United Methodist Men

Ministry With the Poor

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:

Engaging in Ministry with the Poor...

  • Training UMM leaders to become advocates and friends of the poor, and eliminate the effects of poverty and racism.
  • Expanding US hunger relief efforts through the Society of Saint Andrew.
  • Supporting children of incarcerated parents through Amachi.
  • Expanding global hunger relief through Stop Hunger Now.

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It’s all right for you to disagree with me; it’s not all right to hate me: Bishop Swanson

· Ministry to Men, Church Renewal, Ministry with the Poor

Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UMNS

Bishop James Swanson, Jr., preaches on May 18 at the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore

 

It’s all right for you to disagree with me; it’s not all right to hate me: Bishop Swanson

PORTLAND, Ore.––In a May 18 sermon, Bishop James Swanson told delegates, “It’s all right for you to disagree with me, but it’s not all right for you to hate me.” We should not “use the weapons of Satan against the people of God.”

“We have disagreement," said the president of the General Commission on UM Men, but “we shouldn’t be in disagreement about God. Are you dependent on your political maneuvering or on God?”

The bishop addressed an unlikely text in which Jesus describes an unclean spirit who leaves a house and later returns with seven other spirits (Matthew 12:43-45).

“Jesus makes us aware that evil is personal,” said Swanson. “If evil can operate in me, it will pollute everything I touch.”

He noted that just as the evil spirit returned after being cast aside, sanctifying grace must follow justifying faith, or evil will again “set up shop” in our homes, and it “will come back in a pack.”

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