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A bimonthly e-mail letter
from agency officers and staff
to leaders of United Methodist Men
October, 2017
Click here to view the full newsletter with expanded articles.
Bishop James Swanson, president of the commission, offers full slate of suggestions for men: “Keep a smile on your face, love from the center, don’t fake it; don’t burn out; laugh with your friends; don’t hit back; don’t be stuck up; make friends with nobodies; and discover beauty in everyone.”
We no longer live in a Christian culture, says Bishop Gary Mueller, vice president of the commission. Younger men are likely to believe they have no need for God, the Christian faith, or the church. “You can be at the forefront of leading the church into becoming a mission station for Jesus,” he says.
Some people are asking Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the commission, about the future of the Nashville-based agency. “I want you to know that I am neither foolish nor frightened,” says Hanke. “Our mission is clear. We will continue to bring men and youth to on-growing relationships with Jesus Christ.”
Larry Coppock, director of scouting ministry, recalls a column he submitted to the men’s magazine some 20 years ago. The article, written by Dana Livesay of Wanganui, New Zealand, tells the entire story of the Bible in 25 word sets of a single noun and a verb to tell “The Bible in 50 words.”
The Rev. Rick Vance, director of men’s ministry, asks us to follow the advice of John Wesley as retold in The Three Simple Rules by Bishop Reuben Job. “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” “Each of these statements requires action,” says Rick.
“Most of us want to know and be known by others,” says Steve Nailor, president of the National Association of Conference Presidents. “We want to hear each other’s stories and tell our own.” Steve suggests the principles outlined in The Class Meeting, provide us with a fresh way to do that.
Mark Dehority, a deployed staff member of the commission, asks grandfathers to think about the legacy left to them by their grandparents. He asks us to consider what kind of legacy they will leave. “Get right with God; Get right with your grandchildren; and get your grandchildren right with God,” he says.
Jim Boesch, a deployed staff member of the commission, offers three steps to personal spiritual growth: 1) Make time to connect with God by prayer and Bible study. 2) Connect with others by attending church, being in a small group and getting involved in missions. 3) Live it out in all aspects of your life
Also, catch up on the latest news and opinions at the Facebook of UM Men.
Expand the ministries of Strength for Service by purchasing material from a Home Depot store. The General Council on Finance and Administration provides step-by-step instructions. Do not try to register your credit card at a store.
Find resources and news about the commission here.
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