Mr. James Blackman
General Secretary, Ministry To Men
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.
Department Chairman
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.
The Department of Ministry to Men is responsible for developing and promoting throughout the church an effective Christian ministry to by men. The General Secretary is Mr. Anthony Smoaks. The purpose of this department to the following:
- In the name of Jesus Christ help the C.M.E. Church minister to the needs and concerns of men in the church and communities in which the church is located.
- In wholistic ways address the chronic and systemic problems perpetrated upon African American men by unjust, racist and unequal social, economic and political conditions.
- In light of the Bible as God’s Word, provide guidance, hope and inspiration to men to become more sensitive to God’s will for their lives, better members of the church, and more responsible fathers, husbands and participants in the life of the community.
The Department of Ministry of Men shall provide programs, strategies, curricula and resource that shall include emphases such as the following:
- Systematic study of the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
- Effective worship through participation and study.
- Opportunities of Christian fellowship of men with other men.
- Service projects within the church and community.
- Bonding with other men in Jesus Christ.
- Mutual support groups to meet the varied challenges of life.
- Developing leadership potential.
- Facing issues of male health and wholeness.
- Responsible stewardship, personal finances and use of credit.
- Community and political involvement and participation.
- Mentoring & tutoring boys.
- Transitioning boys to men.
- Legacy and heritage appreciation.
- Growth in understanding and appreciation for CME church.
- Discovering and utilizing spiritual gifts.
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.