# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S321
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

II. THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS­­—COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
Integrity … God calls us to live moral lives that demonstrate an inward motivation to do what is
biblically right regardless of the cost.

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Vision:
Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men
which produces Godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.

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Mission:
Our mission is simple and clear: to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God,
lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.
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Oath:
On my honor, I will do my best to serve God and my country; to respect authority; to be a good
steward of creation; and to treat others as I want to be treated. 22

of Faith and Values. TLUSA presents itself as a religious and civic organization that
operates according to biblical principles.
Since TLUSA materials have a particular, largely Evangelical theological perspective,
and offer suggested prayers for opening and closing activities (e.g., the Focus and Faith
portions of Woodlands components), may an LCMS congregation that sponsors a troop
modify such materials when necessary?
Troop meetings are to close with prayer and may include discussions of Bible verses and
biblical concepts (for example, a Mountain Lion meeting discusses stewardship and
conservation based on Genesis 1:26–28 and Psalm 24:1). This would most likely not be a
problem on a local level as long as TLUSA respects the theological positions and
practices of the LCMS charter organization and its freedom to adapt materials as needed
or desired.
Trail Life USA is both similar and dissimilar to the Boy Scouts of America. This is
important when considering the relationship of either group to its chartering
organizations/congregations.
o Historically, the Synod addressed the matter of Scouting not by “endorsement”
but by stating that involvement in Scouting was not divisive of synodical
fellowship (see 1944 Convention Proceedings, 257). What is the advisability of a
similar approach toward TLUSA?
o BSA was (and is) primarily “civic” with religious elements that could be
addressed as adapted by LCMS charter organizations in acceptable ways. TLUSA
is as much or more “religious” than civic. What special challenges or
opportunities does the different character of TLUSA present?

Core-Values:
Christ-centered; church-owned and operated; outdoor-focused; safety; courage; male-centered
adult leadership; volunteer-driven; program flexibility; shared leadership; youth-centered
leadership; character-focused, not awards-focused; servant leadership; family-oriented;
decentralized decision-making; and debt averse. 23
Concerning its Christ-centered core value, TLUSA describes its program as “unapologetically
Christian.” The description continues, stating that “the program is designed and intended to be
presented without being ‘churchy’ or ‘religious,’ focusing on outdoor adventure, character, and
leadership development.” Using the analogy of a “carrot cake,” TLUSA states that “the
assumptions of a Christian worldview are throughout the entire program” as pieces of carrot are
found throughout the entire cake. The Trail Life program “is not intended to replace or compete
with other youth groups, Bible studies, or church programs, but rather to complement them and
give youth an opportunity to exemplify and demonstrate Christian values in their relationships
with others.” 24
Observations, Questions, and Concerns
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What prayers and worship services might be expected at troop meetings or national
gatherings? Will allowances be made for distinctive groups to hold their own worship at
such gatherings?
The TLUSA Statement of Faith is Trinitarian, and although Jesus is rightly confessed as
the Son of God, no mention is made of salvation through faith in His name. TLUSA
states: “We expect God to make Himself known and endeavor to create every opportunity
we can for boys to acknowledge and grow in their knowledge of Him.” 25 The Trail Life
statement does not explain just how God might make Himself known. While the words
“ministry of the Holy Spirit” are not precisely defined in the TLUSA Statement of Faith,
the context suggests that it is the Spirit who enables Christians to live godly lives.

Websites

Trail Life USA describes itself as a character-building, and leadership organization, and
its Charter Organizations and adult leaders must sign and abide by the TLUSA Statement

22

The Statement of Faith, Values, Vision, Mission and Oath are found at http://www.traillifeusa.com/who-weare/values/statement-of-faith-values and http://www.traillifeusa.com/who-we-are. The Statements of Faith and
Values are identical to those of the American Heritage Girls program.
23
http://www.traillifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Core-Values-Doc-8.5x11.pdf.
24
http://www.traillifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Core-Values-Doc-8.5x11.pdf.

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Trail Life USA
http://www.traillifeusa.com
American Heritage Girls
http://www.americanheritagegirls.org

25

Trail Life USA “Faith Building Options Quick Reference Guide,” 3.

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2019 Convention Workbook