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October Mens Ministry

General Commission on United Methodist Men - Leader Letter, October 2014

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From your partners in men’s ministry
A bimonthly e-mail letter from agency officers and staff to leaders of United Methodist Men

October 21, 2014

 

Who will they follow?
By Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.

While serving the St. Mary's Road United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ga., in the late 1980s we experienced a drive-by shooting and thus inaugurated the beginning of Gang Crisis. 

Gary Parker, an activist lawyer, suggested my name along with the name of the head of the Boys Club as persons who could lead the charge and find solutions for this crisis. 

I was filled with zeal but had little knowledge about what attracted young people to gangs. But, I accepted the mayor's invitation to be the co-chair of the Mayor's Task Force on Gang Activity. 

Shortly after this, the other co-chair left for another Boys Club and I became the chair.

I started doing all the research I could on the causes that lead young people to get involved in gangs. Every author of that day (and even up to today) cited the number one reason as the need to have friends, camaraderie and a sense of family. 

Everyone comes into this world searching for meaning, significance, identity and affirmation. Those needs are generally met through relationships with others who give us the right amount of attention and feed our basic needs. 

This should happen within the basic unit of human society that we call the family, but too often that fails to occur. 

The more I minister in congregations and provide opportunity for persons to come forth for prayer, the more I hear requests from single mothers who are overwhelmed with the responsibility of helping their sons develop the skills and attitude needed to be successful and fruitful in life. 

It is obvious there is a growing need for the church to assist mothers and fathers who are trying to heal the hurting souls of their children. 

Young people who are left alone to find meaning, identity, significance and guidance sometimes will make bad choices about the people to whom they turn. 

Not every church or UMM group can provide the guidance children and youth need, but they can join with other community groups like Big Brothers and Big Sisters. 

We can also help people who attend our churches or those within the sphere of the influence of our churches to become aware of the need. 

We can pray for families who struggle with this issue, and we can make our church facilities safe places where families and individuals feel free to ask for help. 

I am reminded that when David ascended to the throne his first act was to offer himself and his resources to a fatherless Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:6-13).


Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.
President of the General Commission on UM Men

bishop@mississippi-umc.org
 



Open my eyes
By Gil Hanke

Where have you seen Christ this week? If you haven't, it is not Christ's fault. One of my Emmaus Reunion Group members likes to bring surprising moments in his week when he has seen "Christ" or "God's hand" in the actions of others, or in nature, or how he has not responded in his "old" way during a difficult situation. One of the many joys of this job is frequent sightings in the work I do. 

Here is one that might surprise you. 

A sighting occurred at a meeting of the General Secretaries Table, which is a meeting of folks who have my position in all of the general church agencies and entities. 

The gathering followed a larger meeting which was less than affirming. But this meeting was just us and dealt with subjects that are hard to count and difficult to measure. We talked about the core values of how we are to act as Christian men and women. Regardless of which organization, large or small, the goals we talked about were maturing in Christ, growing in Christ, being closer each day, and then following Christ into the world. 

How about you? As Wesley would ask, "How is it with your soul?" We are called to be methodical in setting aside a time for prayer, and a time to read a devotional like the Upper Room, and opening ourselves to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Open your eyes to the Christ sightings all around you. 

I know that all of you who are reading this are men and women of faith. You have had many experiences that brought you close to God. So how long ago has it been since you had a closest to Christ, or a God sighting? If has been a while, it is not because God has been away on vacation or on a business trip. Yes it may take some effort on your part; effort to pay attention to the abundance that God has placed around you rather than focusing on the urgent and missing the important.

What God has for each of us is precious, and readily available. I know that many of you are in a small group each week. At your next meeting, ask for God sightings, and for moments when you felt closest to Christ. Get into the habit of looking and being open. We are surrounded by opportunities that promote growth in Christ. 

Like you, I get so busy I miss what God has placed right in front of me. How about you? Where have you seen Christ this week? 

Still striving, with open eyes, 

Gil Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on United Methodist Men
GHanke@gcumm.org

 



It's time for overtime
By Dan Ramsey

In Football, there are four quarters in the game. If after four quarters there is no winner, it goes into overtime. We spend our lives working off of the core values we are taught and what we believe. In the game of football you are taught basics and techniques. The value of sticking to what you are taught and using the skill that God has provided you is important to your success in playing all four quarters with a successful outcome.

Our lives are like that. One needs to stick to the basics, believe in fighting the good fight all the way to the end, and rejoicing that God has blessed us with all the things we need. It was energizing at our last GCUMM board meeting to hear and share in the work that men are doing all across the country to share Gods love by working in his ministry to those in need. 

You guys are a true blessing to me and to people all over the world. That personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to our success. It is also the key to carrying us through the tough times.

Remember it is not about you or me as to why we do what we do. It is all about God taking care of the needs of all of us and blessing us each and every day.

But don't think it stops in the fourth quarter! We are called to continue into overtime to finish on a high note all the way to the gates of Heaven. 

It is time for overtime! 

I encourage you to stick with your core values of faith in Jesus Christ. He is there for you and me and we must share those values with all. Whether you are kicking extra points, throwing passes, blocking, or tackling, do it to change hearts from the inside out. 

Stop, listen, pray, and share the good news of Jesus Christ!

Thinking of you!

Dan Ramsey, president
National Association of Conference Presidents
dbramseyjr@sbcglobal.net 

 



Amachi 
By Larry Coppock

After seven years as a big brother (mentor), the "match" with my little brother, Calvin, is officially ending. We were matched in August 2007 by Big Brothers Big Sisters in Nashville when Calvin was almost 11, in a program called Amachi. 

Amachi is a Nigerian Ibo word that means "Who knows what God has brought us through this child." At its core Amachi refers to children whose parents -one or both- are, or have been, incarcerated. 

When I met Calvin, an African-American, his father was in prison and his mother was out of his life. 

Some alarming data accompanies these at risk youth: One in nine Africa–American men is incarcerated. Over 2.4 million children face a 70% probability rate of following their parent(s) into a life of incarceration without intervention. 

The requirements to be a big brother include being 18 years of age, a criminal, background check, and spending about one hour every other week with your "little." A program of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a "match support specialist" is available to advise you along the journey.

There are two program options: Community-based- where you pick-up your little at his/her home; or site-based where the 'big' meets with their 'little" at a school or community center. 

Some of the end results of effective mentoring include:

 

·         52% less likely to skip a day of school 

·         46% less likely to start using illegal drugs

·         27% less likely to start drinking

·         Less likely to lie to their parents

·         More likely to have better relationships with peers 

Calvin and I have enjoyed going fishing together, attending football games, movies, eating out and many other worthwhile activities. While the match ends at age 18 (Calvin turns 18 in Oct.) my hope and prayer is to always be someone Calvin can call on and to do my best to maintain a caring relationship. The journey has had its ups and downs like most meaningful relationships; however, it but has been worthwhile.

I encourage each of you to prayerfully consider becoming a "Big" in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. There is an office near you. Give them a call and take the leap!

Larry Coppock, national director of scouting ministries and director of the Strength for Service Publication Fund
General Commission on United Methodist Men
LCoppock@gcumm.org


 



Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin
By Jim Boesch

Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergy or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon the earth! - John Wesley 

This quote from Mr. Wesley is very daunting; on the other hand it is majestic in its simplicity!

As for daunting, please note that he did not say fear nothing; he said fear nothing but sin. As fear is an ever present obstacle in a man's earthly existence, I pondered as to how that can be used for gain and not loss. It goes against the grain of the "fear not" mentality of manhood we are told to subscribe to. Then it hit me……

First of all, men are sinners and we are confronted with the allure of sin every day in our lives. As men, we often spend too much time fighting to confront, stare down and defeat our sins, both big and small, in one-on-one battles to the spiritual death. Truth be told, any real victories from these skirmishes are at best short-lived if won at all. 

The power I see in Wesley's quote is in his directive to fear sin; which to me means to avoid and to turn from sin––run and hide from sin. Don't do battle with it; turn your focus on something or someone else. 

Secondly, the best alternative for me is when I turn in fear from sin I need to turn to God. Our God is a perfect God who knows no sin. 

Wesley knew if men strived to act on their fear of sin by turning their focus to God and His mission for all believers, these men would be strengthened to withstand, withdraw from or at worst at least mitigate the everyday effect of sin on their lives. They had to crave God in their lives; not sin. 

Simply put, to fear nothing but sin is to fear not being in the presence of our loving God.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25 

Easier said than done you say? Alone yes; but in the company of other men, Wesley says it's worth the challenge. 

As servant leaders, God is equipping us to make Him our choice of whom we worship. He is our source of security and self-worth as well as our audience and judge. And every day our hearts, strengthened to serve others, will still drive our behaviors, feelings and emotions as we make decisions on whom to focus. 

The condition of your servant leader heart will be the major influence in the choices you make as to whether the presence of God or sin will rule your day. 

"Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. 
Jeremiah 9:23-24

What an empowering image this quote brings to mind as I try to filter the events of today to find good among all the bad news having been reported just since this morning.

How can we ever deal with the onset of today's fear of what dread tomorrow's news will bring?

The answer is in Wesley's provision of fearing sin enough to stay in community with others with a singular focus on God's will for us. The always-there, never-changing, loving-creator God loves us enough to give us the choice of sin or Him.

I fear nothing but sin! 

Jim Boesch, deployed staff member
General Commission on United Methodist Men
jboesch@gcumm.org

Jim facilitates equipping workshops for "Lead Like Jesus and Lead Your Family Like Jesus" servant leadership training; "Understanding Men's Ministry," discipling leadership training; and "Equipping Equippers" learning-facilitation training. You may host any of these workshops in your area by calling him (407-721-0416) or by e-mail. 
 



Living LARGE
By Mark Lubbock


Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. 
-Titus 2:7-8


I love the concept of "Live life out loud!" 

French author Emile Zola said, "If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud." 

To live out loud means to be fully and consciously engaged in life compared to passively "getting along" day after day.

Many men seem to be living lives of quiet desperation and others seem to just wander around. 

Is it any surprise that their children seem lost, and struggle to find a purpose and value in life?

Consider the impact if this same group of men were to take a different and intentional approach to really living. What would be the impact on their family, their church, and their community?

I have been challenging myself and my church to step outside of the box to learn how to live out the lessons in the Bible––to live life intentionally and enjoy it abundantly. 

I take a simple scripture each week and focus on how to "live it out."

For example, I used the following verse as my guide for the week:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. 
Romans 12:2

After reading the text, my action step is to listen to every word that comes out of my mouth! (Ugh! Didn't like what I heard!) 

Am I complaining like other people around me, or am I lifting them up? Do I find fault in others and immediately point it out? Or, do I look for good things and point them out in celebration? 

You get the idea. It's the beginning of "living large."

Why not look at the activities of our men's fellowship? What would happen if we sat down to figure out how to live large? 

What if we did things that model for our children and youth what a Godly man looks like outside of the church?

Consider the contrast between the prayerful behavior of men gathered for a spiritual event with the sometimes belligerent actions of men attending a sporting event in the same stadium.

Nothing wrong with catching a game, but how do men behave at the game?

How about intentionally incorporating our faith into every activity? 

Perhaps we could invite people of all ages to a community skeet shoot that begins with 5-minute devotion. The event could include the testimony of a man who tells how God is working in his life. Folks could shoot, have fun, and the day would close with a prayer.

If we did this, men and youth would see others live out loud as Christians. These Christian men would not compel others to behave differently, but they would model what it looks like to live confidently as Christian men who love Jesus.

These events and activities need to be thought out ahead of time so as to create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone. The event should not result in an "insider vs. outsider" environment, but rather provide a friendly place for all. 

How about a barbecue fundraiser hosted by your men's group? You could start with a short devotion, have a leader primed to keep the conversation in a joyful and positive perspective and see that the men who serve are acknowledged and lifted up. 

Can you think of some simple steps to put this principle into effect? 

I'm interested in hearing about the imaginative ways your group is modeling what Godly men look like. 

The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff member
General Commission on United Methodist Men
mlubbock@gcumm.org

 



Yet, one more exhortation on reaching younger men
By Greg Arnold

On the heels of our recent edition of UM Men magazine, the looming question is buzzing and swirling again among leaders in our church. "Where are the younger people?"

I conduct a workshop on reaching younger men, where I repeat this exhortation over and over: "You must build a culture of relationships through small groups by which discipleship and mission work can be effectively carried out - and here's how." 

That is the blueprint for effective men's ministry (or all ministries) within the church. So we put this into practice and re-tooled our UMM at my local church. 

My personal results from this practice? Our church continues to grow. Our men's ministry group continues to expand. The average age of our men continues to drop. Small groups spawn small groups. More men are active in the church. 

How did we do it? 

 

·         We stopped the meetings, and re-started with a core group of men willing to lead

·         we built a small group with that core group

·         we got to know one another on a personal level

·         we did some meaningful mission work together

·         we listened to each other's junk and prayed for each other

·         we talked about Jesus

·         and replicated that over and over


In essence… we copied what Jesus did in the four gospels. 

The blueprint for men's ministry is 2000 years old and quite simple––however, the execution is hard. It didn't come easy then and it won't come easy now. You must have someone or a team to lead this blueprint / mission - as Jesus did. 

We can program our church to death or until it looks like a Rotary club. Watch out! Over programming is the exact process you need to drive young people away. 

By the way, I began "retooling men's ministry" in my church at 35 years of age. So, the model comes from a young man's heart. And the men attending to this day range from 21 to 85. 

These days, I'm pretending that I'm still in the "young man" category. While I still live beneath the 45 year-old threshold - I'm outside that magical age of "millennial" - the 20 - 35 year old guy. 

However, I spend quite a bit time with these "youngers." I ask them constantly - what they like, don't like, and how they want their ministry experience to impact them. The following is also echoes my own answers. 

How do they/we respond? We want something real, we want authentic people, we want to experience God through meaningful relationships, and we want to do things that matter in our world. We want to be heard and we want to contribute immediately - not when we are "old enough" - whatever that means. 

We don't want to come to meetings, we don't want to sit around and vote on stuff, and we don't want to come to a place that looks and feels like work.

So we must ask ourselves, "How is our church addressing these desires and requests of the very people we seek?" "Are we willing to let go of tradition, ritual, and "we've always done it that way" in order to reach the very people we once were?"

Perhaps we all know the answer to the question "how do we reach younger people?", but deep down, realize that it is hard work. Is that why we keep asking for "magic bullets" and "programs" to reach younger people? Hoping for an easy way out?

Several years ago, as I sat beside my grandfather the week after he concluded over 50 years as a pastor, I asked him, "Well, what now? Are you retiring?"

He looked at me with a piercing, but loving stare and said, "Son, I just stopped preaching, I didn't retire from service. You don't quit on God. He never quit on us."

Our Rabbi, Jesus Christ, didn't take the easy way out, did he? Neither should we. Now roll up your sleeves, and go do the work - no excuses. You know the blueprint; it's smeared in red all through your Bible. Now it's up to you to respond to the command of Christ to go and make disciples.

Greg Arnold, deployed staff member
General Commission on United Methodist Men
greg@livebold.org

 




Navy SEALs — The tip of the spear
By Mark Dehority

U.S. Navy SEALs are often referred to as the "tip of the spear." They are the first in, the sharpest and hardest hitting. They go in to hostile territory and put their lives on the line to accomplish the mission.

What kinds of men make good SEALs? What traits do these men share? Although they have great strength and endurance, many believe that their success comes from within.

In the article "Profile of a Navy SEAL," Elise Cooper, summarizes; "Anyone who wants to learn about the SEALs has plenty of books to draw upon. Reading all these accounts makes it obvious that there is not one type or characteristic to describe a SEAL. They are from different backgrounds, have different physical traits, and are cowboys, Rhode Scholars, and religious men. The one common thread is that they are risk-takers, quiet professionals, married to their profession. They know only one word: 'perseverance.' For them, a successful mission is bringing back everybody alive. They would sacrifice anything for the 'guy' next to them, doing whatever it takes to care for the guy to the left and right."* 

The first disciples were certainly the Christian tip of the spear. They sacrificed everything, including their lives, to start building the Kingdom.

A new group of disciples is leading the way in men's ministry in the UMC. They are certified men's ministry specialist (CMMS). I consider them to be our "tip of the spear."

There are several parallels within these groups of men:

They are not the strongest, smartest or best by a lot of measures.

They are dedicated to the mission and each other.

They are different kinds of men. They have wildly different personalities.

They work in teams. They sometimes have individual assignments but, all efforts are dedicated to the mission and the team.

"Self" is never the first priority.

They answer to a higher call.

Training and skill practice are keys to mission success.

CMMS complete a course of study, dedicate themselves to prayer and Scripture, they are led by spiritual director, try to understand their gifts and call, and are certified by the General Commission on UM Men (GCUMM).

CMMS training and skill practice are laid out in the Wesley means of grace.

GCUMM is leading a new effort to team them up and provide them the critical support for effective ministry. This effort is strengthening us to be good Pauls and good Timothys.

These men certainly have different backgrounds, different gifts and different callings. Many are organizers, apostles, teachers and listeners. They are dedicated to bringing other men to Christ. 

As disciples our rallying cry is "follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). We are "Men growing in Christ, so others may know Christ." 

For a full job description read 1st and 2nd Corinthians. I really like the Maxwell Leadership Bible's description and notes. 

I know it sounds like a cliché, but, we are still looking for a few more good men.

There are currently about 70 men involved in this process. As we approach one hundred men in this effort I am reminded of John Wesley's quote:

Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergyman or layman, they alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth.
––John Wesley


"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen" (I Corinthians 16:23)

Mark Dehority, deployed staff
General Commission on UM Men
Mark@dehority1.com 


For more information, Please contact Joseph Strausbaugh, charter administrator and men's ministry coordinator, at jstrausbaugh@gcumm.org or 615-620-7269.

*http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/12/profile_of_a_navy_seal.html#ixzz3EzlRBaXb



United Methodist Men will compete for top honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— United Methodist annual conferences, districts and local churches will participate in a competition that honors significant ministries to men and youth.

The General Commission on United Methodist Men will honor the top 30 local churches that engage in ministries designed to transform the lives of men and youth. The Nashville-based agency will also honor 10 districts and 10 annual conferences that provide life-changing ministries to men and youth in their areas.

Only churches with chartered units of United Methodist Men may participate, but districts and annual conference may participate if at least 25 percent of their churches are chartered.

The top three local churches and the most competent conference and district will receive plaques during the March 2015 meeting of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men. The top 30 churches, 10 districts and 10 annual conferences will be featured in a quarterly magazine published by the commission.

To enter, send a description of the ministries supported by the church, district or conference to rpeck@gcumm.org. Photos of the ministries may also be included in magazine articles.

Some of the churches, districts and conferences that might enter include:

Hopkinsville (Ky.) UMC gave copies of Strength for Service to God and Community to 250 first responders in their community.

Wesley UMC in Charleston, Ill., sponsors a scout troop that collected 2,294 pounds of food during a Scouting for Food drive

Arlington, Washington United Church's Men's group distributed Strength for Service to God and Community daily devotional books to 200 first responders involved with the Oso, Wash., mudslide.

Men of St. John UMC in Anchorage, Alaska, built 500 seats for Personal Energy Transports for people who are unable to walk.

Men and Scouts in Woodworth, La., packaged 10,300 dehydrated meals for Stop Hunger Now. 

Men of Shepherd of the Valley in Indio, Calif., raised more than $25,000 to purchase and equip a trailer for relief efforts by the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

Crossroads District in Central New York purchased a van to help veterans get to medical appointments.

Fifty-one UM Men in Barnwell, S.C. helped repair 68 homes damaged by an ice storm.

UM Men of West Virginia Conference sponsored a Circuit Rider Camporee for 680 Scouts.

South Georgia UM Men gave $10,000 to Andrew College in Cuthbert Ga., for "Roy Lifsey Memorial Scholarships." 

UM Men of Bridge City, Texas raised $15,000 to provide a walk-in medical clinic for residents of Belize.

UM Men of the Nebraska Conference provided copies of Strength for Service to God and Community to 200 first responders and volunteers who provided support for tornado victims in northeast Nebraska.

Fifty-eight UM Men of the Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Staunton districts participated in the 16th annual golf tournament that raised $7,500 for Overlook Retreat and Camp Ministries in Keezletown, Va.

UM Men of St. Paul UMC in Monroe, La., donated $23,000 to the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home in Ruston

UM Men of the Upper New York Conference have distributed 40,000 pounds of potatoes to the Central New York area in each of the last three years.

Men of Christ UMC in Milton, Fla., served more than 200 meals to people in a nearby low-income neighborhood. 

UM Men in Anderson, S.C., cut, split and deliver firewood to financially struggling people.

UM Men of the North Georgia Conference gleaned more than six tons of apples and distributed 50 tons of potatoes and beans through produce drops. They also packaged 150,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now.

UM Men in Carmel, Ind., provided a fork lift to Red Bird Missionary Conference.

 


Note

We have discontinued the use of our PO Box 340006 mailing address; for any mail that does not contain a payment of any type please mail to 1000 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212. If you are mailing in a payment for any ministry area of United Methodist Men, for security, we ask you to please use PO Box 440515, Nashville, TN 37244-0515 - this address sends the payments directly to the bank to our lockbox account. Thank you - GCUMM staff

Catch up on the latest news and find resources at the websites of the General Commission on United Methodist Men and Strength for Service.

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