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From your partners in men’s ministry
A bi-monthly e-mail letter from agency officers and staff to leaders of United Methodist Men
February 15, 2008
I have served as a leader in just about every capacity and every level of UM Men throughout the years.
One of the things that I realized early on was, in order to be an effective leader I had to surround myself with supportive, loyal men whose heart was to help me become the best leader that I could be. They knew that for our ministry team to have an impact, I needed to be successful. Where I had short-comings they utilized their gifts and graces to help us become what God wanted us to be. When I fell, they picked me up. They became my encouragers and motivators as well as my friends.
Leaders at all levels (local, district, conference, jurisdictional) need team members just like these.
As a matter of fact, there is a biblical character that models for us the characteristics of a loving, supportive relationship that should exist between a leader and his followers.
His name is Jonathan. His deep friendship and covenant with David is an example of someone who would lay his life down for a friend (1 Sam. 18:3). David became successful everywhere he went because of Jonathan’s covenant and loyal support of his leader. Jonathan always spoke well of David and protected him from harm and evil voices (1 Sam 20:9). Jonathan would do for David anything that he asks him to do (1 Sam 20:4) because he knew David was someone seeking God.
Finally, Jonathan witnessed to David his servant heart and undying commitment saying, “Go in peace, since both of us have sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, the Lord shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.”
Surround yourself with “Jonathan men” and be assured of success.
The Rev. David Adams, general secretary General Commission on UM Men
It’s hard to believe, that in two weeks, the conference presidents will elect a new national president. Even though the new president doesn’t officially take office until July, following the jurisdictional conferences, he will be in a time of transition and training.
As I look back at the four years I have served as the national president, I have many good memories. During my term, the National Association of Conference Presidents launched our own web page, mainly to get the word and content out at our pace. A National Association of Conference Presidents logo was designed and approved. The Fami1y, “Fast a Meal in One Year” program was created and UM Men started their 100th birthday celebration. In addition, the National Association of Conference Presidents developed a plan for how the mission money raised through your support of the EMS program would be distributed.
Training was also a key component of the last four years. With a strengthened connection between Man in the Mirror and UM Men in addition to the release of their new book, No Man Left Behind and the development of “Power Tools,” UM Men had tools to use. Another connection has been with Dan Schafer and Building Brothers/Spiritual Fathers. Men from across the country are involved in training through pilot programs with Man in the Mirror and Building Brothers/Spiritual Fathers, and the results are phenomenal.
In closing, one of the things I did during my time in office was to journal the trips that I made. As leaders––at whatever level––it’s good to know where we have been and where we are heading. As we continue through this historic year I hope many of you are recording your personal history and As we continue through this historic year I hope many of you are recording your personal history and the history of your local UM Men ministry.
Glenn Wintemberg, president National Association of Conference Presidents of UM Men unitvent@yahoo.com
Dear friends in ministry,
I want you to know that I believe there are many exciting things happening in men's ministry in the UMC. As many of you know, I have been honored to serve as the president of the GCUMM the last four years.
And though I have loved the tasks that job has brought me, I still very much enjoy doing things in my district and local church. A few Sunday's ago, I was asked to lead a district training class on “new directions in men's ministry” and I ended up also leading another class on scouting. The classes were both full, with folks eager to bring men's ministry and scouting to a new level in their local church.
In the first class I had some materials from starter packets. But by far the biggest impact was the 100th anniversary calendar for this year. I began by saying, many guys just don't know what to do at their monthly meetings, here is a list of four or five suggestions for each month for the next year. Each person there wanted several copies; it was a big hit.
Each month this year, we plan to talk about or do one of the activities as we meet the second Sunday at my church, Perritte Memorial UMC.
Over that last few months, I, as many of you have had more work than time, and in particular a big project with rapidly approaching deadline. In the midst of all of this, my friend, Gary, mentioned at a reunion group that Habitat was beginning the construction of a house the next day. It sounded like just what I needed. So, I did some work early and then pounded nails for about four hours at this new house. It was great! Don't ever forget, we are to be doers not just hearers of the word. In this season, let us have open hearts to be doers of His word.
Gilbert C. Hanke, president General Commission on UM Men
Leaders as Followers
A leader’s call to others is “follow me.” A simple test of leadership is to look behind a leader, and observe who is following. The character and numbers of those followers says a lot. Lee Iacocca’s famous quote has some truth and sting to it; “lead, follow, or get out of the way!”
In the realm of spiritual leadership, “follow me” is not enough. The godly call of a true spiritual leader is “follow me, as I follow Christ.” These six words contain two leadership concepts that must always be at work simultaneously in spiritual leaders. The trustworthy Christian leader is following Christ, as he or she is leading others.
Are you following other spiritual leaders, as they follow Christ? Are you leading others, as you follow Christ?
UMC leaders are calling members to four areas of spiritual focus; leadership development, new churches and revitalization, global poverty and global health. Are they following Christ?
UMM offers specific ministries that address each of these areas of need through leader training, spiritual growth, and mission outreach. Are we following Christ? Will you follow? Will you lead?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Larry Malone, Director UM Men Ministries General Commission on UM Men LMalone@gcumm.org
Succession plan: Do you have one?
When Moses was searching for the promised land, God provided him with what could be called one of the first strategic plans (Ex.4:14-16). That plan included not only leading but mentoring those who would succeed him.
We must do the same within our UM structure, whether local church, district, conference, jurisdiction, general agency or affiliate. Not to do so would be to undermine the process for developing future servant leaders. Likewise, it is a selfish way of going about God’s business.
How do we do this?
John Wesley said, “Offer them Christ.”
Also, follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Institute term limits in the organization you belong; this practice will ensure a succession plan. Otherwise an organization is shortchanging itself and will rarely sustain––much less achieve––a mountaintop experience.
Seek younger, new and exciting leaders––men who will revitalize your ministry.
Plan your work and work your plan. Without a plan, without goals and objectives, your ministry will never achieve what God may have in store for it. HIS work, through you, will never reach its potential.
Pray each day for God’s divine guidance.
I challenge you today. Do ministry differently. Time is short. If you expect to leave a legacy prepare a succession plan. Without a plan, without prayer, without a proper mission and vision, and without any injection of new blood––you may be heading toward life support.
We owe it to ourselves as disciples of Christ to be the best spiritually equipped leaders that we can be.
Now faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what we do not see. –– Hebrews 11:1
Larry Coppock, national director Scouting Ministries General Commission on UM Men LCoppock@gcumm.org
Editor’s note: FYI
Since July, 2006, three staff executives of the General Commission on UM Men (The Rev. David Adams, Larry Malone and Larry Coppock) have visited men’s groups in 43 of the 63 U.S. annual conferences. Adams visited men in 33 U.S. conferences and UM Men in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malone added a visit with UM Men in Norway.
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please email awaller@gcumm.org.
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