For the past thirty-four years, I have been attending Church of God Camp Meetings and have enjoyed them all. However, in our fast-pace, technological savvy world, are camp meetings till necessary? I believe they are and here are three reasons why.
Rapport. The fellowship that a camp meeting offers with people of like faith is second to none. I can personally testify that some of my strongest friendships were forged while fellowshipping with other pastors at Camp Meeting. During this one week a year, pastors and spouses may come and enjoy the company of one another and are built up to go back to their respective churches and fields of service. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJ) “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” The early church fellowshipped together. Our Camp Meeting fellowship is in keeping with the New Testament church pattern.
Renewal. How many times have we gone to a Camp Meeting empty from having served and given to others in the local church? However, at Camp Meeting God met with us, and we were renewed and refilled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6:18 (NKJ) “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Our theme for Camp Meeting 2019 is “Lord, Show Us Your Glory.” I am asking God to fill each of us both laity and the ministry anew with His power, and may this renewal from Camp Meeting spread to our churches across the state.
Rest. The genesis account of creation tells us that having finished His work of creation, God rested on the seventh day-Sabbath. Finally, Camp Meeting allows us to unplug from our routines and from the grind of normal life. Jesus said to His disciples, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest for a while” (Mark 6:31). Camp Meeting will allow you to rest, recharge, and have rapport.
Make Camp Meeting 2019 a part of your summer. Tammie and I will be looking for you. God Bless you!