Men get to work after leadership revitalization event
By Jessica Brodie
COLUMBIA—More than 100 men driven to be better, stronger leaders for Jesus gathered April 6 for a leadership revitalization event, aiming to do their part to revive men’s ministry after the pandemic and separation caused a slowdown.
Bishop Leonard Fairley urged the men to do their part to get in step with what God wants to do in South Carolina, igniting a fire in their hearts for a reinvigorated ministry that transforms God’s church in ways we cannot begin to imagine.
“When you get in step with God, it’s when you see new things and new visions and new dreams,” Fairley said.
Fairley shared how South Carolina is in need of deep healing after division, and he encouraged the men to understand that working in harmony doesn’t mean working in unison.
“You get harmony when different notes are brought together,” he explained, sharing that the differences in the church can be helpful instead of harmful. “You have a gift that God can use—let’s use it!”
About half the men gathered in person at Ashland United Methodist Church, while the other half joined by Zoom from churches across the state. Together the men prayed, then discussed as a group practical things they can do to make an impact, including service efforts, mentorships, and accountability groups.
Next, Fairley invited the men to name men who helped them, then answer how they have paid that help forward.
“Our only goal is to try to bring people to Christ,” said Herman Lightsey, former president of the conference men and now chair of the National Association of Conference Presidents for United Methodist Men. “Our purpose … is to be inclusive of all men. It’s not about where they go to church or if they go to church. We know the importance of reaching men is reaching their family. It’s about where they’ll spend eternity.
“And we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
Lightsey shared how he’s never seen men more excited about men’s ministry than in the last two years.
“Men are ready to go back to work,” Lightsey said. “They’re tired of arguing.”
Watch the Advocate for more on how to get involved, or visit https://mennministrysc.org.