Shepherd Churches

By Larry Coppock

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

John 10:14 NIV

In scouting ministries, we devote a lot of attention to how important it is for youth and adults to participate in scouting ministries within the context of a church setting.

The church is the hub around which ministry revolves.

The degree to which church leadership is committed to making scouting “a ministry” is the major determinant of its success as an outreach ministry.

Given that context each quarter we highlight stories in Scouting News about scouting youth and leaders who are making a vibrant difference in their local communities. Oftentimes they are recognized with Good Samaritan, Cross and Flame, and related awards.

It’s also important to recognize those UM churches that are using their scouting programs (BSA, GSUSA, BBBS and/or Camp Fire) as a ministry.

The Shepherd Church Charter Recognition (SCCR) was established to recognize churches that perform vital ministry including the following:

• Sponsor one or more of the following groups (as a ministry): Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Camp Fire.
• Offer the PRAY awards, a religious education program, for youth and children, grades 1-12.
• Observe a Scouting Ministries Sunday.
• Encourage each troop/club in the church to annually participate in one community service project.
• Elect or appoint a scouting coordinator who reports regularly to the governing body.

The SCCR was created to annually recognize the churches that provide outstanding scouting ministry in their communities.

As we ‘train up’ our children (Proverbs 22:6), please remember to honor the churches that produce our leaders and mentors.

For more information please visit the scouting ministry website.

Larry W. Coppock, national director, scouting ministries

General Commission on UM Men

Email: lcoppock@gcumm.org