United Methodist Men

Graphic logo for United Methodist MenThe Mission of the United Methodist Men (UMM) is To Help Men Grow In Christ, So Others May Know Christ. United Methodist Men (UMM) strive to be a creative, supportive fellowship of men who seek to know Jesus Christ and grow spirituality. United Methodist Men are a part of four main ministries:

  • Ministry to Men - The General Commission on Men exists to declare the centrality of Christ in every man's life. Men's ministry leads to the spiritual growth of men and effective discipleship. This purpose is served as men are called to model the servant leadership of Jesus Christ.
  • Scouting - The General Commission provides resources and support for civic youth-serving agencies and scouting ministries.
  • Strength for Service Devotional - This powerful daily devotional has provided words of comfort and of encouragement for the men and women of the armed forces, civil service and public servants since 1942. Learn more about how this book has touched lives and how you can participate in the effort to underwrite the publication and distribution of one million copies of this book.
  • Prayer Ministries - With the support of United Methodist Men across the United States, The Upper Room Prayer Living Center has prayed for millions of individuals since April 1977. Trained volunteers answer the phone, and more than 300 covenant prayer groups around the world pray for the requests received at the Living Prayer Center.

The GCUMM Board of Directors is responsible for communicating through its staff to its affiliates and partners, and the UMC, the mission and vision of the GCUMM to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The GCUMM staff is charged with conducting operations to carry out the mission and vision of the Board of Directors concerning ministries with men and scouting, as directed by the UM Book of Discipline. They are also responsible for training and resourcing affiliates, partners and other leaders to accomplish these goals.

UMM History

By a margin of 80% to 20%, the General Conference of 1996 approved the creation of the General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM), effective January 1, 1997. The GCUMM assumed the responsibilities of the former Division of United Methodist Men of the General Board of Discipleship. A 23-member Board of Directors was established by General Conference to oversee the work of the Commission.

The 2008 United Methodist book of Discipline charges the General Commission on United Methodist Men with the "primary oversight for the coordination and resourcing of men’s ministry with The United Methodist Church." (paragraph 2302)

Affiliates of United Methodist Men

Our Affiliates are closely associated with another, typically in a dependent position.

  • National Association of Conference Presidents (NACP) - NACP is responsible for implementing procedures recommended by the GCUMM board of Directors and their staff to accomplish these goals through their leadership network, i.e., conference, district and local churches.
  • United Methodist Men Foundation - UMM Foundation board members are responsible for providing funds necessary to achieve these goals.
  • Iron Sharpens Iron - Iron Sharpens Iron is a Conference Network made up of individual ministries that are working interdependently to most effectively offer local church resources for me

UMM Resources