Royal Rangers is a world wide ministry of the Assemblies of God designed to provide young people with exciting activities while teaching them a deep rooted belief in God and his Son Jesus Christ. A camping theme is at the heart of the 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 beyond just one denomination to many churches in many countries. The objective of Royal Rangers is to REACH, TEACH, and KEEP boys and girls for JESUS CHRIST.

Dedicated leaders, called commanders, provide boys the necessary direction during a weekly outpost meeting. A strong mentoring relationship is established between leaders and Royal Ranger boys and girls. Weekly meetings and many other activities are designed to develop young people mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.

The Life of a Royal Ranger includes great outdoor adventures through camping, water activities, hiking, rappelling, and mountain climbing, as well as challenging indoor adventures. Opportunities year-round will happen at the outpost, district, or national levels.

Royal Rangers ministers to boys in the United States and in over 65 countries through Bible study and memorization, devotionals, outdoor and camping activities, and Christian role models.

I consider Royal Rangers to be not only a fantastic ministry to reach lives for Jesus Christ, but as a very strong mentoring program for boys. Boys today, more than ever need purpose and direction in their lives. They crave for discipline and for someone to show them what to do and how to do it. Jesus is the purpose, God provides the direction and a Royal Ranger Commander should teach discipline. I am not talking about the stringent boot camp type of discipline. I am referring to the daily discipline that a boy/man needs to maintain his spiritual walk and personal integrity. I am speaking of teaching a boy how to overcome sin and unrighteousness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is also imperative for a Royal Ranger leader to constantly stress the necessity for a boy/man to take to heart, with as much determination as possible, a commitment to live by the eight blue points of the Royal Ranger Code. These are simply not words to be recited during an Outpost opening ceremony and then forgotten until next week. They are daily principles to live by and are firmly rooted in the word of God. Teach boys to live by the code, and you will foster great men of God."

Purpose of the Royal Rangers Ministry

• To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to boys and girls.
• To develop young boys and girls spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially.
• To keep boys and girls in our churches worldwide.

• To instruct, challenge and inspire our boys and girls in the areas of Bible doctrine, Christian service, moral conduct and basic beliefs of our church through fun and interesting activities.

• To teach the word of God. When a Royal Ranger participates, he or she should gain a knowledge of what the Bible teaches.
• To challenge for Christian service. When a Royal Ranger completes the advancement trail, he or she should be ready to take their place in an area of Christian service.
• To inspire a life long belief in Jesus Christ, the son of God.
• To satisfy a young person`s need for fun and exciting activity.