West Ohio Conference

Helping Men to Grow in Christ

Helping Men to Grow in Christ,
So Others Can Know Christ
The Ministry of Jesus Christ Through Men

Vision of Men's Ministry m the UMC

The ministry of men in the local church is defined as a core group of men, partnering with their pastor, to invite and initiate spiritual growth opportunities for all men of the church. These opportunities would include diverse ministries of the church, such as prayer groups, missions, Bible studies, retreats, workshops seminars, small groups in the Wesleyan tradition, leading and participating on committees, teaching Sunday school classes, youth ministries, scouting, mentoring, and assisting in leading worship services. The focus is not inward, concentrating only on those who attend a meeting, but outward to all men, assisting them to engage the process of spiritual growth.

. Establishment of core men's ministry leadership teanL - Partnership with Pastor.
. Focus is outward to all men, not inward to a group. . Creation of ministry entry points for men. 
. Attitude of invitation, not expectation or obligation . Leadership by empowerment, not control.
. Development ofmentoring relationships.
. Available to persons in the community.
. -Alignment with mission and ministry of the local church. 
. Builds positive relationships with women.

Men's Ministry Specialist

Men's Ministry Specialist (MMS) is a leadership-development position for laity or clergy called by God to the ministry of Jesus Christ through men. An MMS serves the UMC as a resource, promoter, communicator, and connector within and beyond the congregation. He equips and motivates leaders for effective men's ministry through training, inspiration, and assistance.

. Men called by God to ministry of men. . Resource for pastors, superintendents and bishops.
. Bridge between local churches and districts, the conference, and national ministries.
. Trained and certified by the UMC. 
. Equips, supports, and motivates men's ministry leaders.

Teaching Churches for Men's Ministry

"Teaching Churches'" will be training and resource centers for districts and conferences. These churches assist laity and clergy in their quest to develop effective men's ministry. They will host large events and workshops enabling churches of any size to participate and benefit from leaders who are committed to the ministry of Jesus Christ through men.

. Teaching local congregations about men's ministry
. Training and support for laity and clergy
. Leadership development
. Defines and unifies men's ministry
. Hosts of large events and workshops
. Consults with area churches about their ministry to men
. Partneers with Men's Ministry Specialist