As I read your letter I begin to think of how things have been for Rangers
in our church. I got introduced to Rangers while attending Central Assembly
of God in 1990 here in Huntsville. After attending there for a year I felt
led by God to go back to a church I had attended five years earlier, Pulaski
Pike Church of God. They didn't have anything going on for boys at the time
but had previously had the Christian Service Brigade and Pioneer Clubs but
they folded for lack of leadership. After nearly two years of talking we
finally started Rangers and I was appointed Sr Commander.
One of issues that I faced almost immediately was apathy. I believed that
we had a noble ministry and respect should come right along with it.
Leaders, that just doesn't happen. What I found out was that I as a leader
would have earn that respect by sticking it out through those times. How
many times in our Christian experience have we heard someone tell of what
they planned to do for God only to quit soon after.
It has been hard but after six years Rangers are getting a lot more
respect. Many of the requests I make get granted. I give credit for this
first to God, because without Him we could not have made it. He has given us
some great leaders. Second: Hard Work. Planning a great program is only the
start. We have to work to carry it through. Third: A spirit of cooperation
to work harmoniously with the entire church programs INCLUDING THE YOUTH. If
we are perceived as the group that is always at issue with the other groups
then we will lose respect. If we keep our honor as we play "second fiddle"
to other groups, then God will reward us.
For us the Youth Vs Rangers was settled by having TBs on a Sunday evening,
30 minutes before evening service, (after all the youth was there first on
Wed). They finish their meeting just in time to hear Pastor start his
sermon. We have a bible study for the 12 year TBs on Wednesday night if they
are not ready to go into youth. But when they are ready they will know it.
How do you keep boys in Trailblazers longer? HARD WORK! An exciting,
challenging, and fun Trailblazer group is the answer, no shortcuts. And even
after all that some boys will not be interested. We as leaders must not take
that personally.
Finally, as Sr Commanders and Group Commanders we must be excited in
everything we do. There must be a passion in what we do. We are the
Leaders. I asked this question once. If you were granted two new leaders
with your spirit and passion would you need to change real quick or would you
take them right away.
I believe that Royal Rangers is the greatest boys ministry/program ever. If
we believe that then lets act like it.
James Styles, Sr Commander
Outpost 45 Huntsville, Al
In a message dated 8/2/99 9:15:13 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
> Everyone
> Please forgive me if I sound a little harsh and I am sold out for Rangers
> not youth BUT I am tired of playing second fiddle (or third) to youth. It
is
> a proven fact, backed up by figures from National Office, the various
> departments, and The General Council of the Assemblies of God. Royal
Rangers
> is the #1 (sorry Duane), the top soul winning program in the Assemblies of
> God. Just think what we could do if we had the resources (money) that is
> poured into the youth department. What could we do with Senior Commanders
on
> the Churches payroll, paid district commanders in every state, and paid
staff.
> We could do National Camporama every year. Man, what we could do. Now
to
> the point, I am tired of playing second fiddle to the youth. From what I
> read here, if it weren't for the excellent Ranger programs I read about
here,
> many churches would not have the Youth program that they have. I am aware
> that this does not hold true everywhere. I think its time the youth played
> second fiddle to RANGERS Seeing how my Pastor is good friends with Thomas
> Trask, maybe I will ask him next time he is at our church. As you may have
> noticed, this is kind of a sore spot with me and I apologize if I have
> offended anyone.
> Keith Brooks
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