As I write this, I am knee-deep in Junior Camp. That’s right, 65 fourth and fifth graders and all that comes with it – homesickness, questionable hygienic practices, rampant squirreliness and so much more. They have been great thus far. In fact, in about two hours from this time of writing I am privileged to baptize one of the campers, one from my church family. It is a treasured moment.
The ministry of Christian camp has been invaluable (meaning “beyond our ability to estimate worth,” not “worthless”) in shaping the lives of so many young people through the years. Kid’s hearts have been touched to the extent that they make their first commitment to Christ, they make lasting recommitments, and some even commit to full-time Christian service.
A lingering skepticism exists also. The “camp experience” is considered by some to be a temporary phenomenon, bringing youth to a spiritual high that seldom lasts beyond the close of the summer in which they experience it. I can’t argue that sometimes that is the case, but all in all this ministry affords kids the opportunity to make long-term life-altering decisions as well.
What is more likely is that our Christian camp-like experiences in general are in danger of becoming shallow when we allow emotion to be the primary factor in spiritual decisions and maturity. Nearly any Christian experience can bring this about:
- A time of worship that brings tears.
- A passionate sermon that motivates to immediate action.
- A service opportunity that jolts the spirit to continued or deeper commitment.
- A personal prayer time in which the moving of God’s Spirit is nearly tangible.
- Reading a Christian book that convicts and stirs to action.
- A small group discussion which bonds together several hearts to act boldly.
- A face-to-face meeting whose challenge seems to change forever a long-held mindset.
Each of these, and many others, sometimes bring us to a watershed moment of decision and action.
How long does it last? Is that moment in time ever intended to last for the long haul?
Progress in the life in Christ is a step-by-step, daily journey. No one moment defines it for eternity. Obviously the Cross, the Empty Tomb, our baptism, and other moments are irreplaceable, but moments further down the path also serve to shape who we become in Christ. An intricate web of decisions, actions, words and thoughts (both our own, and those of others on our behalf), crafts our soul.
Most camp workers are careful to counsel campers that the weeks following camp will fade in luster. Once we leave the sacred grounds of sanctified fun, food and fellowship, we will be back into the world system. The same temptations and frustrations await us. Those things have not changed. Have we? Will we bring into that stubborn world a renewed courage and faith? Will we bring a revived joy and a strengthened commitment to be a person of holiness and truth? Are we willing to be intentional and persistent in our pursuit of a growing soul?
Most followers of Jesus experience this camp phenomenon to a degree every Monday morning. The Sunday experience has been crafted by church leaders to move and motivate, but it can never replace the condition of each disciple’s heart. The Sunday experience is intended to be a launchpad for decisions and action initiated by the Jesus follower him/herself. We must be willing to be Sunday people in a Monday world. We must be willing to convey the passion of camp to a world entrenched in brutal warfare. This is not a naive wish, but an act of faith, to forge ahead, trusting that the God who changes lives around a campfire on a June evening can continue to change lives over a cup of coffee in December and over a backyard fence in April.
Ready, Campers, to get out of the bunkhouse and into the world?
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