The Good Shepherd Baptist Adult Recognition

The Emblem

The Good Shepherd Emblem is a national recognition for adults who have rendered outstanding service to Baptist youth through their church and one of the national youth-serving agencies (Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., or Camp Fire Boys and Girls). The emblem is made available through the Association of Baptists for Scouting in cooperation with the national youth serving agencies. Its purpose is to acknowledge distinguished service by laypersons and pastors leading toward the spiritual, physical, mental, and moral development of Baptist youth through service to the church and its youth programs.

Eligibility

The emblem may be given to any adult (18 years or older) who has made an exemplary contribution to his or her church and one of the youth-serving agencies. The nominee must have demonstrated leadership as a "Good Shepherd" in his or her service to youth. It is preferable that this leadership extend over a period of not less than 10 years. Recipients must have a minimum of five years of active service in one or more of the national youth-serving agencies, and a like tenure of active service in local church ministry. The emblem may not be given posthumously. Self and spouse nominations will not be accepted: The emblem seeks the individual; the individual does not seek the emblem. If possible, the nominee should be kept unaware of the fact that he/she is being recommended for the Good Shepherd Emblem.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations for the Good Shepherd Emblem may be initiated by individuals, church councils, or the local Association of Baptists for Scouting committee.

The nominator must:

1. Review all criteria.
2. Complete the official application form and record of the candidate's service to the church and to a national youth-serving agency.
3. Write a letter of nomination detailing the nominee's qualifications (see explanation below).
4. Obtain a letter of recommendation from the nominee's pastor. (The letter must be written on church letterhead.)
5. Obtain a letter of recommendation from an executive of the local youth-serving agency council (Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., or Camp Fire Boys or Girls, Inc.) or the professional superior of the candidate in other agencies. (The letter must be written on council letterhead.)
6. Send the completed application form, the letters of recommendation, and a check for $30.00 (payable to P.R.A.Y.) to:
   
   The Good Shepherd Emblem
   c/o P.R.A.Y.
   8520 Mackenzie Road
   St. Louis, MO 63123
   (314) 638-1017
   
   Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of the medal and certificate.
7. Arrange for the presentation of the Good Shepherd Emblem at an appropriate setting to honor the recipient and provide publicity to New Trails and other Baptist or youth agency publications.

Letter of Nomination

The letter of nomination should provide detailed evidence and examples of the following activities. (Number all items to correspond to the categories below.) Be specific.

The nominees should:

1. Actively participate in the worship life and program of their congregation, and be of substantial Christian character.
2. Assist in and encourage youth to serve their Lord through the God and Country program.
3. Display outstanding service in organizing, promoting and strengthening youth-serving agency units operated by Baptist churches.
4. Cooperate with youth-serving agencies in promoting a "Duty to God" emphasis.
5. Live the Christ-like life in other community affairs and organizations. (Col. 1:10) (This is a most important item.)

Application Form

Download an application form for the Good Shepherd Emblem