United Methodist Men – Call To Action

by

Special to United Methodist Insight

In light of the racial, cultural, political and religious divisions within the United States, the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men; we, the United Methodist Men, affirm the Christian teachings of redemption, reconciliation and love. We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow after Jesus.

We are not “calling out” past historical grievances or current offenses, instead:

We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to be a part of a bonding experience that is rooted in redemption and reconciliation.

  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to acknowledge that all have sinned and need redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to be ministers of reconciliation.

We are not “calling out” past historical grievances or current offenses, instead:

We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to become a community that is rooted in unconditional love, not hatred.

  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul/being, mind (and strength).
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to love of your neighbor as you love yourself.
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to love of your enemies and to pray for those who persecute/harass you.

We are not “calling out” past historical grievances or current offenses, instead:

We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to be the witnesses of Jesus Christ by going and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus commanded you.

  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to make disciples, not just converts.
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to make disciples, not cliques.
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to make disciples, not political partisans.
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to make disciples, not social and cultural critics.

We are not “calling out” past historical grievances or current offenses, instead:

We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to address the sin that exists within our organization.

  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men from discrimination and oppression
  • We are “calling in” United Methodist Men from an attitude of the oppressed becoming the oppressor.

We are “calling in” United Methodist Men to be guided by the Holy Spirit in our relationships with each other, in order to build up the kingdom of God.

Odell Horne is a Men’s Ministry Specialist for the United Methodist Men and is a Lay Servant at Impact Church (UMC) near Atlanta. He has a Master of Arts degree in African and African American Studies from Clark Atlanta University.