United Methodist Men

General Agencies
The Rev. Rick Vance, top executive of United Methodist Men, speaks during the inaugural meeting of the men’s agency on the African continent Dec. 9-11, 2025, at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. On Oct. 7, Vance announced that United Methodist Men had halted its affiliation with the U.S. National Association of Conference Presidents. But he also held out hope that United Methodist Men and association could work toward an agreement that restores their relationship. File photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Men’s group loses United Methodist affiliation

United Methodist Men has ended its affiliate relationship with the National Association of Conference Presidents, a fellowship that supports conference men’s ministries. Still, both groups hold out hope for reconciliation.
United Methodist Men
(From left) Steven Scheid, director of the Center for Scouting Ministries for United Methodist Men, receives communion from Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, who leads the North Alabama and Alabama-West Florida conferences, and Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy of the Tanganyika Episcopal Area. The communion service was part of a meeting held Dec. 9-11 by the Commission on United Methodist Men at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. About 30 men gathered to discuss how to grow men’s ministry on the continent. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Equipping men in Africa to make disciples

United Methodist Men gathered African church leaders for a historic meeting to share ideas and collaborate on a vision for men’s ministry on the continent.
United Methodist Men
Steven Scheid (left), director of scouting ministry for United Methodist Men, bows his head in prayer Aug. 2 before introducing Roger Krone (right), CEO of Scouting America. Krone spoke Aug. 2 about scouting during the 2025 National Men’s and Scouting Ministry Gathering at Epworth-by-the-Sea, a United Methodist retreat center in St. Simons Island, Ga.  Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Scouts, UM Men look to the future

United Methodist Men and the church’s Scouting America ministry held its first gathering since 2017. One big concern was reaching young men.
General Agencies
Retired Bishop James Swanson is serving as interim general secretary of United Methodist Men following the resignation of Greg Arnold. Swanson said he’s optimistic about the future of The United Methodist Church and United Methodist Men. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishop aims big in short tenure at UM Men

Retired Bishop James Swanson is helping United Methodist Men regroup after losing a dynamic leader in Greg Arnold. Swanson says he wants to make real progress during an anticipated short time as the interim leader.

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