If you've been part of Grace for a while, you'll be aware of our Salt Live events. They are a series of evangelistic speaker events aimed at curious Londoners. Some of them are aimed at addressing specific objections to the Christian faith. Others are focused on giving a Christian response to popular cultural questions. We always aim to have a high-quality talk, lots of drinks and nibbles, and leave plenty of time for a juicy Q&A session.

Our next Salt Live event is entitled, "The Crisis of Masculinity: How can men flourish in the modern age?" on the 17th May.

I've been convinced for some time that modern British culture lacks a compelling positive vision of what it means to be a man. For many, masculinity is something poisonous or toxic. And so, we wanted to ask, how can men understand themselves, and seek to be better men, in a world in which the idea of masculinity is so divisive and unclear?

In addition, many men are floundering and suffering for lack of a clear sense of purpose. I think we can see this in a number of different ways: the tragic rise of male suicide, increasing patterns of isolation, absent and abdicated fathers, and the angry solidarity of groups of men in online forums – angry with the world and especially with women.

And so, we want to speak to this crisis, and ask, what's the point of men and how can men flourish in the modern world?

I'm very excited that we have Andrew (Haslam) speaking on this subject. He has spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on and crafting a biblical vision of manhood. We've been running a men's ministry for the last few years which has been well received. But, we've never had the opportunity to speak into the contemporary crisis around masculinity with a secular audience. I'm convinced that the Christian vision of manhood (and humanity in general) will speak powerfully to a whole host of people.

Of course, the event is open to both men and women. We'd love many in the church to join us. Perhaps more importantly, do have a think about friends and colleagues you'd like to invite along. I think it has the potential to be a fantastic event.