The Venturing Crew of Helena (Ala.) UMC tackles the rapids of the Ocoee River during a monthly high-adventure outing. Scouting ministry specialist will help neighboring churches learn about Venturing as a way to expand their ministry to youth.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–– Seventy two men and four women have signed up to be United Methodist scouting ministry specialists.
These men and women are now helping neighboring churches establish or expand ministries through youth-serving organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire USA, Four-H, and Big Brothers – Big Sisters.
The volunteers also provide neighboring churches with information about the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY), training opportunities, resources for Scout Sunday and various awards for young people and adults.
“Too frequently, churches treat troops as if they are just renting space instead of being a vital part of their ministry,” said Larry Coppock national director of scouting ministries. “Fifty percent of the Scouts in troops chartered by United Methodist churches are unchurched and Venturing Crews can expand youth ministries,” said Coppock.
The position to support conference and district scouting ministry coordinators was hatched in spring 2009. In order to work out the details, the position has been tested in 27 annual conferences and is now open to any United Methodist who loves to work with youth and help others engage in the ministry.
Volunteers must provide proof of youth protection training or complete a web-based Safe Sanctuary training course provided by the Office of Scouting Ministry. The fee is $10 per year if the volunteer signs up in January and is pro-rated for later-year sign-ups.
For further information about becoming a scouting ministry specialist, contact LaNisha Sayles (lsayles@gcumm.org) (866-297-4312).
If you are interested in helping churches develop scouting ministries, please fill out the information, detach and mail to the address listed below. If you prefer, you may e-mail this information to LaNisha Sayles.
Name-_____________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip_______________________________________________
Phone______________________________________________________
E-mail______________________________________________________
Home Church________________________________________________
Mail to:
Director of Scouting Ministries, GCUMM
PO Box 340006
Nashville, TN 37203-0006
E-mail to:
LSayles@gcumm.org