Dr. Fred Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, recently visited the BSA’s National Council to meet with Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock and discuss the many ways churches can expand their community outreach and ministry through the Scouting program.

In response to his visit, Luter shared this challenge with his fellow SBC pastors and members: “At no time in the history of our Convention or our great nation has there been a greater need to aggressively reach out to children, youth, and families with the Good News and, once reached, to disciple them. One of the tools I commend to you for helping to accomplish these divine imperatives is a Boy Scout ministry in your church.”

Luter—who became the SBC’s first black president when he was elected to the post last summer—also encouraged pastors to consider serving as counselors for the P.R.A.Y. Religious Emblems Program (formerly the God and Country Program) used in Scouting, noting that a sizeable number of Scouts accept Christ during the study and others clarify their call to vocational Christian ministry.

Churches interested in knowing more about starting or strengthening a Scouting ministry may visit the Association of Baptists for Scouting website at www.baptistscouters.org and click on “Resources.”