop us from trying new ones. We see bad movies but still go back to see the new release. Yes there are bad churches that manipulate the masses, it doesn’t relieve us from the responsibility to find the right one, and that’s what the Bible says (Hebrews <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="625">10:25</a>). There ARE good churches that pour out in the community, serve the congregation through discipleship and are not money hungry. We are not designed to be or called to be lone wolf Christians.

Being a man raised in church I’ve seen the change in how pastors treat their churches. Went from it being about truth to it being about pandering to the majority of your church and money. Everything now is about money! If it’s one thing you’ll notice is that people only react to what they want to hear, not what they’re supposed to be learning and it’s backfiring bad. Youth aren’t going, men aren’t going, and it’s all because it’s insanely rare to find a church that will teach the truth!!!! 🤦🏾‍♂️ Manifest this and attract this…if I wanted a tarot card reading or spirit reading I know where to go for that devil! Preach the truth everyone wants to know

As a pastor, I walk a fine line. If I am too transparent, the people will say, "I knew he was a hypocrite", but If I don't show transparency, people will think, "Man, this guys is perfect and I can't relate to him." I guess the balance is that I share my flaws with specific people in the congregation because everyone can't handle your flaws. I have come to come learn that people are in process so I don''t allow people an opportunity to grow. We are all on a journey. I also say this, we are all in the same boat, God just happened to call me, an imperfect person, to serve a perfect God.

The one elephant in the room that was left out, is when you have alphabet people in leadership roles in the church. Maybe KZfaq didn't allow such conversations. Thus the problem with the church 🤔

Since 1980, the black Baptist Church has collected $420 billion from the community it resides in. Where has the money gone? 🙄

First and foremost, I want to thank all of the brothers on the platform for sharing your thoughts and opinions on a topic that is very important for now and the future especially for black men. I would like to add to your discussion that we can come up with all types of reasons why men don't attend church, but I feel that the male needs to take his rightful place in his home first and then the church, he needs to be in a position to set the example for others to follow, the church is supposed to make disciples out of men, not preaching how to get rich, but to effectively demonstrate the power of God's word and how it can be used in one's life

If they go to church and commit to God they have to do a lot of changes. Most r not ready for it, but if our men get it together we will be fine. We are waiting my brothers. We love you and need you.

Praising God together is one of the best things you can do as a couple. I wouldn’t want a man that’s not capable of covering me, leading & teaching me and being my priest.

To My Black Brothers Thank you for sharing your heart It is well appreciated I too have experienced this on a big scale I was a member of a church for a long period of time. And unfortunately the pastor was worshipped and all types of things were going on (arrogant personalities sinful lifestyles bad leadership) It was a horrible experience even though in the beginning it was great Over the years it changed for the worst when it went to a Mega church . The focus must be on Christ not Pastor. We must still seek Christ and get in the Word of God apart from the pastor/church. The church are the people not the building. I eventually left that church and for two years I still prayed and followed Christ even though I was not in particular church. Jesus must be the only one that I serve and worship not any pastor. Two years later God let me know that I must follow him and I needed to be apart of the body of Christ I was hesitated at first and I prayed for a place of worship. The Lord answered my prayers. I am at a place of worship that truly teaches the Word of God and shows the world what God looks like. I am glad that the Lord lead me where I am

There are so many entrepreneurs pastors today that lead people different paths as a 59 year old man still remembers the old days of churches than nowadays because my heart bleeds today .

Because they don't want to be mind control.

This is an opportunity to rectify a major problem in our communities! A lot of damage has been done by terrible men who were supposed to Shepherd the flock! These behaviors keep God's people out of his presence and open to the enemy who works in the physical. Kingdom Men are rising! Shout out to all the brother's for being open and sharing everything 💯❤

The church fell a long time ago. It is no longer a place for truth and grace. It is simply a social gathering hub. The word is contained in the Bible. We can worship anywhere. Having said that, I go to church every Sunday and participate in Bible Study for exactly the reasons I mentioned. Social gathering. If all I wanted was truth and grace, I would not bother leaving my house. The Bible already has that.

I’m a blk woman and I’m so glad my blk husband the leader of our family loves God and loves attending church Sunday and Thurs night Bible studies, he does weekly devotions with us and makes sure me and our 4 children are growing in Christ. I love and appreciate him for caring about our spiritual well being and being a great provider for our family. God first, my husband is a great source of blessing in my life.

After watching this whole video, I come to two things. One: Excuses. I understand what each brother stated but at the same time, every church is not after your money nor are every church tore up from the floor up. There are good churches that are leading people to Christ each and everyday. We got to sometimes keep our focus on Jesus more that we put on the Pastor or Bishop. Two: Choice. The bible says as for me and my house: We will serve the Lord. Having a committed relationship with Christ is not easy. To live a way that's not pleasing to Man, but it gives glory to God. We are in the last days and the Word of God says there will be a great falling away. Do not allow the devil to overtake you to miss Heaven. Whether you believe it or not: There is a Heaven and a Hell. God bless you.

I am a black man that grew up and still goes to church; the truth is I can't function to long without it. Just putting it out there we out here.

Black men don’t go to church because we are logical thinkers and are not swayed by emotions. What is a man without pride? A humble sheep that is easily lead

I've never even heard of this KZfaq channel before today. Three minutes into this video, I hit subscribe. These are the conversations that need to be happening in our community. I'm glad I found this, but I'm much more glad that it even exists.

Great conversation. All the above reasons why I don't attend church today. But I would sign up for the barber shop outside the church.

I'm glad yall had the convo. Definitely needed and needs to continue.

Good conversation. It's something that needs more attention and more conversations like these. You can't correct anything until you identify problems. Keep up the good work. Bless. 🙏

This was a great conversation! Thank you for sharing with the sisters. we needed to hear your side of the story.

Excellent Discussion! Very intelligent thoughts and concerns! I as a woman, certainly have thought of each of the points brought up in this group. I appreciate the validation now that I know they see what I see. I don't attend church for the similar reasons that the men have identified. I am eager to hear more similar conversations and it would be good to get some more pastors in the room so that the pastors hear what a lot of intelligent black men have to say about why they are not in the church. We all need help to be better people, and if the Church (and families at home) don't support that in a "responsible and mature" way, we are not going to get very far. Keep the discussions coming!!

The way this world is today I am running straight to Lord GOD ALMIGHTY. He has been my ROCK through everything I have been through. Allot of the things you mention do happen in the church. That is between that person and GOD.

This is my first episode watching y'all! I appreciate this gem as a young black man in this world we need more information like this. I'm sharing this with my younger brother. Just wanna tell yall thanks and keep going cuz we need it.

As an agnostic brother I applaud you on this panel for this open and constructive discussion. Thanks for sharing your insights.

We disconnect ourselves from the church the same way we disconnect ourselves from our community. Instead of working to fix the problems we walk away and choose not to deal with it.. It is a lazy weakness that we have developed as men😢😢😢

Need to be more of these shows like this in our neighborhoods at all times.

Praying 🙏🏾 men like yourselves can help keep a good balance and the Pastor in check! ❤ love you gentlemen for speaking your experience and truth !!

This is a BEAUTIFUL conversation. Everyone of you are very intelligent to listen to every point of view and consider every perspective mentioned. ❤❤❤

So I wonder how many men are praying to God for a church home?. It is important, and I have been to some churches that would NOT go back too. However, I ask God to lead me with a humble heart, and he did just that, so there is no excuse. ❤

I’m OG ‼️ I recall growing up as a child in church and watching our flamboyant pastor leave his wife and three children, leave town with an eighteen year old young lady and take her back east, remarry creating a new family and pastoring a new church. Doing his tenure as pastor in the pervious town the members of his church worshiped the pastor as if he was a little jesus serving a little wooden god. This pastor was so flamboyant an slick that most women and men would give there last dollar in church to this pastor. The women were so gullible to compete with each other to get in bed with this pastor. Our town was so small back then and everyone in the community new our church was only playing church in the eye site of God . If I was about money, I could write a book about this church and the members who participated in playing church and not serving God all mighty. Shalom ❤

Greetings, this was a great conversation!!! Praying men return to being back in church and being the spiritual leaders in the home. God bless and love yall. Ephesians <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="323">5:23</a> For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

So refreshing to see our Black men have meaningful, and direct conversation and inter reactions with one another, without using profanity, or throwing shade…everything was done decently and in order! Praise the LORD.

So then apparently the prevailing question should be why don’t Black men attend the ‘good’ Black churches?

The Pastor is just a vessel, you don’t need a Pastor to find God but a good pastor will be vessel and always directing his sheep to God

They are tired of the lies and gossiping in church., tired of the passing of the plate 4 times in one service (which only helps the pastor), tired of them begging, tired of them not speaking from the Bible, tired of theatrics, tired of people dressing like they just came from the club, etc. I’m not a man but I’m tired of it!!

Great conversation! So much to say in response! LOL.. GOD bless you brutha's for your transparency! So needed!

What will end all of this is to find a Pastor that loves God. A Pastor that lives to serve and serves to live is what we is the best teacher to learn from. I pray that as we seek a place for learning God's Truths that we stay focused on what the Spirit desires and not ourselves!!!

It's easy to find excuses for things we don't want to do. Yes, I am aware of the hypocrisy within the church. I grew up in the church. I have seen so many things that have gone on from the crookedness, receiving, adultery, fornication, the violence that has taken place in the church, I have seen it all. And as a man it has not stopped me from still coming to church. The reason why I still come is because everything I see continues to draw me closer to God. You see there's another side we don't talk about. If you have a desire for something, you will never ever allow anything to keep you from it. If there is a job or position something that you have a desire for, you will go after it with reckless abandoned and let nothing get in your way. If you allow circumstances within a church to keep you from coming to church, all your problem is not from the church. It lies in your desire for Jesus Christ. If you have a desire for him, you will not allow what you see to stop you from coming. The Bible even says I'll let nothing separate me from the love of the Lord. Can you say that in spite of what you see ? Will you serve the Lord? Will you stand for you but will you make excuses?

What a awesome conversation gentlemen. I love it!

This was awesome this was very good glad I came and listen. I understand all the questions I've been there.. I'm going to share this on my Facebook to try to get other brothers to watch this..

I enjoyed this topic and the conversation to include the style. You brothers demonstrated what is missing in the church today. I looked beyond your conversation and heard love and compassion. Truth by real men to help others by not condemning but by revealing and encouraging. I am looking forward to part II. I pray that this panel and ministry continues. Much love brothers

Great conversation! I stopped going years ago, I was burned twice by the church, once monetarily, and again when the pastor was having an affair with someone I knew.. What sealed it was when I realized that no one walking this earth is no closer to God than I am. I don’t think Pastors should endorse politicians, because judges get endorsed by pastors not knowing those very same judges will have no problem sending the community to prison… There’s an element in that community I choose not to be a part of..

Great conversation. I'm glad to hear the different perspectives. This helps me as a pastor and a black man.

My guy Dude....love this fellas. Very informative piece. These are conversations that we need to have for sure.

Good, you guys are doing this. Very true on many of the points. I d like to add to your discussion.

Wow, Just wow, I finally a podcast about the real issues we as men / black men struggle with. I’m just amazed, I had to watch this, then I had watch it with my friends. This is just amazing topic.

You don’t go to church… but you don’t stop going to work..

As a leader I thank you for this talk. Because I’m developing a show but haven’t been able to move forward because I wanna hear more from godly black men thank you brothers

Much respect! I appreciate the conversation and the platform for men to voice their thoughts and opinions.

I’m a pastor as well and I had and have some of the same issues with church as most black men. Black men have been attack throughout society so much that when they attend church and get their toes stepped on, they wanna run, fight, rebel and whine. No one in church started out in church. Everyone started out AT church. Some grew up AT church and are still AT church. When you’re in church a lot of these issues fade away because you grow. Your discernment grows, your love grows, your faith grows, your patience grows and so on. As each aspect of your character grows you begin to see things differently and more clearly. Not every pastor is placed by God, some are merely allowed for whatever reason. The same goes for the rest of the leaders and some members. It takes money to run a church, for upkeep and expansion. Statistically all of the finances of the church is provided by 10% of the churches congregation. So there will always be a need and they will always have to put focus on it. I always tell my folks that we need your prayers, we need your time, we need your presence, we need your creativity, we need a lot. Your money is only a portion of what we need and whatever you can give will be used in service of our Father. God tells you what to give in His word read it for yourself. You have to make sure you’re right in the eyes of God. When you stand in front of the throne God’s not gonna ask you about me. Now…I have a job, my pastor owns a business and we don’t take any money from the church. Maybe when you’re dependent on that money it can be different. But we stress tithing. If you spend time in prayer for the church you giving a portion of your heart and that a tithe. If you show up to help give clothes or food, then you’re giving a portion of your time out of your day and that’s a tithe. Imma leave it there. Sorry for the novel!

The church is not a building or organization but a group of people who know and worship Jesus. Christians are taught, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching”

good talk and convo fellas a lot of obvious truths ppl don't talk about openly enough. black church needs reform for real for real

I love this conversation! Its much needed. We need black men in the church!

This is an EXCELLENT conversation!!

Thanks Lord for your salvation Thanks Lord for your peace Thanks Lord for my church and Bible study class.

Wow this is powerful! A really good point that stood out to me the young brother said was the church clicks. This is BAD in the church! I don't do clicks and for this reason am very little involved in our young adult activities. Another issue for men not attending is the needs and day to day struggles of a man is not being addressed. People come to church to find solutions and ways to cope with certain obstacles but most churches are just transactional, business as usual. If a man feels there's too many politics or certain needs are never addressed in the church, they feel as though it's pointless to come. That said, Im a deacon/drummer in the church speaking on these issues.

Awesome conversation Brothers. Such a great discussion and it’s great to see Black Brothers having this necessary conversation; especially pertaining to our faith and walk with Christ. A lot of Brothers including myself are broken so walking into a house of the Lord and you see the foolery that you’re running from is disheartening. Outside of that, it’s difficult for any man to submit to another Man’s authority (especially a Pastor). We’re forced to do it in our careers and many Pastors aren’t sensitive to that. The power trip, ego, pimp/prosperity and the lifestyle he show and live are enough for a man to make a conscious decision to not participate. Men rather deal in reality rather stay in a reality that’s far from true where you are paying for hope. It’s not all about money because Brothers will give for a cause but you can put no bull**** on us and expect us to roll with it. The brother makes a very good point about a lot of Pastors out here with churches and no ministries. They just as out of line as you and the lack of Bishops present is allowing Pastors to get away with murder. Everyone starting churches and there is no accountability. Back in the day, Bishops groom, mentor and oversee these Pastors and making sure God’s work is being done.

Shalom men of God and many blessings to you all and to your beautiful wives and families (personal/ministries). I have much respect for this communion that was shared between you all. This blessed my soul. I appreciate the transparency and the truth that came forth from every man of valour who was a part of this much needed discussion. I appreciate this table. God Bless you all and Shalom

I love this talk We need more of this ESPECIALLY the way men are being attacked

Great discussion and even a better panel of men. Tuning in next week.

This is a great dialog among men regarding the church! 💯

Black men it is important to have a foundation with God, apart of that relationship is to know him in spirit and word. Church is a training ground where you learn and worship) praise God. It's important, very important that a man have the support of similar minded men for support and mentorship. The pastor may have been positioned by God, he might be also well versed in scripture with people skills. But it is also important for a man to have these same attributes and spirit. A must know and represent his position as a husband, father, as a member of the body of Christ. There is more to it than, church attendance, offering, and church anniversary and the pastor. The pastor is not a king and he don't run your house. The pastor is not responsible for your house ,he just provide counseling to his preaching, teaching and a godly lifestyle. The man is the man of his household, he set the rules, the timing, the pace with the guidance of holy spirit . The house can be ran anyway, but a home is covered by the spirit of God, the man is the head of his home and he share dominion with his wife unto his child and those who reside or come under his roof. A house is a structure, a home is a place fortified with love: love is the spirit of God. Seek God first.

I go to church with my wife in support of her. As she supports me 24/6.8 days a week. Least I can do.

This is better than the movie barbershop and I thought that was a great classic! True Men of God ! With all thy getting, get understanding!

Thank you sir…I will use this in our upcoming Ironman ministry This will definitely help in the SWOT analysis of what is hurting men’s ministry collectively

I need to do one about why do men go to church, and talk about the blessing of gathering among each other and building Godly men.

When I was growing up, my parents and my family went to sunday school and church every Sunday. We didnt have all the electronic distractions available and for a long time we didnt even have a color TV. I think the church should have mens ministry and sponsor things like simply watching a football game or even exercise together. There is a lot of talent in the church so lets use it. God bless.

This was an excellent conversation. I just stumbled upon this on KZfaq. I'm glad I did because I am from Detroit Eastside. I try my best to make it to church if I am not at work. There is not alot of young people at the church I attend and I have been wondering why the youth isn't into God

Great conversation!! I love the truthfulness and I must rewatch again. Humility is missing in the church and among men. Pride is the greatest tool the enemy uses to keep men away from the blessings of GD!! We must learn to exercise the strength of humility so GD can pour out HIS blessing on men, their family and the next generation.

Very great topic to discuss.

Study to show yourself approved,rightly dividing the word of truth😊

This is fantastic. It would be wonderful if you had in a later video, men and women who have left the church. There’s only one Shepherd which is The Creator. The pastor is part of “the ministry” of The Creator who has an assignment. There’s a difference in making a mistake (being human) and a conscience ungodly decision. I’ve heard pastors say, “who gave you the authority to correct anybody” as if he is above everybody. I agree 💯%, there’s only preaching that’s being preached that holds people captive to them in many churches. Is Christianity (Baptist) the Roman Catholic way of handling the church with a Protestant overcast? Kudos for having this. Much ❤ to you all

Proud of you brothers. This is what young men need to see. Grown men acting grown and respecting each other.

I grew up in the church and went away from it as I matured. The tithe issue, hypocrisy, and the feminization of men drove me away.

I have never, ever been a member of ANY church that asks for ANYONE'S W2! What church can you share does this?!😲🤷🏽

Great talk brothas! I also grew up in the church but stopped going after I got older.

Great conversation and panel. Thanks for sharing.

The main thang that’s has driven black men away from the church is the homosexuality that goes on in the pulpit, I get preach too not to chase women or gang bang or smoke weed but the preacher let thing the choir director roll around with another ma and it’s know that makes a lot of straight men be like this is not the place for me

Great Conversation, Read and study the living word of God. Trust God and let the Holy Spirit lead. Gal 5: 16-18, James <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="252">4:12</a>🙏🏾❤️🔥

This is awesome conversation and good information from our brothers and the black community. There are so many dynamics involved in this as to why our black men are not great attenders of our churches. I love the fact where one brother says he dug into the Word and saw what the scripture said for himself, and now he can make a sound judgment call. Bottom line is, once you know the Word you are accountable for it and not another individual. It would help to get above the people and see God just as zacchaeus did from the tree. Thx so much for this Podcast!

Great conversation bros!!!!

Some of what is being said is true. Its not a blanket that covers all churches or all pastors. Dont mistake respecting and honoring pastors as worshipping them. They are worthy of honor, according to the word. If you really want to be part of a bible teaching, Jesus believing, body that fellowships with each other and worships God, keep looking until you find it. The Lord bless you and keep on keeping you is my prayer!

Because a man knows a Pimp when he sees one!

This conversation was GREAT!!! 👏🏾

I am the Church. I am the Temple of God. A building isn’t the house of God. Building a personal relationship with God doesn’t require financial sustainability only men do. My family is my congregation. Where we are, there he is‼️💯 Nature is my reminder of the great creator who created me‼️💯

When your eyes are open, it's hard to ignore foolery. Studying and meditating for yourself makes a big difference. However, I used to goto church for the fellowship - but, I got tired of people only wanting to talk about 'outside' things when service was over; so, that cut out the fellowship. People are mainly at church "doing time" so they feel their ticket to Heaven is stamped.

I love church and I’m glad my husbands mom and dad raised him there because I wouldnt have met the love of my life 😍😍😍

Good, healthy, conversation. So much that can be unpacked here, also. As for the "why" of placing Pastors/Elders/Bishops/Church leaders on a pedestal and anyplace they don't belong? Men are naturally sinful, and one of the primary forms of sin we all struggle with is various forms of idolatry. We seem to either try to worship the True and Living God in our way (opposite of what He prescribes), or we worship gods of our own making (people, animals, money, things, or even ourselves).

This was an excellent and sincere conversation about men not attending church (black men in particular). As a man who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, I understand that my body is the temple of God but I do not frequent church because of the abuse of power, lack of love toward one another, deceptive practices in messages of prosperity, and the clear evidence of witchcraft that has gripped many denominations today. Conversations like this are what's needed to bring brothers together in love, strength, unity, and truth. This was really good and I am very happy to see it.

One of the reasons along with what has been discussed as to why men don’t go to church is that men don’t see enough of themselves in church, the pandering to women often at men’s expense, the leadership of men in their family and community being under assault and deemphasized by men, the ascension of women in pastoral ministry that confuses men and their natural DNA to lead.

I had a lot of bad experiences at church. I saw that the churches covered up a lot of wrongdoing from the pool pit and a lot of people were addicted to going to church. I hated the things that went on the day of Watch-Night services in Detroit back in the day.

Good Job Black Men i enjoyed this i watched the whole thing.

I've had conversations with brothers that were hesitant about going to church on Father's Day, it was said, "Probably going to be a beat down for the brothers ."