Mr. James Blackman
General Secretary, Ministry To Men
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.
Department Chairman
Brothers of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church—it is time to stand up and step forward!
On Sunday, September 20, men from across the entire Connection are locking arms for Connectional Ministry to Men’s Day. We are calling every brother, young and old, to unite under a powerful mandate: “Let’s Get to Work: Fellowship That Leads to Impact.”
Faith without works is dead, and real fellowship doesn’t just stay inside the four walls—it drives transformation in our homes, our churches, and our communities.
How to Join the Movement:
- Live In-Person, 3 PM CST: Trinity CME Church, 1096 Thomas St, Memphis, TN 38107
- Stream Online: Live on the official CME Church Facebook Page
- The Call to Action: 1,000 Brothers in Black united across the Connection!
Wear your black, bring a brother, and come ready to worship with power and purpose. Let’s make a visible statement of unity, strength, and active service.
Spread the word, share this post, and let’s get to work!
Department of Ministry to Men
Welcome to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Ministry to Men—a place where purpose is strengthened, faith is deepened, and men are empowered to live, lead, and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
We are honored to welcome you into a movement committed to empowering, encouraging, and elevating men within our churches and communities. Under the leadership of our General Secretary, Mr. James Blackman, Sr., this department seeks to build strong, faithful, and purposeful men who are equipped to meet the challenges of today while walking boldly in God’s calling.
Our mission is clear: to help the CME Church minister effectively to the needs and concerns of men. We strive to confront and address, in holistic and transformative ways, the systemic social, economic, and political challenges that impact African American men, while offering hope, healing, and direction through the truth of God’s Word.
Through the foundation of Scripture, we guide men to grow spiritually, become stronger leaders in their homes and churches, and serve as positive forces in their communities. We believe that when men align their lives with God’s will, they become better fathers, husbands, mentors, and leaders, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Our work is carried out through dynamic programs and meaningful engagement, including:
- The study and application of the Bible as God’s inspired Word
- Opportunities for authentic worship and spiritual growth
- Brotherhood through Christian fellowship and mutual support
- Service initiatives that impact both church and community
- Leadership development and the discovery of spiritual gifts
- Mentorship and guidance for boys transitioning into manhood
- Support for health, financial stewardship, and personal responsibility
- Active involvement in community and civic life
- A deeper understanding and appreciation of CME Church heritage and legacy
This ministry is more than a program, it is a brotherhood united in faith, growth, and purpose. Here, men are challenged to rise higher, live stronger, and lead with integrity.
We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to build men who are not only hearers of the Word, but doers—men who will stand firm in faith, serve with compassion, and lead with excellence.
Welcome to a place where men are empowered, encouraged, and elevated.
Throughout history, faithful men have stepped forward when their communities, families, and nation needed them most. Today, that same call to action remains. Our faith is not meant to be lived only within the walls of our churches, but also demonstrated through meaningful engagement in the world around us.
I am excited to introduce the Operation Ballot: Men of Faith, Men of Action Resource Guide. This guide was created to equip, inspire, and empower men to unite their convictions with purposeful action. It serves as a practical resource for understanding the importance of civic engagement, leadership, stewardship, and the role each of us can play in strengthening our communities.
Now more than ever, our nation needs principled leaders, informed citizens, and faithful men willing to stand for truth, serve others, and make a positive impact. Whether you are new to civic involvement or have been actively engaged for years, this guide provides valuable insights, tools, and encouragement to help you take the next step.
As men of faith, we are called not only to believe, but to act. We are called to be examples of integrity, courage, and servant leadership. Every voice matters. Every vote matters. Every act of service matters.
I encourage you to take time to review this resource, share it with others, and consider how you can make a difference in your family, church, workplace, and community. Together, we can be men who faithfully answer the call to lead through action.
Thank you for your commitment to faith, service, and the future of our communities.
Blessings,
Resources
Prostrate Health Education Network (PHEN) Portal: The Department of Ministry to Men has partnered with PHEN’s online educational resources to make prostate cancer education and awareness “ever present” within your church congregations and communities. This effort will increase community outreach engagement and prostate cancer visibility to the level needed to make significant progress towards eliminating the racial disparity.
NOBLE: The Department of Ministry to Men and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) are partnering together to reach local Churches and Communities provide support and assistance to young people in dealing with members of the Law Enforcement Community. Through NOBLE’s Nationally Recognized Training program entitled, “The Law and Your Community” young people are provided with information to improve their understanding of Federal, State, and local laws and provide the skills to have better conversations with Law Enforcement Officials.