The best of . . .
By Gil Hanke
As we finish out 2015, we will read or hear lists from the media: “The Best of (fill in the blank) for 2015.”
I know what has been the best for me in my work with GCUMM for this year, and that has been starting, and helping others to start, small weekly groups with men, using the format outlined in Kevin Watson’s book, The Class Meeting.
These meetings are done electronically, usually for an hour every week, and groups ask the same types of questions that Wesley asked. These groups were and now are really the core of disciple making. Members of the group can see each other on a laptop, tablet or smart phone, and even with groups where no one knew any of the other members, it works very well. The one I started with six strangers last year at this time is still going strong.
Which brings me to the “Best of 2016” and beyond. Beginning in January, we will have multiple webinars which you don’t want to miss. I will be doing an introduction to “The Class Meeting Model,” and will walk you through the process of getting that started in your local church. For those who want to try it before they set one up, that will be available as well.
In addition, there will be other webinars on scouting, and other aspects of men’s ministry. One will introduce you to what it means to be a men’s ministry specialist; another will outline ways you can learn about your spiritual gifts as you consider the question “What is God’s call on my life?” A webinar will focus on training to lead men’s ministry programs in local churches, districts and conferences. A February webinar will be on “Tool Belts United,” a local mission project in Florida that helps “make-over” the buildings of small-membership churches.
Each of these webinars will be an hour, and most will be recorded. All are free. Each one will have a follow up with each participant to offer assistance in implementing what you learned.
So, what is the point of all this? Simple, as the GCUMM we have two main points of focus. One is mentoring youth through established scouting and youth serving entities like BSA, GSA, Camp Fire, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The other is bringing men into an on-growing relationship with Jesus Christ through proven discipleship experiences. That is what we do. So get onboard and allow us to help your local congregation reach all the men of your church and community. Let us help you serve the youth of your church and community.
Let’s joyfully embrace to opportunities of discipleship in 2016!
Start planning now for our 12th National Gathering which will be in Nashville, July 7-8, 2017.
Gil Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on United Methodist Men