Photo: Men’s ministry specialists gather after their commissioning service. From left: Joe Warne, Steve Nailor, Kenneth Hudgins, Charles Gilliland, andMark Dehority.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– Churches across the nation will have new allies in their effort to increase the number of members in their congregations and the depth of their commitment to Christ as 12 new men’s ministry specialists were commissioned during a March 1-4 meeting of the National Association of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men.

Twelve men recently completed training based on a course designed byOrlando,Fla.-based Man in the Mirror Ministries. They also took a course in United Methodist polity and history, safe sanctuary training , and hands-on experience in men’s ministry. After establishing 12-month plans for their ministry and their personal spiritual formation, they join 20 other previously certified specialist to aid local churches.

Men commissioned during the spring meeting were;Mark Dehority, Moweaqua, Ill.; Charles Gilliland, Memphis, Tenn.; Kenneth Hudgins, Valparaiso, Ind.; Steve Nailor, Rockford, Ill., and Joe Warne, Peck, Kans.

Men certified, but unable to be present at the Nashville meeting, are: James Bell, Big Spring, Texas; Ron Cramer, Jefferson, Ohio; Johnnie Draughon, Virginia Beach, Va.; Rickey Haynes, Senatobia, Miss.; William Sears, Sugar Hill, Ga.; and Paul Wilson Wilmington, N.C.