Offering Aldersgate on a mass scale

"To challenge and support the men, feed them and paint a picture for the future." -- Larry Malone, national UMM director

By Matthew Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The United Methodist Church celebrates Aldersgate Day every May 24, but Dr. Tony Campolo hopes thousands of United Methodists will experience Aldersgate July 13-15.

That's when the eighth international UM Men's Congress will descend upon Purdue University. The congress is sponsored by the General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM), the National Association of Conference Presidents (NACP), the United Methodist Men Foundation (UMMF) and the National Association of United Methodist Scouters (NAUMS).

A nationally-renowned author, speaker and evangelist, Campolo will be the keynote speaker at the event. Other speakers include Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Nebraska and former University of Nebraska football coach; Dr. Maxie Dunnam, president of Asbury Seminary; Woodie W. White, bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church; and Dr. Kenneth Wyatt, artist, evangelist and motivational speaker. There will also be other speakers, a ministry fair and more than 50 workshops.

Campolo, a self-described progressive evangelical who sounds like a Methodist, will be talking about the biblical definition for a man in the 21st Century, including what men's responsibilities to their family, church and society should be.

"We're supposed to be changing the world," said Campolo in a phone interview with the Hoosier United Methodist News. "I want to see Aldersgate on a massive scale."

By this, Campolo is hoping that those who come to the meeting get involved and feel moved to be a force to change the world. "All I want to see is more and more people challenged to do ministry."

According to Campolo, changing the world can cause stress for men who are busy searching for ways to define themselves and evaluating their contributions, productivity and wealth to their family and society. "It's very painful for them."

What drives Campolo to be a part of this event -- and the 400 other events scheduled for an average Campolo year -- is the chance to say, "Hey gang, this is your calling, your responsibility," and expand their vision. "My job is simply to share the passion of my life," said Campolo. "That's what drives me -- God."

"I see crying needs out there in the world," said Campolo. "We can alter the course of history."

Larry Malone is another person who sees a crying need for the United Methodist Men. Malone, national director of the United Methodist Men ministries, has been planning the event for the past three years.

According to Malone, this year's congress will determine the group's vision for the future. "It's where we declare our course," said Malone.

But besides business, fellowship, worship opportunities and workshops, the event has another goal: to promote growth. "It's a major spiritual growth experience."

As of May 10, there were about 2,500 men registered. Malone expects about 5,000, but is hoping that more than 6,000 men show up and fill the Edward C. Elliott Hall of Music to capacity.

Malone said that while it is billed as one event with many workshops, he has heard from men who are making it a multi-event experience by traveling as a group. "There's great value in getting there as well," said Malone.

The congress is appealing to two groups in the church. All members of the clergy -- both men and women -- have been encouraged to attend. More than 200 clergy have registered so far which is more than what they had last time. Also, a greater emphasis has been made to bring younger males to the event.

Despite all the workshops and speakers, Malone said that the biggest agenda is "to challenge and support the men who show up, feed them and paint a picture for the future."

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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