Church is a lantern; camp is a flashlight. God shines the light of his glory through local church ministry continuously (2 Corinthians 4:6). He shines through camp ministry in focused, concentrated beams. Campers cannot get all the photons of church ministry at camp, but what they do get is powerful because of its intensity.
Beams of Evangelism
The good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). At camp the gospel is proclaimed in a 360 degree blitz, flowing from the overall theme through the preaching, teaching, and music, reverberating in devotions and conversations. It is presented verbally, visually, and kinetically to people in their natural childish and adolescent openness to it. That’s why so many Christians trace their salvation to camp experiences.
Beams of Discipleship
Jesus commanded us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Camp culture is uniquely conducive for connecting children and teens with mature believers who are close to their age. Of course, discipleship can occur between two Christians with a large age gap, but there seems to be something special about meeting a mature believer close to your own age. Maybe it has to do with relatability. Maybe it shows the young person that Christian maturity is attainable at a young age, and not only in adulthood. Whatever the reason, there is power in young Christians discipling younger Christians.
For example, a high school camper and a 19-year-old counselor connected at camp three years ago. After camp, they corresponded for about six months in a long-distance discipleship relationship, and then slowly lost touch. Last week, the high school camper (now 19 himself) experienced a tragedy in his family. One of the first people he reached out to for support was his old counselor. Their discipleship relationship, established at camp, has an endless shelf-life.
Beams of Teaching
God’s word lives and acts, surgically exposing and healing our souls (Hebrews 4:12-13). At camp, it is taught constantly. All other input valves are turned off, and the Scripture valve is completely opened. There is no internet and cell phones are prohibited. The Bible is taught in interactive and dynamic ways every day. It is like a juice cleanse for the soul.
But it isn’t just about the input. The receptivity is enhanced as well. I can remember being a camper and preferring to stay in our teepee listening to our counselor read Proverbs rather than go outside and take part in the spontaneous pillow fight that had erupted. Several years ago, I created a huge collage of posters over the course of the week with the scriptures we were studying. At the end of the week, I rolled them up and gave them to the campers. Every time I see those campers they tell me they still have their scripture posters hanging on their bedroom walls. Something about the camp atmosphere opens up the pores.
Beams of Worship
If we’ll draw near to God, he’ll draw near to us (James 4:8). At camp, the lack of digital distractions, the quality of community, and the intensity of worship gives campers an opportunity for repentance and closeness with God. Camp often becomes a “mountain top” experience, a distant echo of what Peter, James, and John found on the mount of transfiguration. Maybe this is one reason so many ministers trace their callings back to early camp experiences (including me).
Beams of Fellowship
All of this creates an unparalleled shared experience. Yes, campers develop long-lasting friendships. But more importantly, they develop life-long fellowship. They connect forever with fellow Christians. I met a guy 16 years ago at camp. Now we’re both pastors. We see each other probably once a year at best. When we do, we pick up right where we left off. We’re not old friends. We’re co-disciples with a shared faith history, and our relationship was initially forged at camp.
Discussion Starters
- Does anyone in the group have a testimony of how God has blessed them through camp ministry?
- Jesus told us to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Camp ministry is one way that our churches work together toward this end. What does it mean to make disciples? (What scriptures come to mind that might help us understand our task?)
- How are you, as an individual, working to make disciples?
- What are some opportunities or ideas for how you could be more faithful (and, Lord willing, fruitful) at making disciples?
- Is there any way you feel like you need to grow, be trained, or be equipped for making disciples?
- What are some opportunities or ideas for your House to House group to make disciples?
- What are some opportunities or ideas for our church?
- What are some opportunities or ideas that might involve multiple churches?
- Pray together.
