Scouting in Churches of Christ
Structure
There is no central governing body for Churches of Christ; each congregation
is completely autonomous. Congregational leaders are elders appointed by
the congregation, and activities of the congregation generally are carried
out under the direction of deacons. Congregations that have not yet appointed
elders or deacons are directed by the men and/or assembly of the individual
church. The minister is an employee of the congregation with no direction
from outside organizations. Support of Scouting is determined by the interests
of each local congregation.
Special Interests in Scouting
There are 13,000 Church of Christ congregations in the United States, with
a total membership of 1.3 million. Five hundred sixty-three Scout units are
chartered by Churches of Christ, serving more than 15,000 youth. In August
1986, eight Church of Christ members from different congregations across
the country met in Irving, Texas, to organize an association for Scouting
among members of Churches of Christ. The group's purpose was to establish
a national support group that could promote and encourage the use of Scouting
in local congregations. The members also agreed to develop religious recognition
programs that would be based on the beliefs of the Churches of Christ.
Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting (MCCS) represents a cross-section
of registered adult Scouters from throughout the country. The members are
dedicated to the enhancement of spiritual growth in youth and adults in Churches
of Christ. Although most of the group's members are active in their local
congregations, Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting is not a church
organization. MCCS interprets and encourages the use of Scouting by individuals
and local congregations.
Religious Emblems
The Servant Leadership Series is the religious recognition program for Scouts
who are affiliated with Churches of Christ. The four-hearts motif of the
Servant Leadership Series logo symbolizes the four spheres in the life of
a servant leader: service to God and His Church, service to one's own family,
service to the nation, and service to Scouting. The metaphor suggests that
the four parts of a servant's life function in unison, as the four chambers
of the biological heart work in symphony to nourish life. Members of Churches
of Christ for Scouting recognize Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and adult
Scouters with presentations that include the Heart of the Servant logo. Each
bears a phrase used by God to describe servants. The Joyful Servant program
guides the religious activities of Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts; the Good
Servant award challenges Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers; and the
Faithful Servant award (by nomination) honors adult Scouters for their servant
leadership in Scouting, home, church, and community.
Scouting Resources
The brochure "Scouting Works in Churches of Christ" (No. 5-201), produced
by MCCS and the BSA, offers endorsements from local congregations. An eight-minute
videotape, "Scouting Works in Churches of Christ," also includes testimonials
from elders, deacons, parents, and Scouts.
Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting also publish a newsletter.
For additional information about membership, religious awards, or the newsletter,
please contact:
Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting
AU Station Box 27938
Abilene, TX 79699-7938
Phone: 915-674-3739
e-mail: mccs@bible.acu.edu
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