Equip

This is part 2 in a 3-part series. To read part 1 on Evangelize, click here. To read part 3 on Empower, click here.

This edition we will continue to look at the Royal Rangers mission to evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders. Two editions ago, we discussed the importance of evangelizing and making that an integral part our outposts. A healthy outpost is one that is growing boys numerically and spiritually as they continue to influence more boys than ever, more effectively than ever. Today, we will discuss equipping.

Royal Rangers is made up of leaders and youth. Each role is critical to the health and success of our ministry. Because of this, it is vital that we are intentional at the national and the outpost levels to invest time and resources in equipping boys. We read in Luke 2:52 (NIV) that “Jesus grew in wisdom and statue, and in favor with God and man.” This happened because of the intentional influence and equipping from leaders in His life.

Royal Rangers has a very robust training process that is available to leaders and boys. For leaders, there are several options for training and growth. Online modules can be accessed so that you are able to grow at your own pace and schedule. There are also live training classes that are offered by the district and the national office. Contact your district training coordinator to see what topics are offered and when. For our boys, equipping is structured into the weekly meeting times at the local level. The weekly meeting guide ensures that a boy grows spiritually through the Bible lessons and devotions. As leaders, we facilitate growth through the leadership lessons that are part of a weekly meetings. All this happens in a fun, interactive, and relational setting with other boys.

Why do we put so much focus on equipping? Equipping takes an intentional investment. It is what sets us apart from the many other programs or ministries that just focus on activities for boys. When we intentionally focus and structure for equipping, we ensure our boys do the following:

Mature Spiritually. Knowing the Bible gives our boys a solid foundation to build their lives on and ensures they are equipped to finish strong. Through the Word of God, they have a moral compass and an unshakable foundation of truth to help them navigate life and their spiritual journeys as men of God. Furthermore, as our young men spend time with godly men, they learn through example what it looks like to live as a man of God.

Build Character. Character is the mental and moral qualities of an individual—how he thinks, feels, and behaves. As our boys gain knowledge of God’s Word and spend time in the presence of godly men, then through knowledge and example, they will develop their character in keeping with God’s Word. They will build a godly worldview. They will develop ethical judgment based on God’s Word rather than circumstances and feelings. They will develop the foundation to make choices in keeping with God’s Word that will shape them throughout their lives.

Develop Confidence. Leaders are not born; they are made. By providing training in leadership, we help our boys develop integrity, responsibility, and empathy. They acquire the confidence needed to take on the obstacles and challenges of life. They are prepared to face the questions and uncertainties with a confidence that comes from preparation and forethought.

The Royal Rangers mission of evangelizing, equipping, and empowering the next generation of Christlike men is an intentional and thought-out process. We must evangelize. Every boy has the right to learn about our God who loves him. Once he learns and makes the commitment to live for God, we must take the next step. Equipping is giving boys the tools to live for Christ successfully and to ensure they can finish life strong. Next month, we will explore the final element of empowering.