NASHVILLE, Tenn. ––The General Commission on United Methodist Men has certified and commissioned Ron Cramer, a member of Jefferson (Ohio) United Methodist Church, to serve as a men’s ministry specialist in the East Ohio Conference.

The former elementary school teacher was certified in absentia at a March 4 commissioning services during a meeting of the National Association of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men.

Cramer has helped rebuild hurricane damaged homes in South Carolina, and, in the Jefferson area, he has worked on Habitat houses, built handicap ramps and repaired homes..

His favorite mission trip came last year when he worked with his son as a volunteer for Orphan Relief and Rescue in Liberia from June through August.

The active United Methodist layman serves as a worship leader for an alternative worship service in a local bar, sings in various choirs, and teaches a men-only Sunday school class.

Having recently completed a master’s degree in Christian ministries at Malone College in Canton, Cramer has been a co-facilitator for DISCIPLE IV and is currently leading the group in a study of the Book of Hebrews.
 
“I’d like to help conference churches start or maintain men’s groups,” said Cramer. “I also hope to develop a men’s retreat based on the best of my readings and teachings. This would help deepen the relationships and trust the men have in God and one another. There are many things on the horizon for the men of our church and our country. To be a small part of these things would be phenomenal.”  

Cramer is married to Patricia, and the couple has two adult sons.