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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Weekend retreat helps men cope with chaos

· Ministry to Men, Leadership Development

Weekend retreat helps men cope with chaos

BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, Tenn.––“How do men cope with the chaos that exists today?” That was the topic tackled by the Rev. Rick Vance, director of the Center for Men’s Ministries at the General Commission on United Methodist Men, and the Rev. Tommy Vann, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, at an Aug.7-8 retreat at the Beersheba Springs Assembly Camping and Retreat Center. 

“Living in chaos is a choice,” said Vance. “The first steps to overcome the chaos in our lives is to pray, to form an intentional relationship with Christ, and to engage in accountable relationships with other men.

Vance offered the 27 participants ten additional ways to cope with chaos:

  1. Exercise
  2. Eat and sleep well
  3. Meditate
  4. Attempt to solve the cause of your stress
  5. Avoid stressful situations
  6. Accept things you can’t change
  7. Don’t take on more than you can handle
  8. Assume a glass-half-full attitude
  9. Tackle the most critical things first
  10. Take time to celebrate victories

Vann used Moses as an example of a man who had an intentional ongoing relationship with God. That relationship did not mean Moses would gain popularity or success as defined by Egyptian culture.

Van said was not easy for Moses to follow the difficult pathway God set for him. It required a burning bush and Moses had to rely on Aaron to hold his tired arms up

Mark Barrow, executive director of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, served as worship leader for the two-day event. The weekend concluded with a service of Holy Communion during which the men were reminded they are united by God's grace.

Titled “Refocus,” the retreat was a collaborative venture of the Center for Men’s Ministries and the United Methodist retreat center. It was originally scheduled for 2020 but was rescheduled for 2021.

The General Commission on United Methodist Men offers resources and staff who are able to provide workshops, studies, and retreats to conferences, districts and local churches.

For information, please contact Rev. Dr. Rick Vance at the center for men's ministries. (rvance@gcumm.org or 615-620-7277).

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