It's Official, I'm a Scouting Ministry Specialist

The UMC Has a program to train people to be a "Scouting Ministry Specialist", I recently signed up for this, serving my local church, and 1-2 other churches to be determined.

More information about it can be found on the United Methodist Men Scouting Ministry Website.


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. 
3. Show a record of scouting/youth ministry experience.
4. Read Scouting Guidelines.
5. Submit $10 to become enrolled as a scouting ministry specialist.

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.

I don't know if any other denominations have a similar program, but if your church does, I'd be interested in finding out more about it.

United Methodist Men's Scouting Ministry

As I have mentioned a few times before, I belong to a Methodist Church. The Methodist Church is one of the biggest sponsors of Scouting Groups in the US, either first or second with the LDS Church, depending on whether you count the number of units sponsored or the number of scouts who are members of those units.

One of the reasons for this, is that the United Methodist Men's group has wholeheartedly embraced scouting, and considers it one of it's core ministries, alongside Prayer Ministry and Ministry to Men within the United Methodist Church.

If you are in a United Methodist Church, you may want to visit their website on Scouting.  and explore some of the resources they have there.