Royal Rangers is an activity-based, boy-led, adult facilitated boys mentoring ministry for boys in grades K-12 providing "Christlike character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment." A camping theme is at the heart of most activities, along with a merit award system whereby Royal Rangers must demonstrate specific knowledge and abilities. Since 1962, this program developed by Rev. Johnnie Barnes has since spread to churches in over 90 other nations. The uniforms, mottoes, practices and operation borrow heavily from Scouting, but the underlying values are somewhat different. The General Council of the Assemblies of God runs Royal Rangers USA in the United States and Royal Rangers International is an official mission of the council.
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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.
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 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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.)
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).
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.
https://royalrangers.com/swordsman
Jim Barger
Great Video on "The Crucible"
Our national commander!
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Royal Rangers Emblem © by the national Royal Rangers Office, Honorbound, Men of Promise, The General Council of the Assemblies of God; Springfield, MO 65802-1894. The Royal Rangers Emblem may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by anymeans-electronically, photocopies, recording, or otherwise-without prior written permission from the national Royal Rangers Office