Brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we move forward from the elections in the United States, we bring different feelings and perspectives. Some are encouraged. Others are disappointed or concerned about what comes next. Those differences are present in our churches, our families, and our communities. We need to make room to hear one another.
We begin with what God has already done. In baptism, Christ joined us to one body and called us to love our neighbors, resist evil, injustice, and oppression, and follow Jesus in our daily lives. Those promises continue to shape how we live after the votes are counted.
As men growing in faith, we have a responsibility to consider the example we set. People learn something about our faith from the words we use, the things we share, and the way we treat those with whom we disagree. We will not always get it right. We need the grace to acknowledge when we have caused harm, ask forgiveness, and change our behavior.
We can disagree and still honor the dignity of another person. We can seek reconciliation and still speak clearly against injustice. Racism, threats, dehumanizing language, and political violence are incompatible with the life Christ calls us to live.
We pray for those elected to serve and for the people their decisions will affect. We ask God to give our leaders wisdom, humility, and compassion. We also accept our responsibility to speak truthfully, hold leaders accountable, and stand alongside people whose voices too often go unheard.
As General Secretary, I am mindful that GCUMM serves a global church. Our brothers in Africa, the Philippines, Europe, and the United States bring experiences and gifts that we need. Decisions in one nation can reach deeply into the lives of people in another. We belong to one another in Christ, and that belonging carries responsibility.
Our mission continues: to connect every church and disciple every man in Jesus Christ. We live that mission as we Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.
Love Boldly means allowing the love we have received from Christ to shape how we see and treat others. It asks us to listen across differences, welcome those who feel excluded, and stand with neighbors who are afraid. This love requires us to recognize the image of God in people whose experiences and convictions differ from our own.
Serve Joyfully means offering our gifts in response to God’s grace. We feed hungry people, mentor young people, care for those who are lonely, and respond to needs in our communities. We serve alongside our neighbors, learning from them and receiving their gifts as we share our own. Through that relationship, God changes us too.
Lead Courageously means accepting responsibility for the influence we have. It requires us to tell the truth, challenge injustice, admit our mistakes, and remain open to correction. We help create communities where people can speak honestly and participate fully. We follow the example of Jesus, who showed us that leadership is rooted in humility and service.
There are neighbors to care for, young people to mentor, relationships to repair, and men who need to know they do not have to walk alone. Let us begin there, trusting that God will meet us and shape us through the work we share.
Rev. Dr. Richard “Rick” Vance
General Secretary & CEO
General Commission on United Methodist Men
About the General Commission for United Methodist Men
The General Commission on United Methodist Men is a program ministry of The United Methodist Church, serving men’s ministry and scouting ministries around the world.