What’s in Your Toolbox?

Posted on: Apr 16, 2010 | By: PennDel

You know you have it, that favorite tool.  It could be a hammer, a screwdriver, or a wrench.  It could be a favorite spoon, skillet, coffee mug, software program, or TV remote.  You may not think of it as a tool, but if you use it to do something for you, then it is a tool.  Different professions require different tools to perform day to day tasks.  I know guys who have multiple toolboxes full of tools.  They have tools for everything, from opening a soda bottle, working on their car, completing to do lists around the house or falling a large tree.  But everyone I know has a favorite tool that they use more often than any other.  One of the biggest fads is the “universal” tool.  This is a tool that can do just about anything because it’s a collection of other tools.  Tools like the Swiss Army knife, the Leatherman, or any number of wrench and screw driver combinations.  You probably have given or received one for Christmas.  Every time you see a new one you want it.  Why are they so intriguing?  It’s very simple.  People are looking for a better or simpler way.  Why should I carry a toolbox full of heavy tools if I can just carry this one tool or gadget that does everything I need in my pocket?  A device that has a tool for every situation.

What if someone offered the new Churchmaster 2010.  This tool of tools could activate the potential of church members into effective ministry.  It would generate creativity, organization and discipline among teens.  It would captivate and excite kids.  It would begin and maintain the process of leadership propagation through mentoring and discipleship.   It would sharpen and shape men into leadership roles.  It would appeal to all shapes, sizes and interests.  And yes, all from this one universal tool.  It could be formed and molded to do anything you need it to do. All you need to do was to open it up and select a different tool from its assorted collection.  If you need something different still, just select another one of its tools.  Would you want it in the toolbox of your church?  It’s already here.  It’s Royal Rangers.

There are several major misnomers about Royal Rangers that hide the power it holds for every church.  Some think of it as a camping only program.  Others think of it as a little boys program.  Some think it’s outdated.  Some say it’s too expensive.  Some say it takes to many leaders to run.  These are all very incorrect.  We are a mentoring ministry of future men with many tools and options at your disposal.  We have something for every boy, teen and adult man of every age and background.  Yes, many of our activities and merits center around the outdoors.  We’d be fools not to.  Doctor James Dobson says it very well in his book Bringing up boys, “Boys like things bright, loud, and unusual”.  We never grow out of that.  And a lot of those bright, loud and unusual things are found in the outdoors and in nature.  However, just as many bright, loud and unusual things can be found in other places.  What’s often overlooked is the availability of curriculum in Royal Rangers that deals in technical fields, sports, and trade fields.  If a man wants to minister to boys, loves computers, and doesn’t like Camping, Royal Rangers is still for him.  You have someone skilled in a profession like an electrician, mechanic, plumber, or carpenter? These men can make an impact in young lives through Royal Rangers as well.  How about a sports coach, an artist, or a gardener?  There’s something for them also.  The only limitations I’ve found for Royal Rangers in a church is self imposed.  Usually it is a lack of knowledge or creativity.

Check it out.  You don’t need to go camping, hiking or fishing to have a successful Royal Rangers ministry.  You need to look at what the whole collection of tools can do.  There is no “one tool” that will replace all the others.  The tools you use all depends on what you are trying to build and the condition of the raw materials when you start.  It’s all about mentoring boys and men.  Our goal as mentors is to build Godly men.  That is our finished product – yet each one will be unique.  Our raw materials are boys and they are also unique individuals.  Because we are working with thousands of different types of boys, there isn’t just one tool (camping) that will work.  We need a complete toolbox.  We don’t throw the first tool away, it still works well – but we add to our tool box.  The Royal Rangers has continually added to their toolbox.  Use the tools Royal Rangers offers and see what it can build in your church.  If you want to see how, our staff would be glad to show you.

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