Basileia is weird.

Really, there is a strange phenomenon that I noticed recently at this church plant in Hollywood.

See, it’s a common topic among me and my girlfriends…or really just females in general in the church, that guys just don’t seem to match up to the ladies at churches. The Church seems to be full of amazing,  godly, talented, humble, loving women in various positions of leadership. Need volunteers for something? The sign-up will inevitably be at least 3/4 female. Have a big event, and about 3/4 will be female.

For the women, it feels normal and natural to volunteer, play a part, share the love of Jesus with people and sacrifice time and resource. And  for many single women, there’s a thought, even if in the very recesses of the mind, that church should be a great place to meet quality guys. The ones who are all about  ministry,  leadership, and pursuing Christ above all else.

Yet it seems no matter where we go – what church, city, event – it’s often the same. A plethora of women seeking after God and sharing their wisdom and service, and a major lack of any male equivalent. Oh, except for a small  handful of groomed married men. Or some socially awkward ones.

I absolutely believe in the gifts and leadership of women in the church and am so glad for all that they bring. I am surrounded by women who inspire me every day in Hollywood. But from my understanding, men are designed to be spiritual leaders. Why is so hard to find committed men in the church (aside from the pastors and worship leaders)?

Well that’s where this strange phenomenon hit me recently at Basileia. I think there are actually more men volunteering, participating, leading and helping to guide and shape the church than there are women. (And there are a lot of women playing major parts, so that’s saying a lot).

On any given Sunday morning or Thursday evening, several guys come early to set up, play worship music, carry furniture around, make coffee, greet people they’ve never seen at church before, etc. After church ends, they’re some of the first to assist in clean up. throughout the week they’re working on our website, writing, planning, setting up times to connect with people, etc. They’re full of wisdom, good conversation, experience, and the Holy Spirit.

It’s weird. Especially considering very few of them are married men, and I can’t think of any socially awkward guys :) Nope, they’re all God-fearing, attractive, funny, normal human beings.

It is a beautiful and refreshing thing to see the body of Christ lived out here. Women AND men, serving and offering unique gifts and talents, playing equal parts in every area of the church, none too great for even the smallest task. Shoot, in this wacky city, that’s practically a miracle.

Pray that in this city of so much fatherlessness and lack of good male role models, that this pattern continues and impacts the lost and broken in Hollywood! (and maybe ends the wait of many single women in our midst looking for godly partners…just kidding….sort of.) ;)