In 1908, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church formally recognized the Methodist Brotherhood, an action which marked the official beginning of men’s ministry in the denomination.

Of course, ministry to men began long before 1908. In the late 19th century groups of men were organized under various names, including the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the Brother­hood of St. Paul, and the Mizpah Brotherhood, named for an ancient town located four miles from Jerusalem.

Men’s ministry was formally recognized in the United Brethren Church in 1909 when General Conference of that denomination created the Otterbein Brotherhood to honor Phillip Otterbein, founder of the Wesleyan denomination.

Official recognition of the Albright Brotherhood by the Evangelical Church occurred in 1931. That denomination honored their founder, Jacob Albright.

After the United Brethren Church and the Evangelical Church merged in 1946, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church. At that time men’s ministry was organized into chartered groups of United Methodist Men.

The goal of United Methodist Men is to help men grow in Christ so others may know Christ.

Men from the North Georgia Conference have served and continue to serve in leadership roles within the General Commission on United Methodist Men and the Southeastern Jurisdiction. They have been instrumental in the laying the ground work for the Upper Room Prayer line, support of Scouting Ministries and the creation of the UMM Foundation.

To view a history of the major events occurring within Men’s Ministry during the past 100 years, and for additional resources to assist your fellowship with celebrating this centennial year, goto our website www.ngcumm.com/100years.