The Church and the Boy Scouts - How Leaders Can Encourage Leadership

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Copyright © 2009 Matthew Osborne


Was Jesus a Boy Scout? Did he choose to develop character and maturity in a similar way to this model?

The Boy Scout Plan - Spurring Responsibility

A young man signs up, purchases a handbook, and is encouraged to read it. After some basic instruction, his new level of knowledge is affirmed by the group.

After a year or two, he is encouraged to begin to lead. He starts small: with cooking a few meals for the group. He may eventually grow to plan an event for a small group, and even for the whole troop. He is encouraged to mentor those with less experience than himself.

He may run for a position of responsibility and gain regular duties. The system provides enough such positions that most boys may hold one. Elections are generally held twice a year -- keeping the youth leadership from becoming "stale." Everyone a chance to see all operations up close, as they perform their role.

The young man who previously held the post will often be "on call" for any questions the new fellow might have.

The Youth Lead Troop - Responsibility Creates Personal Growth

The adult leadership stays in the background. Keeping order at times. Perhaps coaching the boys every now and again. Generally, though, they let them handle matters themselves.

The ultimate goal of the Boy Scouts is for the young men to develop ethics and character. Like any skill, character grows most readily with practice. For example: one becomes responsible by being entrusted with responsibility.

Another point: imagine what forty semi-experienced boys can accomplish if given the chance. Compared with five adults who do it all:

The Adult Lead Troop - Responsibility Gets Things Done

Sometimes responsibility falls to those most qualified. The experienced adults often know how things should be run. Sometimes they feel that as "leaders" they should be front and center, planning and making most of the decisions.

Things generally run more smoothly. On the downside, the boys often become dependent on the adults to the point that their growth is stunted.

Church Leadership

There are some interesting parallels here. It is well known that the mature in the faith are to do ministry. To get things done.

And perhaps another, more subtle role is to equip the rest of the Body to do ministry as catalyst for personal growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). The classic example is Jesus Himself. He did much of the work himself as he recruited volunteers to watch Him. After a time he passed along responsibility a little at a time. He gave them projects, sent them out, and helping them process what they experienced.

There is strength in being strong and competent -- an example. There is also strength in taking a lesser role, allowing others to take their turn.


About the Author:
Matthew Osborne is encouraging collaboration between Atlanta churches and denominations. He is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. An individual who believes each person can make a difference, he has experience in church administration, teaching, leading small groups, one-on-one mentoring, and other forms of ministry. Let your voice be heard at: http://www.atlantachristianfellowship.com/


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