The National Association of Conference presidents proposed two resolutions to the 2012 General Conference. Both resolutions were approved by the assembly:

Support for Clergywomen

WHEREAS United Methodist Churches have not always supported clergywomen; and

WHEREAS clergywomen have gifts and graces that have enriched the witness of this denomination; and

WHEREAS clergywomen have been supportive of United Methodist Men as expressed in scouting ministry and men’s ministry,

Therefore, be it resolved that United Methodist men be expected to welcome women to the pulpits of their churches, and

Be it further resolved that clergywomen be invited to share in the studies and activities of local chapters of United Methodist Men.

Expanding Outreach to Men and Youth

WHEREAS, membership in The United Methodist Church has declined every year since the 1968 merger of The Methodist Church with The Evangelical United Brethren Church; and

WHEREAS, an ABC poll found that only 32 percent of American men attend church compared to 44 percent of American women, and 13 million more women than men attend church in the US; and

WHEREAS, 25 percent of married women attend church without their husbands; and

WHEREAS, a Gallup poll shows declining interest among young people with only 47 percent of young adults indicating that religion is important in their lives compared to 75 percent of persons over 75 years of age answering in the same manner; and

WHEREAS, only 10 percent of US churches maintain vibrant men’s ministry programs, and most congregations struggle to find ways to minister to men and reach young people;

Therefore, be it resolved, that churches be encouraged to expand their ministries to all men in the church and the community. The group of men that meets monthly for study, worship, and fellowship serves an important purpose, but it should be only a fraction of a local church’s effort to deepen the spiritual lives of men and to minister to men and young people without church homes; and

Be it further resolved, that all churches are encouraged to charter a United Methodist Men’s organization. Pastors and superintendents are encouraged to utilize DVDs, online training, lay-speaking courses, the services of men’s ministry specialists, and other resources provided by the General Commission on United Methodist Men to expand the ministry to all men within and beyond the congregation; and.

Be it further resolved, that United Methodist churches be encouraged to charter Scout troops and to add other youth-serving ministries as a way to reach unchurched youth and as a way to minister to young people within their faith communities; and

Be it further resolved, that local churches encourage members to become scouting ministry specialists as a way to expand their ministries through youth-serving agencies; and.

Be it further resolved, that local churches are encouraged to provide funding to enable one or more of their members to become men’s ministry specialists and to utilize the services and resources of those already accredited as men’s ministry specialists.