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