August/September 2005 (Vol.9)

Answering Katrina

Like you, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of the Katrina disaster, and the idea of hundreds of thousands of American refugees. There are multitudes of Katrina refugees whose homes and even cities have been utterly destroyed. Many of these persons have limited resources, and will not be able to recover without great compassion and the sacrifice of the church. The church is called to serve as the hands and feet of God. We are called to relieve unimaginable suffering of our very own people. 

Consider this irony / opportunity; there are hundreds of thousands of homeless individuals and families in the Southeast today – and there are hundreds of thousands of comfortable Christian homes with empty bedrooms in the Southeast today. What is the appropriate response of the church, and for you and I? For many Christians, it is time to open hearts, minds and the DOORS of our homes. For others, there are many means through UMCOR and other relief agencies to bless others in a time of great need. http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/hurricanes/2005/

Please prayerfully consider this horrible catastrophe in the light of our LIGHT, Jesus Christ. Act with bold faith, and true sacrifice that is the mark of followers of Christ. Can God count upon UMM and the UMC to play a servant leadership role in the relief of suffering? Many await our answer. 

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UMM Legacy Update

The National Gathering of United Methodist Men was an awesome event. The spiritual power and blessing of God was visible and palpable. The gathering launched Legacy Builders, a movement of men that will leave a legacy for generations. More than $115,000 annually has been committed by UMM Legacy Builders – and this is just the beginning.

All who desire to see the UMC reach more men can be a part of this movement by becoming a Legacy Builder. All Legacy Builders are EMS members, and funding will be used to expand ministry outreach, support field operations, and build our long - term capacity for ministry.

http://www.ummfoundation.org/LegacyBuilder.asp

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The Man in the Mirror Leadership Summit

Larry Malone and several UMM leaders recently attended a MIM Leadership Summit meeting in Orlando. The keynote speaker for
the event was David Murrow, author of "Why Men Hate Going to Church." Against the advice offered in the book, the two men embraced in a warm man hug for the camera.

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Grandpa Legacy Update

In the June-July issue of Power Tools, I wrote about a legacy given to me by both of my grandfathers. To my surprise and blessing, the gifts have just kept on coming. My Aunt Virginia went to her attic, and dug out a treasure chest full of writings from my Grandfather Malone. In the last issue I told that in the 1930s he left his wife and family, only to return two years later as a repentant man who found Christ.

Grandpa Malone loved God’s word, and became a Bible teacher and scholar. He attended a church in Southern California led by the Rev. J. Vernon McGee, and Grandpa taught adult Sunday school there for many years. I was given originals of nearly 300 type-written, single spaced Bible studies developed in the 1950s and 60s by a grandfather I hardly knew. I have decided to privately publish his writings and studies for all of his heirs. This is our family legacy of who God is, and what God does with a man who is willing to get right with God. Praise God!

I encourage you to reflect on your past, and look for what God has already done. You will be blessed! Please note that this blessing was wrapped in the pain and sorrow of a man who left his own family. God promises to use our worst mistakes for the good of those who love Him, and to the Glory of God.

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Men’s Ministry Specialist Update

It is time for “First Wave” MMS candidates to answer a call to become a UMC Men's Ministry Specialists [MMS]. Hundreds of men have expressed interest; some were trained as "MMS pioneers" in Orlando last year.

Some have read articles, joined the UMCMMS Yahoo group, heard by word of mouth; and even a few by revelation! Both laymen and clergy are hearing the call. Many registered for the MMS training at the National Gathering in July 2005.

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A Checklist for UMC Men’s Ministry Specialists;

1) Hear and answer God's call
This is the beginning of a movement that will change men and their churches from the inside out. Make no mistake, this is an act of faith; God will use you as part of the MMS construction/development team. You will help pave the way for others who follow. This is not for every man, nor is this the time for every man who is called.

2) Lead by example
You will lead by example, in you own deep and growing walk with Christ. There is no other way, men! Many within our church and beyond its walls need to know men whose lives have been profoundly changed for good, by God. Men's Ministry Specialists - and the men who join them on men's ministry teams - will be such men. We will walk the walk before we talk the talk. Our hearts and gaze will focus upon Christ.

3) Seek God daily
The MMS training starts with your commitment to seriously pursue God in daily devoted time with God, joined by a few men in a men's ministry team. As a UMCMMS candidate, you will engage in a year - long curriculum of study and practical training, equipping you to hold the skills and gifts of a certified UMC Men's Ministry Specialist.

4) Internet capable
The curriculum will be a combination of on -site classroom training, electronic learning modules, practical applications, and internet/telephone coaching.

5) Be mentored
For the entire period, you will be under the spiritual guidance and oversight of a spiritual mentor. You will find a person to fill this role who may be your pastor, other clergy, or a trusted/spiritually mature friend.

6) Financial commitment
The estimated cost for the first wave of MMS candidates is about $2 ,000 for curriculum, resources, travel, and expenses spread over a 15 - month period. We are working hard to reduce this cost in future years by offering regional training, and by subsidizing the training with funds generated through Legacy Builders. We anticipate that most men will bear a part of this cost themselves, and receive financial assistance through men's groups and local church or district/conference funds.

7) Submit your application now
Submit your application for the UMCMMS Class of 2006 - class # 001. We have extended our deadline to September 30, 2005. Click here to download the forms. You must first join the UMCMMS Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UMCMMS/join.

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Changing the Church Inside Out!

Here is a recap of how Men's Ministry Specialists can become effective agents of change in the church - inside out!

A Good Man
A good and brave man is called by God for MMS work. He understands that he must change first. God changes him, inside-out.

A Few Good Men
A man finds a few men who will grow and change with him - the men's ministry team [MMT]. God changes all of them, inside-out. The MMT has great impact over time upon local church leadership, lay and clergy - men and women. Using changed men, God influences and changes other church leaders , from the inside-out.

A Few Good leaders
Growing and committed congregation leaders, along side the men's ministry team will lead change within the church culture in ways that honor God , and empower the strength and growth of the church. The church will reach more men, and make more disciples of men. The spiritual tide will turn as men bring godly strength into their homes, church, community and culture.

A Few Good disciples
Spiritual reproduction of committed disciples expands rapidly, because authentic disciples always reproduce themselves.

The revolution is underway! God changes men and congregations, one-by-one, and inside-out.

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Let’s lighten up

God gave us humor for a reason. Good countenance enhances your outreach to others. Sometimes the choices available to a man seem limited to [1] getting very angry, [2] getting very depressed, or [3] a good laugh, followed by a serious attempt to know and do God’s will. I like #3.

• Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
• It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
• When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
• Opportunity knocks once, but temptation bangs on your door forever.
• Quit griping. If your church was perfect, you couldn't belong.
• God does not judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
• A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
• We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
• Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - God cleans them.
• Forbidden fruits create many jams.
• God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
• God grades on the cross, not the curve.
• God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
• If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
• The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
• God’s will takes you only where God’s grace covers you.
• We don't change the message - the message changes us.
• God’s best math equation: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given!

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Letters from Dad

There is a powerful new ministry that helps men leave a godly, lasting legacy. If you died today, what could your loved ones hold in their hands that best represents your love for them? The most important persons in your life need to be told the most important things you have to say to them in letters they can hold and keep.

Letters from Dad is a ministry that equips and encourages men to write their loved ones short, treasured letters that will last for generations. Men join in teams to learn to write short, meaningful letters to loved ones, and to encourage one another. I highly recommend this ministry. Please go to their website at www.lettersfromdad.com

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Confronting the Lies of Pornography

Men, it is time for the church, and God’s men - to take this one on! It is estimated that nearly 40% of all men in our culture, including Christian men, visit internet pornography occasionally or regularly. If you think there are no victims here -- think again!

At the National Gathering of UMM, we offered a powerful CD titled “Somebody’s Daughter” for a special sale price that we can extend to you.

This recorded work is a combination of specially written music and personal testimony that will move you deeply. It is personal, and it exposes the ravaging power of porn in a compelling way. Every United Methodist Man needs three of these; one for you, one to pass on to others, and one for your pastor. You can order these from our office at $4 each, or 3 for $10 plus $3 shipping and handling. You can order by the case of 30 for $100 including shipping and handling.

For our special UMM price, please send an e-mail to gcumm@gcumm.org, Subject line: Somebody’s Daughter CD. Give us your mailing address, phone number, and quantity to order. You can also call in an order at 615-340-7145.

You can get more information about this CD, and other great music ministry tools at http://www.musicforthesoul.org/somebodys.html

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UMMen can encourage their church’s young adults to feed the hungry during a weekend mission retreat.

Here is an opportunity for United Methodist Men to lead college students and young adults of their church into mission work.

Harvest of Hope is a mission retreat camp of work, worship, and study. In weekend and weeklong events participants learn about hunger, its causes and its effects. They worship together, glean local fields donated by growers, and deliver the food to local agencies for the hungry.

The annual fall weekend for college age and young adults still has openings. It will be held in Keezletown, Virginia (near Harrisonburg) September 30 to October Cost is $50 per person. Young adults aged 18 to 30 are encouraged to register for a weekend that will open their eyes to the problem of domestic hunger and may, quite possibly, change their lives.

For more information and application forms, go to the Society of St. Andrew’s website at www.endhunger.org and click on Harvest of Hope, or call 800-333-4597, or email sosahoh@endhunger.org. 

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