The Ministry of Jesus Christ through United Methodist Men

by David C. Adams

The heart of the ministry of United Methodist Men is, simply put, about evangelism of men, encouraging them to seek Christ daily and to grow in their faith by prayer and Bible study, and witnessing through deeds and actions. It is also about sharing their faith and mentoring men and boys.

The ministry of men in the local church is defined as a core group partnering with their pastor to invite and initiate spiritual growth opportunities for all men of the church.

These opportunities include diverse ministries, such as prayer groups, missions, Bible studies, retreats, workshops, small accountability groups, participation on committees, teaching Sunday school, children or youth ministries, scouting, mentoring and assisting in leading worship. The focus is not inward, concentrating on those men who attend a meeting, but outward to all men, assisting those in the community as well as the church to engage in spiritual growth.

Men's ministry can be more about the establishment of various small groups where men can support each other in their faith journeys. It can be about inviting men to participate in these groups or encouraging them to start new ones.

To have these ministries requires creating an environment in the church where men can feel vital, significant and empowered to carry out God's mission in the world. These ministries need leaders who can teach and mentor men in their discipleship, assisting them to become men of faith through evangelism, mission and spiritual life.

The future of United Methodist Men depends upon creative initiatives that assist in transforming men into the likeness of Christ.

The initiatives will take significant and diverse resources to reach men of all ages and ethnicities. Successful men's ministry will unify clergy and laity, young and old, men and women, and rich and poor; it will reach beyond the boundaries of the United States into the world.

United Methodist Men is making a difference. There are thousands of men and boys whose lives have been transformed. We are not a program for the denomination, but an agency that offers opportunities for spiritual growth. We are not an institution, but a ministry where men and boys can build relationships with Jesus Christ and others.

--The Rev. David C. Adams is general secretary of
the General Commission on United Methodist Men, Nashville, Tenn.

Men's ministry celebrates 100 years

In 1908, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church authorized Methodist Brotherhoods, setting in motion a movement that is 100 years strong and growing.

The General Commission on United Methodist Men has planned a yearlong celebration, focusing on a different facet of men's ministry each month.

Visit www.gcumm.org  or call (866) 297-4312 for more information.