3 minute read
UM Men reach out to youth and their families
By Steven Scheid
UM Men have a history of reaching out to youth and their families.
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Grandfathers, fathers, brothers, disciples, and disciple-makers have unique roles in interacting with youth in their churches and communities. The roles they play differ over time.
The need
Increasing numbers of young people are not being raised in church homes. The Pew Research Center reports, “Only half of millennials (49 percent) describe themselves as Christians; four-in-ten are religious ‘nones’ and one-in-ten millennials identify with non-Christian faiths.”
This percentage of non-Christian millennials (people between the ages of 23 and 38) is troubling as they are the parents of the next generation.
While more than half of these parents do not attend church, they are never-the-less concerned about opportunities for their children to gain values. They especially want their children to be engaged in values-based activities.
A church that offers scouting and other youthserving ministries opens opportunities to minister to young people growing up in non-religious homes.
Steven Scheid is the director of the Center for Scouting Ministries at the General Commission on UM Men.
Become a family for millennials
The Pew Research Center noted in May 2020 that 4-in-10 millennials do not live with a family of their own.
As children of millennials become involved in Scout troops based in UM churches, there is an opportunity for churches to become families to millennial parents. By sharing love and concern UM Men can transform relationships from sponsors of Scout troops into brothers, fathers, and grandfathers.
All people have times when they need extra support. If UM Men are present with the love of God, these parents will find families.
Represent the church
When a UM man steps up to serve, he brings the voice and heart of the church.
It took four years of being present and reminding the youth that I represented the church for them to begin to see the church. When I offered service, they would respond, “That is just you.” I let them know that I am a member of the church. When I donated, they responded, “Thank you.” I let them know it was the church that wanted them to succeed. When we prayed together, they responded,” You are faithful.” I let them know that the church was present.
Romans 10:13-15 says,
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news’.” (NIV)
Hundreds of young people do not believe because they have not heard. You have the opportunity to be the one who tells the story and that story is best told in actions.
Supporting Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire and Big Brothers Big Sisters is a vital way to make contacts. We open our churches. We provide activities. We become family. We care and love. We mentor.
Preaching with our lives is our greatest witness.
Scouting ministries changes lives. I have seen it work in others and I have been changed by those who invested in me.
Will you be the hands and feet of Christ in your community? Without your support the body of Christ will continue to shrink. It is a great time to renew our commitment to grow the body of Christ through scouting and other youth-serving ministries.
