United Methodist Men

Leadership Development

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:

Developing principled Christian Leaders…

  • Training UM Men leaders for ministry of Jesus Christ through Advanced Lay Speaking Course.
  • Training Men’s and Scouting Ministry Specialists to serve in every conference.
  • Training and equipping leaders in Central Conferences in scouting and men’s ministry with on-site visits and on-line courses.
  • Training youth to be effective, caring leaders in church and community through ministries with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire.

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GCUMM Announces New Director of the Center for Men's Ministries

· Ministry to Men, Strength for Service, charter, EMS, Legacy Builders, Circuit Riders Society, Paver Project, Susanna Wesley, Leadership Development, Church Renewal, Ministry with the Poor, Global Health, UMMen Foundation, Life Membership, Society of John Wesley, NACP

Nashville, TN - The General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM) is overjoyed to announce the selection of Rev. Sterling L. Eaton as the new Director of the Center for Men’s Ministries. Sterling will direct and shape the men’s ministry division of GCUMM for the UMC.

Rev. Eaton is currently serving as a United Methodist Pastor in the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. He studied at Wesley Theological Seminary, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of Licensing School, and Molding Disciples Institute of Biblical Studies. Eaton serves as a District Link Facilitator and has served on the board of United Methodist Men for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

While serving as associate pastor in his early ministry, Eaton engaged and coordinated men’s ministries with multiple churches in the community, focusing on the fundamentals of the Christian faith. He also led a youth ministry called Young Men of Promise. Sterling is passionate about reaching all ages of men and creating meaningful connections between the younger and older generations.

Sterling is a current GCUMM board member serving as an the at-large member, where he recently inspired the entire board to embrace a significant revisioning. His vision centered on how the Commission can help UMC churches bridge the gap between young people emerging from the Scouting program and stepping into roles of significance in Men’s Ministry within the local church.

Greg Arnold, CEO of the Commission, is enthusiastic about Rev. Eaton’s selection. “Sterling has a heart for men, their families, and how men can impact their community for Christ. His engaging spirit and vision for ministry are magnetic and inspiring. His depth of vocational experience, pastoral experience, and leadership ability is in complete alignment with our new ministry direction. I can’t wait for the UMC to catch the spark from Eaton’s enthusiasm, vision, and leadership ability.”

Eaton shared, “I’m committed to empowering people in their spiritual growth and development through the power of the resurrection life in Jesus Christ. We have a significant part to play in these current times and in the future of The United Methodist Church. We are committed to reaching every man and youth in our connection with a credible opportunity to meet, know, and serve Jesus Christ. It’s not a small task - but we’re up for the challenge, and we have a plan.”

Eaton is a retired member of the United States Navy after serving 23 years as an Information Technology and Intelligence Officer. Rev. Eaton and his wife, Trina, reside in New Castle, Delaware.

He will begin his duties at GCUMM on October 31, 2022. 

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