“Church is too boring for men,” says [Ed] Trainer. “For men, I think the great outdoors can be a cathedral. Men open up when they’re out on the water. It’s a place they can share their fears, problems and vulnerability.”<\/p>\n
For more than a decade, Trainer has operated International Fishing Ministries out of the large home he shares with his wife and ministry partner, Barbara. Their property near a marina is crammed with fishing rods, mounted fish and scores of photos of men holding big salmon, sturgeon and other fish.<\/p>\n
Trainer said he became a “fisher of men,” a phrase based on one of Jesus’ admonitions to his disciples, because he became bored with so many ministers’ sermons.<\/p>\n
“Church is set up like a country club for women. For me, after five minutes of a sermon, I’m off in my mind fishing on some stream somewhere. Other men are thinking about the hockey game.”<\/p>\n