Reviewing responses to the ‘Amending through Faith’ project
By the Rev. Dr. Rick Vance
As I sit at my computer to write this article, I am reflecting on the many responses we have received about the “Amending through Faith” project being launched this month throughout The United Methodist Church connection.
- “‘Amending through Faith’ helped me realize the way I was talking to my wife was hurting her and destroying our marriage.”
- “This program gave me language to talk about a problem facing the church.”
- “I’m excited about ‘Amending through Faith’ but disappointed that my annual conference will not allow me to show the promo video.”
- “We are not going to use the materials at our annual conference, because we are a rural area that does not have a problem with domestic/gender-based violence.”
“Amending through Faith” is a program that challenges “good men” to enter a dialogue about the systematic and systemic issues that cause and perpetuate gender-based violence in our society. It challenges men to take a stand to change the dialogue in an effort to stop the violence.
I rejoice in the lives and relationships that already have been changed just through the pilot test group. I also am shocked and disheartened by a few comments that indicate some men still don’t get it.
It is believed that about 25 percent of Christian homes witness abuse of some kind. This occurs throughout the U.S. and around the world. It happens in the cities and in the country, in rich households and in poor ones. It is unacceptable for us, as leaders in the church, to ignore this fact.
The parable of the Good Samaritan implores us as men of character and integrity to speak for and give help to those who can’t speak for and care for themselves. The “Amending through Faith” project is a faith-based, biblically sound resource for men to do just that.
To get more information please go here or give me a call (615-620-7277).
God is truly calling men in the church to “help men grow in Christ, so others may know Christ.”
Will you join me on this journey?
Your brother on the journey,
The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, director of the Center for Men’s Ministries
General Commission on UM Men