NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– After 13 years of service as the director of men’s ministry of the General Commission on UM Men, Larry Malone will retire on Dec. 31, 2010.
The popular speaker and leader will continue to serve as president of the men’s affiliate of the World Methodist Council and a leader in the Stop Hunger Now effort to eliminate starvation and hunger in every nation.
“I will continue to be a passionate advocate for men’s ministry as a means of UMC renewal and evangelism as God leads me,” said Malone.
“Larry Malone is probably one of the most ‘out of the box’ men’s ministry leaders in the U.S.,” said Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the Nashville-based commission. “He has great vision and creativity. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the commission has been his leadership of the development of men’s ministry specialists and his dynamic presentations at hundreds of retreats and workshops.”
A last-minute candidate
The commission, launched by the 1996 General Conference meeting in Denver, recruited Dr. Joseph Harris, a district superintendent in the Oklahoma Annual Conference, to serve as top staff executive.
In 1997, a search committee was well along in the process of recruiting a person to join Harris as the first director of men’s ministry in the new commission.
Malone was unaware of the newly created commission or the recruitment process, but the Navy officer who piloted bomber planes during the Vietnam War, was asked to speak to the annual Rock Eagle Men’s Retreat for the North Georgia Annual Conference. While preparing for that speaking engagement, someone told Malone about the new commission and suggested he call Harris.
It was during that phone conversation that Harris decided Malone should be added as a last-minute candidate for the men’s ministry post. “Larry had the enthusiasm, passion, focus and commitment to men’s ministry that came across loud and clear even from a phone interview,” said Harris. “When he came to the interview it was clear to the committee that he was the kind of leader we needed for the present and future of men's ministry in the UMC.”
“At 49 years of age my career as a human resources executive and a management consultant was going well in Atlanta, but the conversation with Dr. Joe Harris changed everything,” said Malone. “When I was selected for the new position it seemed I had been given a gift from God instead of earning a position through effort, qualifications or talent.”
Right man for the job
Currently serving as the director of communications for the Oklahoma Conference and assistant to the bishop, Dr. Harris says the committee’s decision to hire Malone has proven to be correct. “Under his direction UM Men has become more then a membership organization, becoming very much a ministry among men,” said Harris. “Larry always brought encouragement to men’s groups around the country (and now the world). He has laid a solid foundation for helping men to draw younger, more diverse men to UM Men and his heart for mission has touch men worldwide. I celebrate his ministry to men and know that the legacy he leaves the commission will continue to move it forward in its mission to strengthen the ministry of men in the UMC.”
Tribute from David Adams
“The ministry of men will forever be impacted by the unselfish sacrifice of Larry Malone,” said the Rev. David Adams, who followed Harris in the position as top executive of the Nashville agency. “There is no one I know who has given more of himself to the ministry of Jesus Christ through men. His love, devotion and passion to make a difference in the lives of men is his life’s mission.”
Adams, who now serves a local church in the Tennessee Conference, says Malone would do what ever it took to find resources, and to connect with other professionals to learn how to reach men of all ages. He credited Malone with the commission receiving the 2007 Men’s Ministry of the Year Award from the National Coalition of Men’s Ministry. “It was an honor and privilege to watch Larry grow the ministry while at the same time grow spiritually, said Adams. “He was a terrific mentor, model and friend to thousands of men throughout the UMC.”
Malone responds
“More than anything else, I have always understood my position is a gift from God and I needed to be a wise steward in this ministry to and through men,” said Malone. “I have been immeasurably blessed to be a man who got to live his calling and passion within and beyond the UMC. I know that this great honor has been for my good, and I pray it has been to the glory of Jesus Christ.”
Malone was quick to praise thousands of UM Men and leaders at the local church, district and conference levels. “You are the bones, muscle and blood of our organization and the foundation upon which our future will rise in the ministry of Jesus Christ through men,” he said.