Men want 'macho' hymns, fewer flowers and less dancing in church



'Too girly': The survey found men would rather sing passionate hymns such as Amazing Grace, rather than 'sentimental, lovely dovey songs'



They have stood the test of time and it seems that today, despite all the changes to church services, men still prefer to sing 'proper macho hymns'.

Nearly 60 per cent of those who took part in a survey said they enjoyed singing - but added comments showing they preferred anthemic songs and 'proclamational' hymns as opposed to more emotional love songs.

Sixty per cent said they did not like flowers and embroidered banners in church, while 52 per cent did not like dancing in church.

Comments gathered from the online survey of 400 UK readers of the men's magazine Sorted also showed many did not like hugging, holding hands or sitting in circles discussing their feelings in church. Most were churchgoers.

The magazine suggested a top ten of male-friendly hymns including: Onward Christian Soldiers, Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer, All People That On Earth Do Dwell, Amazing Grace and Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind Forgive Our Foolish Ways.

Most of the readers were churchgoers with the majority filling in a survey form online between January and April.



Nearly three quarters, or 72 per cent, said their favourite part of a service was the talk or sermon.



Sorted managing editor and publisher Steve Legg said: 'Jesus recruited a bunch of 12 ordinary blokes before He began his ministry proper. They spent three years together doing stuff. He sat down and ate with them and built relationships.



'The comments at the end of the survey showed that what appeals to men is doing stuff together - sports teams, fishing, pub quizzes, paint-balling, DIY projects, curry nights, bowling, clay pigeon shooting and going out for a beer.'



The findings of the survey will be discussed at a seminar on men and the church at the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) in Sandown Park, Esher, on Friday May 15.

Mr Legg added that too many churches were decorated like 'Laura Ashley showrooms'.



He said: 'I often walk into churches and they are like Laura Ashley showrooms with all these flowers and banners and tissues. Men just don't feel comfortable with that.



'Certainly, with the singing, I am fed up with singing these sentimental lovey dovey songs.



'On the football terraces we are very passionate, chanting and cheering, and we want more songs like that. We want fewer girly songs.'



Here is a suggested top 10 of male-friendly hymns drawn up by Sorted:

