Swordsman Program
The Swordsman Program is a movement of men and boys who desire to grow in their relationship with God and become more fully connected to Him. It is grounded in the knowledge that the Bible is God’s Word. Through engagement with His Word, God speaks to us, gives direction, and keeps us growing in our faith. God desires to know and be known by His children. Growing in Christ and staying engaged in the Word is the challenge.
Our Goal: Grow Through the Word
The Word of God is foundational to growth and spiritual maturity. It is by reading the word that we understand what is true, and are prepared to effectively fulfill our purpose. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT). Our goal is the same as David’s when he said “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” Psalm 119:11 (NLT).
The Vision: Grow a Network of Bible Engaged Men and Boys
The Swordsman Program desires to challenge men and boys toward greater maturity in Christ by reading the Word. Research from the Barna Research Group shows that people with high levels of Bible engagement have marked differences in their lives from those who do not. Evidence shows that consistent reading of the Bible yields the following benefits:
- Increased fruit of the Spirit
- A greater intimacy with the Spirit
- A priority on living their faith out publicly
- Orthodox views of the gospel
- Higher volunteer rates at churches and nonprofits
- Deeper devotion to Scripture
- Improved life satisfaction
The Mission: Promote Daily Bible Reading
Research discovered that individuals who engage with Scripture four (4) or more times per week are 228% more likely to share their faith with others. The Swordsman program is designed to promote the habit of daily Bible reading among Royal Rangers leaders and boys while creating an environment that encourages other men and boys not involved in Royal Rangers to join in the journey of reading the Word.
The Structure: Becoming a Swordsman
The idea of being a Swordsman comes from Ephesians 6:10-18 where we are encouraged to put on the armor of God. As part of our preparation, in verse 17, we are challenged to ‘take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God’. The more a Swordsman uses his sword and practices with it, the more familiar he is with it. It becomes an extension of him. Becoming a Swordsman begins with a realization that reading the Word a minimum of 10 minutes a day at least four (4) days per week will activate a critical development in your spiritual growth. As you read the word you become familiar with what it says. Your thinking is transformed as the Lords ways become your ways. You habit and choices begin to reflect God’s word.
Individuals are invited to join this growing community by completing the online form below. You will receive the Swordsman certificate by email, identifying your commitment. Display this certificate where you will see it regularly, reminding you to regularly read the Bible. Bible reading may be done individually or as part of a group. Each individual participant may choose the method of Bible reading that works best for him. As the program continues to grow new options or resources will be presented to assist with this as well.
Swordsman Insignia
In order to help you identify others who share the same commitment, or to help you encourage others to get into the word, a variety of insignia or similar items are available for your use. In addition to the certificate, additional items are available for display on the Royal Rangers uniform or elsewhere. Refer to the uniform guide for details on patch and pin placement.
LAPEL PIN
The lapel pin shows others your commitment to daily Bible reading and may be worn for as long as you meet the minimum criteria as stated above. The pin may be worn on the following Royal Rangers uniforms.
- Formal Uniform: worn as a lapel pin
- Dress Uniform: worn ½” above the top row of award ribbons above the left pocket
- Utility Uniform (pin format): worn in place of an affiliate program pin, centered ½” above the left pocket (Remember, you can only wear one indication of participation in the program on the uniform at a time.)
The pin may also be worn as a hat pin on any Royal Rangers ball cap. Participants who are not involved in Royal Rangers may wear the pin as they choose. Order the lapel pin here.
PATCH
The patch also shows others your commitment to the program and may be worn as long as you meet the minimum criteria stated above. The patch may be worn on the Royal Rangers Utility Uniform (patch format): worn on the bottom edge of the right pocket flap (Remember, you can only wear one indication of participation in the program on the uniform at a time.) Order the Swordsman patch here.
COIN
The coin is an annual item that represents your participation in the program during a calendar year. Each year, participants must complete a minimum of 208 days of Bible reading in a calendar year (4 days per week for 52 weeks).
- Coins may only be purchased by active Swordsmen.
- Participants must affirm the required number of Bible reading days have been completed when making the order.
Swordsman Program Registration
Become a Swordsman today by completing the registration form below and join together with a community of men and boys around the nation as we grow together in Christ through our knowledge of His Word.
2023 Swordsman Order Form: The deadline for submission of the 2023 Swordsman Order Form (to order the Swordsman Coin or Pendant for recognition of completion of Swordsman requirements in 2023) has passed as of January 15, 2024. If you submitted a 2023 Swordsman Order Form to the national office, your order will be processed as soon as possible after the coins are received. The number of coins ordered was based on the orders that were received by January 15.
The Swordsman Patch and Lapel Pin can be ordered at anytime through My Healthy Church as referenced above.
REGISTRATION FORM