1	Outline A) Organization (Spiritual Leadership cont.) 1) Identifying Leaders c) Sharing His/Your Story 2) Goals for the Unit d) Providing the Tools 3) Training 4) Plan of Implementation E) Relationships 5) Cluster Organizations 1) Pastors a) What the Men Want, What the Pastor’s Want B) Structure 2) U.M.W. President 1) Officers of the Organization a) Working with the Women in our Church a) President 3) U.M.Y. President b) Vice-President a) Working with the Youth in our Church c) Secretary 4) Men in Your Church d) Treasurer a) Celebrating the Men in Your Church e) Prayer Advocate b) Knowing the Men in Your Church f) Hunger Relief Advocate c) Men Under Pressure g) Other Officers as Needed 5) Community 2) Developing Leaders a) Getting Involved 3) Developing Leadership Structure 6) Family a) 2001 vs. the Past C) Responsibilities b) Men as Strong Spiritual Leaders 1) Responsibilities to the Local Church 2) Meetings / Executive Committee Meeting F) Communications a) Executive Committee 1) Disseminating Information b) The Meeting 2) Using today’s tools 3) U.M. Men’s Sunday 3) Communication 4) Community Events G) Resources 1) U.M. Men’s Bible D) Spiritual Leadership 2) Internet 1) Understanding the Mission of the U.M.Men 3) GCUMM.ORG a) Winning Men to Christ 4) U.M. Men Resource Materials b) Understanding Men/Disciple Making 5) Cokesbury 2) Implementing the Plan 6) Neighboring U.M.Men’s Units a) Small Groups 7) District & Conference U.M.Men b) Bible Study/Other Study Programs
2	Outline H) Connections 1) E.M.S Every Man Shares through Evangelism, Mission, Spiritual Life 2) Chartering 3) Prayer Line 4) District, Conference, and Jurisdiction U.M.Men 5) National Association of Conference Presidents 6) John Wesley Fellows 7) Scouting/NAUMS 8) U.M.Men’s Foundation
3	Organization 1) Identifying Leaders a) Generally the President serves for a term of one year. There is nothing that limits you in serving longer. It is important though to cultivate new leaders to follow you.. Future leaders don’t just appear; you will need to search out men in your church who would make good leaders. Encourage men in your church to join you, don’t do it alone. 2) Goals for the Unit a) Setting goals for the unit are an important part of the local organization. Short and long range goals are necessary to stimulate and encourage the growth and keep excitement in the group. Find time for prayer and to dream about what you would like to accomplish. - What are my goals - Where do I want us to be in six months/a year 3) Training a) Provide the tools men need to succeed in their spiritual walk; relationships. b) Take advantage of any training organized by your District or Conference U.M.Men. If your District or Conference doesn’t have any training available, then contact the General Commission online at gcumm.org for help. 4) Plan of Implementation a) There is no secret formula for organizing a successful U.M.Men’s unit. It does not happen overnight. Having the enthusiastic support of your pastor will make success more likely. Arrange a time for a meeting with several men from your congregation and possibly your District President. b) Start slow, remember what separates us from a service organizations is the faith we keep. Making disciples, leading men to Christ isn’t easy. Talk about a plan with Jesus at the center.
4	Organization 5) Cluster Organizations a) Neighboring U.M.Men’s organizations are a great source of support and the natural rivalry that exists causes both organizations to succeed. b) Organize events that bring two or more groups together; Bible studies, work projects, community events, sporting events. c) Rotate the meetings/events around to the participating churches involved in your cluster.
5	Structure 1) Officers of the Organization a) President: - Communicates the Mission of U.M.Men: Must set aside his own agenda and communicate what God has placed on his heart to lead his local men’s unit. - Relational Networking: Has moved beyond making contacts to developing a relational network. The president must be willing to pay the price of building relationships. The men must feel that he is committed to them and that he’ll “be there” for them. Men will not care how much you know until they know how much you care. - Encourages the Men: The emotional context in which the work of men’s ministry is accomplished is encouragement. Encouragement is both the oil and glue of what we are doing. It facilitates as well as holds everything together. - Resources the Men: Should become a “clearing house” of information and ideas. Should know when and where and training is being offered. Should know what resources are available to his men. - Search out another man in your church to be your sidekick, a supporter during your time in office. b) Vice President: - Assists the president in carrying out the mission of the organization. - Coordinates the activities and events of the organization. c) Secretary: - Records timely and efficient minutes of the organization. d) Treasurer: - Keeps an accurate accounting of funds collected and disbursed. - Watchguard of the budget.
6	Structure (officers of the organization cont.) e) Prayer Advocate: - Establishes and organizes covenant prayer groups and promotes a life of prayer. f) Hunger Relief Advocate: - works with the District and Conference Hunger Relief Advocate in networking his community for the purpose of feeding the needy. g) Other Officers as Needed 2) Developing Leaders a)Through training and exposure to events outside the local church a man will have the opportunity to see the larger picture. b) Not every man will become a leader, understanding where men are in their walk will be helpful. c) Visible male leadership is important, not just as ushers and greeters, but as a spiritual force. d) Men who are in small groups go from being participants to becoming leaders. 3) Developing Leadership Structure a) Work with your district or conference men’s leadership to organize a plan. b) Talk with the leaders in your church about your structure and how to build your organization.
7	Responsibilities 1) Ad. Board /Ad. Council a) Responsibilities to the Local Church The Local Men’s President is a member of the Local Churches Ad Board/Ad Council. It is the responsibility of the Local President to attend the regularly scheduled meetings. The President is expected to report on the state of the Men’s organization; meetings, activities, etc. 2) Meetings / Executive Committee Meeting a) Executive Committee - Meet with your executive committee to plan the programs and events for your men’s unit. - Organize a budget for the year, fund your budget through dues or fundraisers. - Make all necessary decisions in your executive committee so you don’t take away from the flow of your regular meeting. b) The Meeting - The greet, eat, and meet style of meetings, similar to other service clubs will not sustain U.M.Men. Spiritual growth is the key. - Be more intentional and inclusive at your meetings. - Work toward comfort levels that will allow men to share openly. - Introduce new things slowly, men have tunnel vision, we see things that are right in front of us. - Pray - Sing
8	Responsibilities 3) U.M.Men’s Sunday a) Once a year we need to celebrate the Men’s Ministry. Meet with your local pastor to organize the service. Have laymen lead the service including the sermon or message. It is a great opportunity for spiritual witness and to recognize our ministry. 4) Community Events a) Founder’s Day’s events, parades, picnics, etc. take every advantage to make your presence known. You can use these events for fundraising or awareness of your church and organization.
9	Spiritual Leadership (cont.) b) Bible Studies/Other Study Programs - Use short term bible studies - Use U.M.Men’s resources c) Sharing His/Your Story - Share how Jesus has touched your life with other men. - Have men share their story during Sunday services or at your meetings. d) Providing the Tools - Ongoing training - Pair men with mentors - Form men into teams - U.M.Men’s Bible - Positive Leadership - Resource information
10	Spiritual Leadership 1) Understanding the Mission of the U.M.Men a) Winning Men to Christ: - Men need action; it’s the nature of who we are. - Be an example - Men are just not comfortable in a typical church setting, it’s not the ideal place for sharing the emotional challenges they face. Provide a comfortable settings for men to share and witness. - Be honest and open. b) Understanding Men/Disciple Making - 10% of the churches have an effective men’s ministry. - 95% of Christian men do not have a close male friend. How many men know your present day struggles and victories - Through bible study and relationship building we strengthen men to share their faith. 2) Implementing the Plan a) Small Groups - Allows men to share - A place to function as real Christians - Helps men to grow in their relationship with Christ - Offers accountability - Maintains the momentum of a large event
11	Relationships 1) Pastors a) What the Men Want, What the Clergy Want. Laity What men want will differ from region to region, state to state and church to church. Men for the most part are looking for a mentor, a resource to assist them in their spiritual walk; they look to the pastor to fill that role. Men in general don’t have the background of religious studies to give them the confidence needed to feel secure. Today’s men are busier with more choices and distractions than our previous generations. We don’t take the time to work on the spiritual side as we should, that part which seems difficult or scares us; we tend to ignore, because it is easier. The clergy/laity relationship is an important bond. Clergy First and foremost, clergy are looking out for the spiritual well being of the men they shepherd. The clergy today are more corporate executives and less of what they should be; spiritual leaders. The clergy cannot do everything themselves, they need strong male leadership from the men in their churches; mentors to young men, Sunday school leaders, and strong men of faith. Clergy, both male and female, deal with the same challenges as the laity, and the laity need not forget the clergy are not super human. They need support in the same way we do, to be lifted up and prayed for just like the laity.
12	Relationships 2) U.M.W. President a) Working with the Women in our Church It is important for the men in the church to have a good relationship with the women, sharing ideas and taking time just to talk. The women in our churches organized their groups around when women could get together. All women could not meet at the same time, that was the reason for the “circles” concept. Their “circles” are one thing we should embrace to make it possible for every man to become involved. The men’s and women’s organizations though different, deal with the same things, attracting the youth of our church. 3) U.M.Youth President a) Working with the Youth in our Church The youth have always been an energetic force in our churches. Embracing the youth is an important ingredient, understanding them is sometimes a challenge. The men need to develop relationships with the youth as teachers, mentors, sponsors, and lead Christ like lives as examples to them. In one conversation with a group of youth, when the question was asked about what we need to do to encourage the youth to become a part of our organization, the response was, let us do our thing and you do your thing. They may not be ready when we think they should. Sometime we try too hard to win the game when there isn’t always a game to play. If we are good supporters of our youth, respecting them for who they are, and giving them the space they desire, then maybe they will want to have us around for the longer journey.
13	Relationships 4) Men in Your Church a) Celebrating the Men in your Church Take the opportunity to lift up the men in your church. Use the Sunday service, and other opportunities, to recognize Men’s Ministries. By lifting up the men you create a visible example to all the members in your church of the importance of the men. b) Knowing the Men in your Church Survey the men to find their interests, likes and dislikes. Make opportunities to learn more about the men in your church. A big mistake is when men are ignored and not made to feel important or a part of the church. We think we do a good job of this but there are still many men who are left out. c) Men Under Pressure Family, divorce, technological changes, corporate downsizing, are a few of the pressures men face. These are opportunities where men can support one another, the platform needs to be established for this to happen. Men just don’t start talking about their challenges. 5) Community a) Getting Involved Get involved in your community, plan events at your church that would involve your community. Getting to know your surrounding community offers the opportunity for your neighbors to get to know your church. This is a great evangelism tool also.
14	Relationships 6) Family a) 2001 vs the Past The family structure is a very important component. Today’s families are different than those in the past, divorce is higher, one parent households are more common. Both husband and wife working is becoming normal. Being sensitive to today’s family will be helpful in understanding the men in your church and may open avenues for support. b) Men as Strong Spiritual Family Leaders - When a child is the first person in the family to come to faith, the rest of the family will follow 31% of the time. - When a mother/woman is the first person in the family to come to faith, the rest of the family will follow 17% of the time. - When a man/father is the first person in the family to come to faith, the rest of the family will follow 93% of the time.
15	Communications 1) Disseminating Information a) Good communication is extremely important. b) How do we inform the men of our church; phone chain, post cards, newsletters c) There’s nothing better than a good face to face conversation. 2) Using today’s tools a) Internet: gcumm.org, umc.org,etc. b) E-Mail: creating list serves for more efficient communication. c) Fax Machines: sending hard copies. d) web pages: creating a page to share your local men’s information with other churches. 3) Communication a) Communication traits - Men are protective of their emotional “space” and in general are goal oriented. Men communicate by asking questions and seeking out the hard facts related to a situation. Solve the problem and move on to the next item. - Men will answer questions only when other men are listening and interested in the answer.
16	Resources 1) U.M.Men’s Bible a) The U.M.Men’s faith sharing New Testament and Psalms is more than just a Bible with our logo on the front. Inside the first few pages you will find the basics of Christian conversion and discipleship. The back pages share the essential for leading a person to Christ. Take the opportunity, at each service, to present a Men’s Bible to all new men joining your church. The Bible will be a powerful sign, of faithfulness to Christ, from the men and an opportunity to invite those men to join you. 2) Internet a) As mentioned before the internet is a valuable resource, use the computer, internet, and e-mail as a tool to encourage and involve younger men. 3) GCUMM.ORG a) Our website has plenty of information for any questions that you may have concerning our organization, Scouting, Men’s Ministries, etc. The e-mail addresses for the national staff members are there also, check it out. 4) U.M.Men Resource Materials a) Tool Chest: books for Christian men developed jointly by Cokesbury. b) Tackle Box: tools and resources that are available to men. c) Men’s magazine: A one of a kind publication that goes in depth on the topics affecting today’s men. The magazine comes out four times a year. d) Newsletter: The Men’s newsletter, a bi-monthly publication, highlighting what is happening in men’s organizations and scouting throughout the world. You are welcome to send articles about your exciting ministries happening in your area.
17	Resources 5) Cokesbury a) A nationally recognized United Methodist bookstore supplying the needs of our church and others. Cokesbury can be reached online at Cokesbury.com or toll-free at 1-800-672-1789. 6) Neighboring U.M.Men’s Units a) Identify the neighboring men’s units, develop relationships where you can share ideas concerning U.M.Men. 7) District & Conference U.M.Men a) The District organization: the District U.M.Men are similar in their structure to the local unit. The District Men are the first line of support to the local unit. They are a resource to the local unit and organize cluster events too large for the local unit to handle; Sport-a- Thon, District Dinners, larger work projects, training. b) The Conference organization: the connectional system which starts at the local unit, through the District organization, then on to the Conference, continues to resource the Local unit. The Conference organization generally coordinates state or area wide events: retreats, spiritual rallies, large scale work projects.
18	Connections 1) E.M.S. Every Man Shares through Evangelism, Mission, Spiritual Life a) E.M.S. is a personal investment made by individuals who are committed to the ministry and mission of the United Methodist Men. The income benefits many different programs and ministries; Hope for Hearing, Prayer Line, and the Society of St. Andrew to mention a few. b) E.M.S. members receive value for their investment; U.M.Men’s magazine, MensNews, devotional resources, a men’s keepsake, discount to events and men’s paraphernalia. 2) Chartering a) Connecting the Local Unit with the General Commission on U.M.Men, which provides materials, support, and training. b) Initially a men’s unit charters with the General Commission. In the following years the unit would be recertified. c) The president and secretary of chartered men’s units receive MensNews and the U.M.Men magazine. d) Charter funds are used to fund the following - MensNews - UMMen Magazine - President’s Packets - Materials and helps for chartered units - Introductory Packets - Administrative costs including postage, telephone, etc. - GCUMM Website - others necessary items 3) Prayer Line a) A toll free 24 hour prayer line, supported in full by the U.M.Men (1-800-251-2468). Over one hundred fifty thousand calls requesting prayer are received by the Upper Room prayer line each year.
19	Connections 4) District, Conference, and Jurisdiction United Methodist Men a) These three support organizations, similar in structure to the Church, are resources to the local U.M.Men’s units. 5) National Association of Conference Presidents a) The National Association of Conference Presidents (NACP) is an organization of Conference Presidents of UMMen from all 67 conferences in the United Methodist Church. The linkage between the NACP and GCUMM is vital and is based on our mutual mission of bringing men into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The GCUMM clearly relates to the General Church in a powerful and unique way. The NACP has its roots in the Local Church, and provides that special connection to implement the shared men's ministry programs of the GCUMM and NACP. Together we declare the centrality of Jesus Christ, and focus our ministries through Evangelism, Mission and Spiritual Life. 6) John Wesley Fellows a) The introduction of a John Wesley Fellow into the society recognizes United Methodist laity or clergy for distinguished service to the church. The recognition made available by the U.M.Men’s Foundation is designed to promote greater awareness of the Christian principles and practices embodied in the United Methodist Church.
20	Connections 7) Scouting/National Association of United Methodist Scouters a) United Methodist Scouting is currently the largest scouting organization in the world. Through the U.M.Men and its Foundation the Office of Civic Youth Serving Agencies was created. The O.C.Y.S.A. represents the United Methodist Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and 4-H. b) NAUMS has as its main responsibility; training of local church, annual conference, district, conference, and jurisdictional Scouting coordinators. 8) U.M.Men’s Foundation a) In 1981 the U.M.Men Foundation was established by the national leadership of U.M.Men as a means to realize their dreams. Those dreams included the development and promotion of programs that would deepen the spiritual life of men across the church through evangelism, mission, and spiritual life. Currently there are three endowment programs supported by the U.M.Men Foundation: Scouting, Prayer Ministry, and Evangelism.