Seven Essentials for Ministry to Boys

Friends, as we continue in our vital mission of discipling the next generation of Christlike men, it’s crucial to understand the foundational elements that make a boys’ ministry truly impactful. Whether you’re running a thriving Royal Rangers outpost or just starting, these seven essentials are key to a healthy, growing, and effective ministry. They build on one another, ensuring that our efforts bear lasting fruit in the lives of the young men we serve.

1. Activities — The Initial Spark

What initially draws boys together? Fun!

In every successful outpost, ministry to boys begins with exciting and engaging activities. Plan a diverse calendar of games, challenges, and hands-on learning opportunities. Instead of just talking about it, let them do it. Whether it’s the thrill of an outdoor adventure, the precision of a sporting competition, the wonder of a science experiment, the satisfaction of learning a trade skill, or the creativity of arts and culture, these activities are the magnets that bring boys and men together.

2. Relationships — Building Side-by-Side

Activities aren’t just for fun; they are the perfect setting for building genuine relationships. Men and boys naturally connect shoulder-to-shoulder, working on projects, overcoming challenges as a team, and sharing experiences. When a man takes time to do something with a boy, not for him, something powerful happens. It’s in these moments we form bonds and make meaningful connections that earn us the right to mentor our boys. Respect grows. Trust deepens. That trust opens the door to speak truth into a young man’s life.

3. Identity — A Place to Belong

Every boy wants to belong. Every man does, too.

Once those crucial activities and relationships are established, a powerful sense of group identity naturally emerges. Boys, by their very nature, need to know they’re part of something bigger—a place where they are truly known, valued, and celebrated. This sense of being part of a “winning team” can be fostered through a group name, a shared emblem, or memorable experiences. It gives them a stake in something larger than themselves, building their sense of purpose and belonging within the Royal Rangers family, but ultimately teaches boys about their purpose and belonging in the Kingdom.

4. Discipleship — Guiding Towards Godly Manhood

With the solid foundation of engaging activities, authentic relationships, and a strong group identity in place, we move to engage in the core of our calling: discipleship. This is where we intentionally pour into them, teaching them what it means to live as godly men, grounded in biblical principles, and discovering their unique purpose in Christ. When we forge meaningful relationships and a place of belonging, boys become open and receptive to the life-changing spiritual guidance we have to offer.

Fun with a purpose means we strive to integrate relevant Bible lessons and discussions into every meeting, knowing where boys are at and how much they can handle at different stages of maturity. We can even set aside moments to encourage boys to share their own faith stories and to ask questions in a safe, open environment. As always, remember that you have access to the Royal Rangers curriculum and other age-appropriate discipleship resources, such as the Bible Engagement Project or Radiant Life Curriculum.

5. Service — Living Out Our Faith

Discipleship is about more than just learning. Becoming men like Jesus is about walking out the faith we profess. When a boy begins serving others with no strings attached, no benefit to himself, he’ll begin to experience God’s love on a deeper level for himself. Developing a heart of humility to serve for nothing in return is a critical catalyst to take a boy’s spiritual growth to the next level.

This generation has a remarkable eagerness to make a tangible impact. Whether it’s participating in Royal Rangers Pathfinder Missions trips or organizing service projects within the church and in the surrounding community, providing avenues for selfless service helps them understand and embody the very heart of Christ.

6. Leadership — Equipping the Next Generation

Never do for a boy what he can do for himself.

That line’s been passed down in Royal Rangers for decades. Leadership can’t be taught by lecture but by giving boys opportunities to try, fail, learn, and try again.

Developing leadership skills is a critical component of growing into Christlike manhood. This involves building confidence, teaching them how to guide others, and fostering their ability to work effectively as part of a team. By empowering boys to take on responsibilities when they are ready and mentoring them through the experience, we’re providing them the practical tools they need to grow into the men God created them to be.

Every boy is different, and leadership development needs to be paced accordingly. However, when we equip boys to lead and trust them to do so, they rise. They take ownership. They become godly men who lead in their homes, churches, and communities. This is why we do it.

7. Achievement — Celebrating Growth

Boys thrive when they know they are learning, growing, and accomplishing. Provide milestones, recognition, and consistent feedback on their progress and celebrate the wins. It’s important to keep in perspective that the achievement itself, whether it be a merit, a badge, or an award, is not the ultimate goal; our focus should always remain on who the boy is becoming.

Still, achievement is an effective tool to show that all this effort is leading somewhere. When understanding their God-given manhood feels overwhelming, marking progress in tangible ways gives boys motivation and structure to see that they’re growing. The goal is to find ways to celebrate how they’re being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

In the words of John Ruskin: “The greatest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.”

Whether you’re launching a brand-new outpost or just reevaluating the one you’ve been leading for years, come back to these seven essentials. Are they all present? Are they balanced? When they are—when you bring fun, connection, belonging, growth, service, leadership, and achievement into alignment—you don’t just build a program. You build godly men.

Leaders, that’s why we’re here and do what we do.