UMM is working to implement a new model and vision of men’s ministry. We believe that the result will be men involved in all four areas of focus which will reach the world for Christ. United Methodist Men are responding to the four areas of focus in the following ways:

New places for new people and renewal of existing congregations…

  • Awakening and building new spiritually as a means to revive congregations.
  • Training clergy and lay leaders in effective discipleship of men.
  • Encouraging and equipping men to serve their pastors and congregations as ministry partners.
  • Assisting UMC leaders beyond the USA with relevant training and resources.

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· Ministry to Men, Leadership Development, Church Renewal

Back to our Wesleyan roots

 

By the Rev. Rick Vance

 

As I began this new year, I reflected on the best practices for me to embrace on my spiritual journey. 

As a good Generation X person, I began to look for the “new.”  New devotionals, new online materials, new applications of scripture all were available, but in the end, I found myself going back to our Wesleyan roots.

I challenge you to join me. 

 

John Wesley laid out a plan for us to become spiritual disciples of Christ and a way to make spiritual disciples of others.  Below you will find a list of these practices.

 

Works of Piety

Individual Practices – reading, meditating and studying the scriptures, prayer, fasting, regularly attending worship, healthy living, and sharing our faith with others

Communal Practices – regularly share in the sacraments, Christian conferencing (accountability to one another), and Bible study.

 

Works of Mercy

Individual Practices - doing good works, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, and giving generously to the needs of others.

Communal Practices – seeking justice, ending oppression and discrimination (for instance Wesley challenged Methodists to end slavery), and addressing the needs of the poor.  (http://www.umc.org/how-we-serve/the-wesleyan-means-of-grace).

 

By practicing these spiritual disciplines, I believe we will not only personally grow in our spiritual life, but we will also be a witness to our church and community that will “help men grow closer to Christ, so others may know Christ.”

Your brother on the journey,

 

The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, director of men’s ministry

General Commission on UM Men

rvance@gcumm.org

 

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