SCOUTING: WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOUR CHURCH?
By R. Chip Turner
There are many GOOD things in which your church may invest leadership, time, and money. But, leaders are hard to find -- church calendars are already crowded -- and financial resources are limited. Choices must then be based on what the involvement will do to strengthen the church's ministry. Scouting offers your church such a strengthened ministry. In fact, Scouting becomes a part of the ministry of the church.
Consider these advantages of Scouting as a ministry for your church:
First, Scouting offers a proven outreach tool. Boys will be attracted to the church because of Scouting. The program has proven youth appeal--it is challenging, action and skill oriented, constructively competitive, and practical. Once boys are involved in your Scouting ministry, they are far easier to reach for Christ. Testimonies of numerous key American leaders point to a church-related Scouting unit as one of the major factors in their selection of a church home. So, reaching people is a benefit for the church being involved in Scouting.
Second, Scouting offers your church an unparalleled ministry opportunity to children, youth, and families. A Christian Scout leader will have about 550 hours per year with a young person who participates in the weekly meetings, campouts, camporees, and summer camp. in this sizable amount of time, Scouts have time to develop a positive relationship in which Christian principles may be taught. A Scouting leader may reinforce the teachings of the home, or in some cases, be the only Christian adult influence in his life. For one-parent families, the Scouting leader sometimes becomes a missing role model needed by a youth.
Third, Scouting offers your church an age-graded religious education program designed by leaders within the denomination. Though the religious emblems program is approved by Scouting, design and implementation are left to the church. Requirements for each emblem call for service within the church as well as counsel with the Scout's pastor. During the counseling period the religious leader is able to discover spiritual needs and to offer guidance on the Scout's faith pilgrimage. Without a catalyst like the religious emblem program, many young people would not take advantage of the pastor's valuable counseling.
Fourth, Scouting offers your church access to unexcelled camping facilities. Where else can a church find camping facilities like those offered by Scouting? These camps are offered year-round and are staffed in the summer by highly skilled individuals. With Scouting in the church's ministry, young people will always have a source of recreation.
Fifth, Scouting offers your church leadership and support. Leaders in any church are most effective when they are adequately trained and supported in their positions. A comprehensive program of training, accompanied by appropriate recognition at completion, is available to all leaders enlisted to serve your youth through Scouting.
Sixth, Scouting offers the youth of your church a well-rounded program geared to development of the whole man: spiritually, mentally, and physically. Character development, skill development, duty to God, and love of country are all hallmarks of Scouting's multifaceted program.
Seventh, Scouting offers the youth of your church a positive group identity. Young people want to be involved on a winning team. Every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, or Venturer/Explorer joins the winning team of thousands worldwide who share similar positive interests.
Eighth, Scouting offers your church another means of saying "we care" to the community. This community link is forged through Scouting. By sharing responsibility for a community's youth, tangible evidence supports the caring image of the church.
Scouting offers much to the ministry of your church. Why not adopt this program and become a partner in the molding of youth?