social science research alternate with chapters presenting practical steps that answer the question, ""So what should the church do?"" Written in a conversational, humorous, and sometimes confessional style, Church Talk bridges the gap between the academy and the local church. It shows how language that is inclusive of both women and men, relational and action-oriented, can create a church that is once again gender- balanced and missional. ""It has been become a maxim that when the men of the house take the initiative in church attendance the family almost always worships together. That alone should underscore the importance of this remarkably researched and well-written book."" --Robert G. Tuttle, Jr., emeritus professor of World Christianity, Asbury Theological Seminary ""Words matter. This entertaining and well-written book shows us how to involve more men and boys in our churches simply by changing the words we use."" --David Murrow, director, Church for Men, author of Why Men Hate Going to Church Woody L. Davis writes as a communication scholar who has used both qualitative and quantitative methods to study the problem of the missing men for over thirty years. He is an ordained pastor who has evangelized and mentored men of all ages, served as a denominational leader and trainer of church leadership teams in evangelism and congregational development, and as a seminary professor of church leadership.