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
ACU Station Box 27938
Abilene, TX 79699-7938
Phone: 915-674-3739
e-mail: mccs@bible.acu.edu