Re-Masculining Our Men in a World That Is Stripping Them of Their Place and Their Manhood

Introduction

Something is deeply wrong in our society. Our men are adrift, confused, discouraged, and often demonised. The role of a man—once seen as noble, essential, and honourable—is increasingly portrayed as toxic, outdated, or unnecessary. At every turn, our culture seems intent on stripping men of their manhood, leaving them unsure of their purpose, uncertain of their place, and robbed of the identity that once defined generations.

In Australia and across the Western world, we are facing a crisis of masculinity. It’s not just anecdotal—it’s evident in our suicide rates, mental health statistics, falling educational outcomes among young men, and the growing number of men disconnected from work, community, family, and faith. In trying to fix the genuine problems of male violence and chauvinism, we’ve overcorrected and ended up erasing much of what makes men unique and essential.

It’s time to reclaim, rebuild, and re-masculine our men—not by going backwards into outdated stereotypes, but by returning to the foundations of strength, sacrifice, service, and leadership that make men flourish, families stable, and communities strong.

The Deconstruction of Manhood

For decades now, the traditional image of masculinity has been under siege. Pop culture, academia, and social commentary have increasingly framed male traits such as assertiveness, competitiveness, resilience, and leadership as problematic or even dangerous. The term “toxic masculinity” has become shorthand for everything wrong with men.

Of course, there is a form of masculinity that is toxic—abusive, domineering, and violent behaviour is never acceptable. But instead of addressing those behaviours specifically, society has taken a sledgehammer to manhood itself. The result? We’re not producing better men; we’re producing broken men.

Young boys are growing up with no clear vision of what it means to be a man. Many lack male role models, growing up in fatherless homes or with disengaged dads. Schools and institutions increasingly cater to the needs and learning styles of girls, while sidelining boys. And as adult men navigate life, they’re bombarded with conflicting messages—be strong, but not too strong; be sensitive, but not weak; be ambitious, but not assertive.

The net effect is paralysis, shame, and confusion.

The Consequences We’re Already Seeing

The social cost of this assault on masculinity is massive.

• Male suicide: In Australia, men account for three out of four suicides. It’s the leading cause of death for men aged 15–44.
• Mental health: Men are less likely to seek help for anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles, yet they’re experiencing these in epidemic proportions.
• Fatherlessness: Many children are growing up without a consistent male presence in the home, leading to increased risks of poverty, school drop-out, crime, and behavioural issues.
• Educational gaps: Boys are underperforming in school at every level, from literacy rates to university enrolment.
• Relationship breakdown: Marriage rates are falling, and young men are increasingly disengaged from family life, fatherhood, and long-term commitment.

These aren’t just stats. These are lives, families, and futures being lost.

The Need for a Masculine Renewal

What we desperately need is not a return to macho posturing or chauvinistic dominance, but a renewal of authentic masculinity—a kind of “re-masculining” that calls men back to their God-given identity and purpose.

Men were made to lead, protect, provide, and serve—not in selfishness or ego, but in sacrificial strength. The Bible presents a vision of manhood that is humble, courageous, disciplined, and deeply grounded in love.

We need men who:

• Stand up for truth, even when it’s unpopular.
• Work hard and take responsibility for their families and communities.
• Show emotional maturity and spiritual depth.
• Are not afraid to be strong and tender at the same time.
• Know their worth and identity—not from the world, but from their Creator.

The Church Must Lead the Way

If there’s one place that should be forming strong, godly men, it’s the Church. But sadly, many churches have become feminised in culture, expression, and focus. While women are vital to the life of the church, men often feel out of place, unchallenged, or sidelined. This must change.

We must reclaim the church as a training ground for men—a place where masculinity is honoured, not erased. Where men are taught to be husbands, fathers, brothers, and leaders. Where they are called into responsibility, not comfort.

Men’s groups, accountability circles, and discipleship are not optional extras—they are critical. When men sharpen one another, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), the results ripple through families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.

How Do We Re-Masculine Our Men?

Here are some practical and foundational steps we must take to restore healthy masculinity in Australia today.

1. 

Affirm the Good in Manhood

Let’s stop apologising for manhood. There is nothing wrong with a man being masculine. Traits like strength, boldness, decisiveness, competitiveness, and protectiveness are not flaws to be cured—they are gifts to be directed. When harnessed in service and love, these traits build up rather than tear down.

We must create cultures—in homes, churches, and schools—where boys and men are affirmed for being who they are, not shamed into becoming something else.

2. 

Call Men to Responsibility, Not Passivity

A passive man is a dangerous man—not because he’s aggressive, but because he’s absent. When men abandon their role, others suffer. That’s why we need to call men back to responsibility. Whether it’s leading their families, investing in their children, showing up to church, serving their community, or holding down a job—men must own their place in the world.

Responsibility is the pathway to meaning. It’s the way out of addiction, aimlessness, and depression.

3. 

Restore the Role of Fathers

One of the most powerful forces on earth is a present, loving, and strong father. Boys need fathers to show them how to be men. Girls need fathers to model what a godly man looks like. A society that disrespects fatherhood is a society on its way to collapse.

We must support dads—especially young dads and single dads—with community, training, mentoring, and encouragement.

4. 

Build Brotherhood and Community

Men need other men. Too many men are isolated, hiding behind screens and silent struggles. We must build authentic male communities where blokes can be real, share life, laugh, challenge one another, and grow in faith and character.

Men’s ministry isn’t just a monthly breakfast. It’s a mission. It’s a brotherhood. It’s a lifeline.

5. 

Teach Men to Love Like Christ

The greatest man who ever lived was Jesus. He was not soft. He was not weak. He was not passive. He was bold enough to call out hypocrisy, strong enough to carry a cross, and gentle enough to hold children in his arms.

Jesus showed us what true masculinity looks like—servant-hearted leadership. Courage. Truth. Purity. Loyalty. Sacrifice. That’s the model we need to hold up to our sons, our mates, and ourselves.

Re-Masculining Is Not Domination—It’s Restoration

This movement isn’t about dominating women, returning to old-school authoritarianism, or ignoring the sins of the past. It’s about restoring balance. It’s about honouring the unique contributions men bring to the world, just as we honour the unique strengths of women.

When men are strong in the right way, women and children are safer, not threatened. Communities thrive, not collapse. Churches grow, not shrink. Society flourishes, not fragments.

Re-masculining is not a power grab. It’s a recovery of purpose.

A Final Word: We Need Our Men Back

Australia needs her men back. Our families need them. Our churches need them. Our communities need them. And they need to be reminded that they were created for such a time as this.

It’s time to stop stripping men of their place and start calling them back to it.

It starts in the home.

It continues in the church.

It spreads in the community.

It’s sustained through faith, friendship, and purpose.

To every man reading this: you are not toxic. You are not unnecessary. You are not a mistake.

You were made for strength.

You were made for sacrifice.

You were made to lead in love.

It’s time to rise.

Closing Reflection

Let us stop fearing manhood and start forming it. Let’s raise sons who know who they are. Let’s encourage husbands to lead with humility and courage. Let’s support fathers who fight for their families. Let’s call our brothers into the fullness of their identity in Christ.

A re-masculined Australia will not be a weaker place. It will be stronger, healthier, and more hopeful. And it all starts with us—today.

Author: Scott Harris

Crosscare Community Micro Church

Committed to building strong men of faith and service.