United Methodist Men agency elects veteran staff member as top executive
SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA.– The General Commission on United Methodist men, meeting here July 29-30, elected the Rev. Dr. Richard Vance as general secretary, the top staff position with the Nashville based agency serving men’s ministry and scouting ministries around the world.
Vance replaces Bishop James Swanson Sr, who has been serving as interim general secretary since the November resignation of Greg Arnold.
Leaders rejoice in the selection:
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, president of the commission described Vance as “a seasoned leader whose heart resonates with the purpose of the commission. As an ordained elder whose ministry is one of consistently empowering men in ministry, he brings a bold faith and collaborative spirit to this work. The United Methodist Church will be blessed with his service as the new general secretary.”
Bishop Leonard E. Fairley, vice-president of the commission, said Vance’s “leadership has consistently reflected his deep calling: to help men grow in Christ, build authentic relationships, and live lives of faithful service. He sees this role not simply as an administrative position, but as a sacred trust—to steward a spirit-led movement that equips men to discover deeper purpose, spiritual clarity, and meaningful action in the world.”
A rich background in ministry:
Vance, a 30-year clergy member of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference, has served the commission as director of The Center for Men’s Ministry (2016-2022) and director of operations (2022 – present).
As director of the Center for Men’s Ministries he developed resources and served as trainer and speaker at local, district, and conference events.
As operations director, Vance led all internal operations including budgeting and human resources. He also coordinated planning for major events including a quadrennial national gathering, jurisdictional training events, and international men’s initiatives.
Vance is a graduate of Salisbury University (B.S., 1987), and Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1995 and D.Min., 2006). He was ordained deacon in 1994 and elder in 1987).
He is a recipient of the Denman Evangelism Award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship for Humanitarian Service, and, in 2017, he was inducted into the Society of John Wesley by the United Methodist Men Foundation.
Vance is the author of God is Calling, a book on lay ministry empowerment; Amending Through Faith, Out of the Box, and Thirty Stops on the Journey, resources to expand and enrich ministries to men.
Five-fold focus:
Vance has established a five-fold focus for his ministry.
- To deepen discipleship with practical, Wesleyan resources and small group models.
- To expand relationships through mentoring, retreats, and ministry gatherings.
- To elevate missional service, empowering men to lead in local and global mission.
- To invest in emerging leaders, especially young and diverse men across the connection.
- And to strengthen our organizational impact, ensuring that UMM is built for clarity, sustainability, and greater reach.
Bishop Fairly said, “Rick’s hope is to see men spiritually awakened and actively engaged—not just in their local churches, but across generations and continents, united by faith and committed to Christ-like service. This is not about maintaining an institution. It is about igniting a movement.”
His leadership—rooted in faith, vision, and relational ministry—promises to guide UMM into a new season of strength, connection, and transformational impact.”
