More Than Just an Award:

P.R.A.Y. Programs as Christian

Education and Outreach

Young people who participate in the P.R.A.Y. programs grow stronger in faith and in service to God. True, they receive an award, but they receive many more benefits that come from studying the Bible, working with an adult Christian, getting to know their pastor, and designing their own projects to reinforce Bible lessons.

The P.R.A.Y. Programs mean…

Ø     Christian Education – The P.R.A.Y. programs are Bible based curriculum that require students to read scripture and answer questions about the Bible. The P.R.A.Y. program can support a congregation’s Christian Education department.

Ø     Family Involvement – Most church programs are very age segregated and separate the children and youth from the adults.  The P.R.A.Y. programs help the family to interact together and to share their faith with each other.  The P.R.A.Y. programs include an adult mentor component designed to strengthen intergenerational sharing between adult/parent and child.  Families enjoy the time learning together about God.  Parents are often surprised at how eager their children are to learn about God and to pray together as a family.

Ø     Getting to Know the Pastor – Although the pastor isn’t the one necessarily teaching the class, it is the pastor who reviews the students’ work and gives final approval upon completion of the program.  Students enjoy connecting with their pastor.

Ø     Service Projects – Students are challenged to put their faith into action.  They choose or design their own projects.  Service projects are often targeted toward the family, congregation, and community.  Here are some sample projects: planning a game night or special night for the family, cleaning the toys in the church nursery, working in a local food pantry, serving meals for the homeless, holding a toy drive for the church day care center, etc.

Ø     Community Outreach – Congregations that promote their P.R.A.Y. program classes through the scouting community are reaching out to scouting families that may not have church homes.  These parents want their children to earn their award, and in the process they discover how hungry their children are for the Gospel.  The P.R.A.Y. program is a friendly, non-threatening way to get families into your church building and connected with your people.  It can be an additional tool for your outreach ministry.

Ø     Real results and the Potential to Change Lives –  The P.R.A.Y. programs have helped families re-examine their priorities.  Parents realize they need to take time for faith development, to pray with their children, to talk about God.  As a result, parents also share how they have seen changes in their children and in the way family members interact with each other.  Family members are closer to each other and to God. 

What others have said about the P.R.A.Y. Programs

Ø     “We are not regular church goers, and this program has developed my daughter’s interest.  I didn’t know how eager she was to learn about God.” – parent

Ø      “I am very impressed with the material. I will likely use it as a discipleship curriculum for my church.” – Pastor

Ø     “Through the God & Me program, my son and wife decided to be baptized into the church…Thank You!”

Ø     “We feel more open and confident in discussing our faith and beliefs.” – parent

Ø      “My son was able to forgive his step-father…which has brought all of us closer.” –  parent

Ø     “Once a family or individual from our scouting ministry visits our Church, they find something that ministers to their family here.  Scouting remains our main outreach ministry and we continue to develop nurturing ministries to keep those families coming back again and again.” – Pastor

Ø      Garrett loved reading his Bible and learning more about God. We all agreed to find time for a family devotion time as a result.  – Arlington, TX

Ø     “I learned a lot of Bible stories. I like looking things up in my Bible!” – Recipient of the God and Family award

Ø      What I remember best was going to the nursing home. It was fun, and I felt like I was doing something to help out.” – Recipient of the God and Church award

Ø      I really didn’t know if I could learn the Lord’s Prayer, but I just kept saying “I think I can” and I did! I liked learning about God. – Recipient of the God and Me award