Is Rangers a program or a ministry?

Being the "discussion starter" that I am I would argue that Rangers is a program. And that calling it a ministry was an excuse to give a second best effort. I would also argue that we should set a standard of excellence, take a "competitor" head-on in our sights and go full belt to unseating that competitor.

Competition is necessary

Without a definable competitor we will never get any better. We will never improve our own presence in the market. I would propose that you take the most successful childrens/youth program in your area and mark it as your competitor. It might be the Boy Scouts. It might be the youth group in your church.

Now - if you say to me that setting up the youth group in your church as your competitor is wrong. Then I think you should seriously evaluate your commitment to Rangers. If your trailrangers choose youth over Rangers - you've failed in presenting a compelling and engaging program.

And - if you say to me that setting up Boy Scouts as your competitor is wrong because they are not a Christian organisation - and we don't want to be like the world. Then I think you should seriously evaluate your commitment to Rangers. If Scouts offer a more compelling program for boys than Rangers - you've failed again in offering a compelling and engaging program.

With competition you have an external method of evaluating your performance.

By setting Scouts up as your competition you will be evaluating your camping program, the effectiveness of your program periods, the seriousness of your patrol system, the abilities of your leaders, the effectiveness of your program.

Competition is a vital ingredient in launching any successful product. If you don't have competition - you'll be hard pressed to find customers.

Ministry or program

There is no doubt that Rangers is a ministry. There is no doubt that Rangers is a program.

There are dangers of over emphasising one aspect. Too much a ministry and you'll have a mediocre program with no kids. Too much program and you won't change the lives of the kids for Jesus.

I think the best way to think about this is to remember that you are running a compelling program for children from 5 to 17. The program must be engaging, compelling and provide physical, mental, social and spiritual release and instruction. The aim of your endeavours is to Reach, Teach and Keep for Jesus. But balance this with the knowledge that if you aren't reaching then you don't have anyone to teach and keep.

As for needing a sign from God before you can become a Ranger leader - that's bunkum (rubbish). Get in and start doing something. Don't wait for a sign in the sky - it won't come. As the old saying goes "It's easier to steer an ocean liner when it's moving than when it's stopped"

If we had more people in the church who would do rather than wait for a sign we may all be in heaven by now.

Conclusion

Identify a competitor for your ranger program. Evaluate your performance against that competitor. Don't wait for "God to lead you into Rangers" Get in there and change the world.