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Survey focuses on United Methodist men

Oct. 3, 2005

NOTE: This report is a sidebar to UMNS story #554. A photograph of
Bishop William Morris is available in the Photo Gallery at
http://umns.umc.org.

By Rich Peck*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Do most men in the United Methodist Church
believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, or do they believe it is
the word of God to be interpreted in the light of its historical context
and the church's teachings?

How much time do men spend in private devotional activities?

What type of music does a man prefer in worship?

How much does a man give to his congregation?

These and other questions are included in an online questionnaire
developed by the churchwide Commission on United Methodist Men.

The commission is inviting all men who are members of the United
Methodist Church to visit http://www.gcumm.org/ and click on "UMC Men's
Study - Individual" to answer 45 questions about their congregation,
faith, involvement, history, family and theology.

The survey will enable researchers to tabulate demographic data with
church activities, theological viewpoints and reasons for participating
(or refusing to participate) in various groups.

The online survey is the second of two studies launched as the result of
action taken by the 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh. Delegates to
the top legislative body of the 10 million-member denomination intended
the study to help the commission "develop effective resources, respond
to current needs, challenge long-held assumptions and develop effective
strategies" for reaching men. The study committee will report its
findings to the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Last year, pastors and church leaders were asked to fill out a
questionnaire about the participation of men in various church programs,
study groups and activities. This year, the questionnaire is also online
at http://www.gcumm.org/ (click on "Local Church Men's Ministry Survey).

The two surveys will enable the Nashville-based commission to understand
what programs, study groups and ministries are being offered by local
churches, and how individual men think the churches are meeting their
spiritual and emotional needs.

"The information from the two surveys will help the commission provide
more relevant men's ministry resources, training and strategies that
increase the effectiveness of local churches with men," said Bishop
William W. Morris, the commission's interim top staff executive. Survey
results will also enable pastors and church leaders to understand the
particular needs and interests of men.

Information about the surveys is available from the commission at (615)
340-7145 or  gcumm@gcumm.org.

*Peck is communications coordinator for the churchwide Commission on
United Methodist Men.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470
or newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org

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