The first steps to change

By the Rev. Rick Vance

UM Men have varying reactions to the enormous number of issues facing the church and society.

Some men are paralyzed by the complexity; they don’t know where to start so they do nothing.

Others, who have served in men’s ministry for many years, are tired; they feel it’s time for someone else to take action.

Galatians 6:9a reminds us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good.” 

Whether we are confused or tired, as Christian brothers, we are still called by God to be agents of change in our own lives, our church, and our community.

The first step is to act on that calling. 

Loren Eiseley tells the story of an older man watching a young boy throw starfish back into the ocean.  “See the thousands of starfish,” said the man. “There is no way you can make a difference; there are too many.” The little boy looked at the man, picked up another starfish and said, “It made a difference to that one!” (Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley).

In his book, The Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living, Bishop Rueben Job reminds us that we are to “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.”  Each of these statements requires action.

In your church and community GO and do no harm, GO and stay in love with God, and GO and do good.  God needs you to bring hope and change to your church and community.

If you are looking for resources, always check the resource pages of our website or contact me. I am always available to be your brother on the journey.

The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, director of men’s ministry

GCUMM

rvance@gcumm.org