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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The General Commission on United Methodist Men Announces Leadership Change

· Scouting, 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, Tennessee - October 17, 2023 - The General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM) announced today that General Secretary Greg Arnold will resign from his position, effective November 10, 2023. Arnold has served as General Secretary since October 2021.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as General Secretary of the GCUMM for the past 2 years,” Arnold said. “This is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions I’ve been faced with throughout my career and life in ministry. “I am proud that we’ve been able to accomplish the objectives we set from the beginning for the benefit of the Commission. I'm satisfied that we are leaving the Commission better than we found it, prepared for 2024 and beyond as an organization.”

Arnold went on to say, “I have deep care for the people, leaders, stakeholders, and peers involved in this ministry and wish nothing but grace, peace, hope, and joy for each.”

GCUMM President Retired Bishop Gary Mueller expressed his appreciation for Arnold’s service. “I am grateful to God for the season that Greg Arnold has served as General Secretary of the General Commission of United Methodist Men. His deep commitment to ministry with men, his vision about how to reach men in a rapidly changing church and world, and his strategic knowledge about organizational development have been a gift that will yield fruitfulness for many years to come. While I was looking forward to him serving longer, I fully understand his decision. He leaves with deep gratitude and blessings from the entire General Commission.”

The GCUMM Executive Committee has appointed retired Bishop James Swanson as interim General Secretary, effective November 10, 2023. Bishop Swanson served on the GCUMM Executive Committee from 2012 to 2022 as President and currently serves as Vice President of the Board.

Bishop Mueller, in announcing Bishop Swanson's appointment, stated, “I am excited that Bishop James Swanson has shown a willingness to embrace the role of Interim General Secretary. His passion for ministry with men, great spiritual depth, and intimate knowledge of the ministry of the General Commission on United Methodist Men will enable us to maintain momentum in the months leading up to the General Conference. It has been my joy to serve with Bishop Swanson on the Commission since 2016 and am convinced that God has called him for a time such as this.”

In accepting this new opportunity, Swanson commented, “I am honored that the leadership of the General Commission on United Methodist Men is asking me to assume the role of Interim General Secretary. The days ahead for this commission are filled with challenges and opportunities for us to fulfill our mission of helping men grow in Christ so others may know Christ. I look forward with excitement to working with the team we already have in place to help our local men’s ministry units live out this mission.”

The GCUMM is a general agency of the United Methodist Church that provides resources and support for men’s and scouting ministries around the world

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