What is Next?

By Gil Hanke

You probably know the General Commission on UM Men is unlike other general church agencies.

I am not saying that we are better than any other, as I am always amazed by the wonderful life-giving work done by each of the agencies and entities of the general church. But, for good reasons, we are intentionally designed to be different from other entities at the general church level.

Focus on the local church

One of the notable differences is our focus on multiple target audiences at the local church level.

We target men in a variety of local church groupings and all youth who are engaged in the broad category of scouting ministries.

That focus will not change, but our reach and impact must expand to more local churches if this denomination is to fulfill its calling.

Our overarching goal is to provide multiple opportunities for men and youth to have ongrowing relationships with Jesus.

We raise 75 percent of our budget from churches and individuals. I expect that percentage will increase, because we must expand our reach to more men and more local churches.

Many agencies target leaders of annual conferences, and we are designing opportunities to build stronger leadership at that level; however, our work goes deeper into the connection, directly impacting men and youth of local churches and their communities.

A transformational ministry

The most significant answer to the question of “What is next?” is that we must accept nothing less than transformation from our work.

All our events, newsletters, online and face-to-face trainings should be more than excellent, more than well done, and do more than teach new skills.

They must have a clear focus on changing lives.

We should insist that six months after any event, after any training, after every board meeting, every regional Zoom call, participants can relate how they are closer to Christ, and have expanded their outreach, because of the experience we sponsored.

Knowing more is not the goal; doing more to impact men and youth is our goal.

This commission must provide life-changing experiences for all men and for youth in various scouting programs in order for all of them to thrive in their walks with Christ so others will know Christ.

Gil Hanke is the top staff executive of the General Commission on UM Men, a position he has held for 10 years.