Scout Sunday – February 8, 2026

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.

Women of Faith Called to Lead at Scouting America National Jamboree 2026

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist female pastors and seminarians are being recruited to be leaders at the Scouting America National Jamboree 2026, set for July 22 to 31 at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia.

“Seeing all the gifts means recognizing the unique spiritual, emotional, and visionary strengths women bring to ministry,” said Steven Scheid, director of the Center for Scouting Ministries at United Methodist Men.

“From empathetic pastoral care to prophetic advocacy, these leaders embody a theology of grace and inclusion that resonates deeply with young scouts —especially girls, who see women leading in faith spaces.”

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is more than a high-adventure base—it’s a dynamic environment where young people explore leadership, service, and spirituality. The National Jamboree transforms this space into a vibrant community of 20,000 Scouts and leaders, offering everything from zip lining and mountain biking to worship services and interfaith dialogue.

One of the most moving experiences at the Jamboree is joining thousands in worship, surrounded by leaders who reflect the diversity of the youth they serve. A diverse chaplaincy team is essential to meet the spiritual needs of all participants. Volunteer chaplains will be present throughout the event to offer guidance, support, and a compassionate presence for Scouts navigating both challenges and triumphs.

There are many ways to serve—whether through preaching, pastoral care, mentoring, or simply being a visible presence of faith and encouragement. The Jamboree is a place to learn, grow, share, and connect in powerful ways.

Interested participants should contact Steven Scheid at SScheid@GCUMM.org or 615-340-7145.

Giving Tuesday 2025

Giving Tuesday with Purpose: Men of Mission & Ministry 

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to stand with a worldwide brotherhood committed to Christ.

GCUMM empowers ministries with men and youth across continents—resourcing leaders, strengthening churches, 

and expanding the reach of the Gospel.

Your Giving Tuesday gift helps make this global mission possible.

 

A portion of your donation will go to “This Moment Matters” led by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)

 

Donate Here

United Methodist Men Announce New General Secretary

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.”

Announcing the 2025 National Men’s & Scouting Gathering July 31 – August 3, 2025 | Epworth by the Sea | St. Simons Island, Georgia

A sacred gathering for men of faith and leaders in Scouting ministry.

As we look toward the summer of 2025, we invite you to mark your calendar and prepare your heart for a truly transformative event—the Men’s & Scouting National Gathering, taking place July 31 through August 3, 2025, at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island.

Nestled along Georgia’s coastal marshes, Epworth offers a peaceful setting where men can step away from the noise, reconnect with God, and be renewed for the journey ahead. Whether you are a long-time leader in men’s ministry or Scouting—or just beginning your walk in faith-based service—this gathering is for you.

But here’s the challenge we’re placing before every man:
Who are you bringing?

This event is not just about attending a powerful conference. It’s about multiplying the impact by inviting others into the experience. Who in your church, your unit, your circle of influence needs this? Who needs a fresh encounter with God, a place to rest and reset, or the encouragement of a brotherhood united in Christ?

Over the course of three days, participants will engage in:

  • Inspiring worship and preaching
  • Workshops focused on men’s discipleship, mental health, faith and leadership, and Scouting ministry
  • Time for rest, recreation, and spiritual reflection in nature
  • Meaningful conversations that spark new friendships and spiritual growth
  • Shared meals and moments of sacred fellowship

This is your opportunity to grow deeper in your own walk—and to help another man take a step in his. Don’t come alone. Be intentional. Be prayerful. Be bold in your invitation.

Registration Information

📝 Register for the Conference:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/Q@cbgdUOYj4RtLfM3zWb/

🏡 Reserve Room & Meals at Epworth:
https://fs21.formsite.com/Epworthssi/ukvjvkqcc8/index

Let’s unite at the intersection of faith, fellowship, and service.
Let’s lead by showing up—together.
Let’s meet at the sea.

 

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, join us in making a real difference! Your donation to GCUMM will directly impact our mission of “Helping men and scouts around the world meet, know, and serve Jesus Christ.”

Every dollar counts – let’s come together to create positive change.  Together we can make a difference!!   Donate today

UMM Unveils New Look!

Next Generation Logo for the next generation of men. While we continue to embrace the old school look, we felt it was time to unleash a new vibe for guys. There’s a bit of nostalgia and some cache’ for rockin’ that old logo — so don’t throw them out. Keep your gear and wear it with pride as you tell the next group what it was like “back in the day”.

The new UMM logo was designed to emphasize the true nature of being a “United Methodist”. Pulling all the letters together into a simple yet bold symbol embodies that idea.

The gear is almost ready! Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when the new merch hits the store.