Man Enough challenges the idea that there is one way to be a man. The masculinity that pervades our church and culture often demands that men conform to a macho ideal, leaving many men feeling ashamed that theyтАЩre not living up to GodтАЩs plan for them. Nate uses his own story of not feeling тАЬman enoughтАЭ, as well as sociological and historical reflections, to help men see that manhood isnтАЩt about what you do, but who you are. ItтАЩs not about the size of your paycheck, your athletic ability, or your competitive spirit. You donтАЩt have to fit any masculine stereotype to be a real man.
In our culture and churches more thoughtful, quieter, or compassionate personalities, as well as stay-at-home dads, are often looked down upon; and sermons, conferences, and publications center on helping men become тАЬreal menтАЭ. This pressure to have oneтАЩs manhood validated is antithetical to Gospel living and negatively affects how men relate to each other, to women and children, and to God.
Man Enough roots men in the Gospel, examines biblical examples of masculinity that challenge the idea of a singular type of man, and ultimately encourages men to conform to the image of JesusтАФfreeing men up to be who they were created to be: a son of God who uniquely bears His image.
Nate Pyle is husband to Sarah, is dad to Luke, Evelyn, and Wesley, and serves as pastor of ChristтАЩs Community Church in Fishers, Indiana. Nate is the author of Man Enough: How Jesus Redefines Manhood and blogs regularly at natepyle.com. His work has been featured at sojourners.com, The Huffington Post, Christ and Pop Culture, and various other publications. Connect with Nate on Facebook or Twitter and Instagram at @natepyle79.