The UM Scouting Ministries Committee has created a volunteer position to help local churches establish and expand scouting ministry opportunities.

Requirements of a Scouting Ministry Specialist (SMS)

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Provide proof of youth protection training and/or take an online sexual ethics and safe sanctuaries course. (See below to take the online course.)
3. Show a record of scouting/youth ministry experience.
4. Read Scouting Guidelines (can be ordered through Cokesbury).
5. Submit $45 to become enrolled as a scouting ministry specialist for 5 years (or $250 for a lifetime certification).

Responsibilities of a SMS

1. Provide information about national awards
2. Introduce churches to the God and Country series.
3. Encourage church leaders to attend regional and national training opportunities. (See below for upcoming training events.)
4. Assist with bishop’s dinners and other district and conference events.
5. Cultivate relationships with conference and district leaders.

Scouting Ministry Specialist Resources

• For an overview of the SMS program, download the SMS brochure.
• Ready to become a SMS? Contact Marc Stowe at mstowe@gcumm.org for an application.
• We have assembled a package of resources to help you, as a Scouting Ministry Specialist, get started in your service. View the SMS Tool Kit (PDF)
• Need to get a copy of the Scouting Guidelines? Order one today at Cokesbury.com.
• Temporarily Unavailable - Need to take the Safe Sanctuaries & Sexual Ethics Course? Visit the links below.
  • Review material: Safe Sanctuaries and Sexual Ethics (online training module)
  • Take the test: Safe Sanctuaries and Sexual Ethics exam (PDF)

Scouting Ministry Specialist Listing

A Scouting Ministry Specialist listing is available upon request. Please contact Marc Stowe, Scouting Ministries Assistant, at mstowe@gcumm.org or 615-620-7262.

Scouting Ministry Training

Would you like to learn more about scouting as a ministry? Attend and participate in a training seminar this year.