HAMBURG, Ark. – Allyne Solomon, a church and community worker for the General Board of Global Ministries, has been certified as a scouting ministry specialist.

A native of DeSoto Mo., Solomon is the youngest of three children and a graduate of Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. She also has a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

A member of Hamburg United Methodist Church, Solomon is helping Hamburg churches and agencies develop programs to meet the needs of the poor and disenfranchised,

Solomon is also helping area churches understand how scouting and other youth-serving organizations can expand their outreach to young people.

“As a program specialist I am a resource person for our Cub pack and Girl and Boy Scout troops,” said Solomon. “Last year we started having a Girl Scout unit meet at the church and this year we are going to start having a Boy Scout troop. Part of job is to be the liaison between the church and Scouts.”

Scouting ministry specialists

The Nashville-based General Commission on United Methodist Men has recruited and trained 127 persons to serve as scouting ministry specialists across the United States.

These volunteers help churches view scouting and other youth-serving agencies as ways to reach out to their communities and touch the lives of unchurched families.

While many church charter Boy Scout troops and hot Girl Scout troops, 4-H clubs and Camp Fire USA groups, these congregations sometimes view these groups as annoyances that make too much noise and create messes. “Too few of them recognize these groups as part of their ministry and a way to reach unchurched youth,” said Larry Coppock, director of scouting for the commission.

There are three scouting ministry specialist in Arkansas: Herrn Northcutt and William Bryd of Little Rock, and Solomon.

Persons interested in becoming scouting ministry specialists may contact Coppock (LCoppock@gcumm.org) (615-620-7261).
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