United Methodist Men Groups from U.S., Philippines Hold First Joint Conference The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston attended the First General Commission for United Methodist Men–National UMMP Connectional Conference in Manila. Pictured: Bishop Rodel Acdal, the Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, Bishop Ismael Painit and the National Executive Committee of the NUMMP. Photo provided by: Philippines Regional Conference. Read Full Press Release New Welcome Video Get a personal hello and a look at what’s ahead this season, straight from our leadership team. Hit Play: A Word of Welcome Start With One Man The strength of men’s ministry begins not with programs, meetings, or budgets, but with relationships—starting with one man. Reach out to someone who may be disconnected from church or men’s ministry by sharing a meal, having coffee, making a call, and genuinely listening to his story. Moving from club to community means building trust and creating meaningful opportunities for connection, service, mentoring, discipleship, and fellowship. If every active man intentionally reached out to just one other man, we could reconnect those who have drifted away, reach new generations, develop leaders, and help more men experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The challenge is simple: one man, one conversation, one relationship—and see what God might do. From the General Secretary’s Desk Ministry With, Not To While in El Salvador, a meeting with the Association of Scouts of El Salvador led to an unexpected opportunity to assist at a car accident, where first-aid and Mental Health First Aid training helped provide immediate support to an injured young man. However, the experience also revealed the limits of training without local knowledge, as nearby residents knew the language, emergency procedures, and who to contact. The experience became a powerful reminder that ministry works the same way: our gifts, experience, and knowledge are most effective when shared in partnership with people who understand their communities. Christ calls us not to “ministry to” others, but to “ministry with” others, recognizing that each person has a vital role in the Body of Christ. From the Scout House Rev. Dr. Rick Vance General Secretary/CEO Steven Schied Director, Center for Scouting Ministry Scouting, Faith and the Character of a Generation Scouting story Love Packages Newsletter Ready to spread a little love? Potato Partnership Serve & Share

Scout Sunday will be observed on February 8, 2026, at your local UMC, offering a meaningful time of worship, reflection, and uplifting music for the whole community.

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.”

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