Kentucky Conference Selected as Pilot Conference for New Scouting Ministry Post
Nashville agency seeks adults who love scouting
NASHVILLE, Tenn.––The United Methodist Office of Scouting Ministries is looking for scouting advocates to help Kentucky Conference churches establish and expand scouting ministry opportunities.
The National Office of Scouting Ministries has selected the area as a pilot conference to test the effectiveness of “Scouting Ministry Specialists.”
Volunteer specialists will 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.
Scouting Ministry Specialists will also help churches enrich their relationship with existing Scout units. “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.
“Churches may also not be aware of the PRAY series that can be used for confirmation training or Venturing Crews that can expand youth ministries.”
“I think the Scouting Ministry Specialist position is a great way of promoting scouting as an outreach ministry for any church in the conference,” said Steve Berry, the Kentucky Conference scouting coordinator and the lay leader for Christ United Methodist Church of Ashland, Ky.
Berry has served as a scouting volunteer for 29 years. He is on staff of both National Camping School and Wood Badge. Steve currently serves as a summer camp Chaplain, and he is the International Representative for the Tri State Area Council. A recipient of the coveted Silver Beaver Award, Berry says, “Scouting is for all ages.”
Berry, a layman from Ashland, says the specialists will provide churches with information about how to charter Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews. “The crews may be faith-based in the same way as other UM youth groups,” said Berry.
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
E-mail to:
LSayles@gcumm.org