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The Ever-Expanding value of Royal
Ranger Ministry
by Terrell R. Raburn
The great value of Royal Rangers is evident at
first glance. However, many values are missed upon first inspection.
These intangibles are often the solid foundation of Rangers ministry.
The Value to Boys
Of course, Royal Rangers ministry cannot be discussed without starting
at the target—the boys! Without a ministry to boys there is
no reason for the hard work, expense, and sacrifice of producing
a Royal Rangers outpost. The first point of meaningful success must
be the boys, themselves.
The Rangers programs develop young boys in mind,
body, and spirit. Lessons learned at the local outpost, sectional
and district events, National Pow Wows and Rendezvous will be retained
for life. The powerful truths of meaningful relationships, instructions,
and life lessons cannot be overstated. These values build the boy's
core and produce an improved opportunity for his success in future
life.
All Royal Rangers ministry is based on spiritual
needs. Often, more young boys come to know Jesus Christ as their
Savior during Royal Rangers events than any other sector of our
local church ministries. In like manner, many of those boys are
discipled through spiritual teaching received from Royal Rangers
ministries.
In addition to spiritual discipleship, Royal Rangers
involves cultural socialization. Boys coming from neglected neighborhoods
and disadvantaged backgrounds know little about how to act in polite
society. The contact with other boys in their age group, the larger
community of the outpost, and the influence of Christian men in
the commanders' ranks give boys the opportunity to grow in social
graces. Never underestimate the worth of teaching a young boy how
to act in public. It can change a life from a future of second-class
legal and social problems to one of success and growth.
That leads us to the tremendous value of the local
outpost commander. It is not unusual for the commander to be the
only righteous role model in many of these boys' lives.
What an opportunity for men to demonstrate a Christlike
example of male adulthood! With the help and anointing of the Holy
Spirit, commanders can show many underprivileged boys the way to
a prosperous adulthood. The commander has the opportunity to be
a catalyst for valuable Christian discipleship in all boys' lives,
no matter what their background.
To the Men
That brings us to the hidden value of Royal Rangers ministry to
men. Men gain leadership skills, contribute to the work of the body
of Christ, experience personal growth and development, and receive
the opportunity to minister to the age group most receptive to the
gospel message in our present world. Do not take the value of this
ministry lightly.
This opportunity demands spiritual, administrative,
and personal growth by the commander himself. As he grows and develops
as a leader he becomes increasingly valuable to the local church.
Many commanders also serve as organizers and personal assistants
for their pastors or ministry staff members. Royal Rangers produces
men who are more able to minister in the local church setting. They
become a wonderful asset to the pastor, the congregation, and the
work of Jesus Christ!
To the Church
As you might expect, the growth of the commander in the work of
the local congregation greatly enhances the work of the church.
Men who give of themselves to Royal Rangers increase their commitment
to the church and its other ministries.
According to recent statistical studies of local
church congrega-tions in America, adult men are usually the weakest
sector of the congregation. Royal Rangers can fix that! Research
proves that men who are committed to ministries within the church
are more committed to the church itself. Therefore, Royal Rangers
produces constant value for the local church.
There is little argument that Royal Rangers is
one of the most effective evangelistic ministries in the Assemblies
of God. A council fire usually produces several salvations.
As I watch young boys stand and walk forward to
receive Jesus Christ as their Savior, I think what our evangelistic
efforts would lose if Rangers suddenly ceased to exist. Thank God
for Pow Wows and campouts that include evangelistic services.
Another little recognized value of Royal Rangers
is how it strengthens families. In families with a two-parent configuration,
Rangers strengthens the camaraderie and team feeling of male leadership
and peer group friendships. In the case of single-parent families—especially
those headed by a female—the male leadership of Royal Rangers
is an indispensable contribution. Many single mothers have shared
testimonies about how Royal Rangers provided the male influence
their sons desperately needed. Many boys have grown into better
young men because their families were ministered to through Royal
Rangers. In the case of blended families, Rangers offers the modeling
and instruction which encourages cooperation among stepbrothers
and sisters. These lessons cause a better atmosphere for the blended
family.
Stronger families mean stronger congregations.
Better Rangers ministries mean stronger families.
To the Community
Finally, Royal Rangers has tremendous value for the communities
of our towns and cities. Rangers produces a better boy, who has
a wonderful opportunity to become a better citizen. A young man
full of hatred and addicted to narcotics or alcohol will hurt his
community. That same young man, saved by Jesus Christ and discipled
through Royal Rangers, will forsake those destroyers for the Word
of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. As he does that he will
become a good citizen, a credit rather than a challenge to his neighborhood.
Rangers commanders become strong in the Lord and
in their personal lives. They become citizens who contribute, rather
than hurt, their neighborhoods. Better men make better citizens!
Royal Rangers produces better men.
I am committed to Royal Rangers ministry. I thank
the Lord for its many obvious advantages to our Fellowship and our
local churches. I am equally grateful for its hidden values. Let
us work diligently to improve and strengthen Rangers every year.
As we do, we will help the kingdom of God.
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