I've heard how people have actually heard God speak to them directly in their call to ministry and some who have known that they were being called without a direct voice. However, knowing how I am called by God is an explanation in it's self.
I believe that anyone who is a believer in Christ has a specific calling from God. Jesus clearly states in the Bible that we who are followers of Him have a calling; spread His love to all and help them grow in the Lord. I have felt that camp is where the Lord was leading me to serve him. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. I want to be surrounded by Him and give Him my all. I know here I have the opportunity to serve the Lord and grow in my walk with Him. Camp's LAUNCH program has given me a better understanding in the way the Lord works through a parachurch ministry. I know I have a lot left to learn, but I'm eager to get started and move closer to my Lord and my Savior.
There is a peace and a feeling of security that, I believe, the Lord has given me. I'm willing to go where He leads me.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
What is the relationship between a church and a parachurch?
The church and parachurch both have unique roles in spreading the love of Christ. Though the parachurch is not the church, it does come alongside the church as a ministry set out to reach the lost. As both work to give hope to the lost, by presenting the love of Christ, a relationship between the two becomes visible.
A parachurch such as a camp, Awana, and vacation bible school are ministries that do come alongside the church and help in that ministry. A parachurch has a close relationship with the church. If the church fails as a ministry the parachurch is also hurt. If a parachurch fails the church does not suffer as much as the previous scenario. Now there are many church institutions that are very close with certain parachurches. Awana may be a churches parachurch, but if the program fails in one church building the organization still goes on in many other churches.
I look at the church as the parent and the parachurch as the child. I think it is important to take care of their parachurch as a parent would care for their child. The church should have a strong relationship with it's parachurch. The parachurch needs to be obedient towards the church as it carries out God's will.
A parachurch such as a camp, Awana, and vacation bible school are ministries that do come alongside the church and help in that ministry. A parachurch has a close relationship with the church. If the church fails as a ministry the parachurch is also hurt. If a parachurch fails the church does not suffer as much as the previous scenario. Now there are many church institutions that are very close with certain parachurches. Awana may be a churches parachurch, but if the program fails in one church building the organization still goes on in many other churches.
I look at the church as the parent and the parachurch as the child. I think it is important to take care of their parachurch as a parent would care for their child. The church should have a strong relationship with it's parachurch. The parachurch needs to be obedient towards the church as it carries out God's will.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Blog # 3
Explain the pros and cons of being a denominational camping organization.
Being apart of Hidden Acres camping organization has allowed me to realize that at many times the different groups that attend this camp bring with them diverse beliefs and opinions.
Some of the cons of this denominational camp appear to me as I tend to camp needs alongside my fellow Launch classmates throughout the week. One con is that groups looking forward to using the Hidden Acres facility may be uncomfortable associating with a camp of another denominational opinion. Situations may arise where traditions from one denomination differs from the camp's traditions or beliefs on certain matters. One such example would be on using real wine apart from the use grape juice. What does wine do for a denomination that grape juice can not symbolize in communing with God. Allowing wine to be used during communion at a camp may lead to others viewing the camp as allowing alcohol to any group coming into camp.
Hidden Acres carries more than one retreat at a time on many occasions. This in itself allows for disputes especially when diverse denominations share the grounds throughout the week or weekend. This is also a con that camps experience. Many of these disputes can come from traditions, music, apparel, and other beliefs. A camp needs to be understanding as a ministry, but if the beliefs and actions of the incoming retreaters offend others or go against the Bible the camp has the responsibility to put an end to these actions.
Along with it's cons there are also pros in being a denominational camp. Being a denominational camp allows this organization to set rules according to the Bible. Setting rules allows the camp to offer terms to upcoming retreats and gives them the authority in saying what will not be allowed and what is allowed.
Camp allows the growing of families in their bond with each other, but more importantly camp tries to create a stronger relationship with Christ. I see this as a wonderful pro for camp. Denominations should not matter, but when man tries to conform their beliefs towards that of the worlds denominations fall away from the Lord and create for themselves beliefs that contradict the words of God.
Being apart of Hidden Acres camping organization has allowed me to realize that at many times the different groups that attend this camp bring with them diverse beliefs and opinions.
Some of the cons of this denominational camp appear to me as I tend to camp needs alongside my fellow Launch classmates throughout the week. One con is that groups looking forward to using the Hidden Acres facility may be uncomfortable associating with a camp of another denominational opinion. Situations may arise where traditions from one denomination differs from the camp's traditions or beliefs on certain matters. One such example would be on using real wine apart from the use grape juice. What does wine do for a denomination that grape juice can not symbolize in communing with God. Allowing wine to be used during communion at a camp may lead to others viewing the camp as allowing alcohol to any group coming into camp.
Hidden Acres carries more than one retreat at a time on many occasions. This in itself allows for disputes especially when diverse denominations share the grounds throughout the week or weekend. This is also a con that camps experience. Many of these disputes can come from traditions, music, apparel, and other beliefs. A camp needs to be understanding as a ministry, but if the beliefs and actions of the incoming retreaters offend others or go against the Bible the camp has the responsibility to put an end to these actions.
Along with it's cons there are also pros in being a denominational camp. Being a denominational camp allows this organization to set rules according to the Bible. Setting rules allows the camp to offer terms to upcoming retreats and gives them the authority in saying what will not be allowed and what is allowed.
Camp allows the growing of families in their bond with each other, but more importantly camp tries to create a stronger relationship with Christ. I see this as a wonderful pro for camp. Denominations should not matter, but when man tries to conform their beliefs towards that of the worlds denominations fall away from the Lord and create for themselves beliefs that contradict the words of God.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Blog#2
How does understanding the worldview of other religions help you minister to others' needs, even if you never meet someone from those particular faiths?
If I do not have an understanding of the other views and beliefs that people hold, it will be very difficult for me to reach out to them and bring them to Christ. Learning about other cultures and beliefs other than my own, I hope, will strengthen my core beliefs and allow me to obtain the ability to refute the false beliefs around me.
Sharing the biblical views and beliefs that I hold dear is important, but if I do not allow myself an understanding, not an acceptance of the many false beliefs that invade our world, it will be difficult if not impossible for me to unveil the lies of the world. I want to use the knowledge that I learn here at Launch to strengthen my biblical view and bring others to the Lord.
If I do not have an understanding of the other views and beliefs that people hold, it will be very difficult for me to reach out to them and bring them to Christ. Learning about other cultures and beliefs other than my own, I hope, will strengthen my core beliefs and allow me to obtain the ability to refute the false beliefs around me.
Sharing the biblical views and beliefs that I hold dear is important, but if I do not allow myself an understanding, not an acceptance of the many false beliefs that invade our world, it will be difficult if not impossible for me to unveil the lies of the world. I want to use the knowledge that I learn here at Launch to strengthen my biblical view and bring others to the Lord.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Blog #1
Why should everyone understand a ministry's statement of faith?
It is important for anyone involved in ministry to take the time to understand their statement of faith. A statement of faith is the belief that certain ministries, such as a camp or church, hold to explain why they hold their specific beliefs. Students involved in the LAUNCH program at camp Hidden Acres were asked the question: Why should everyone understand a ministry's statement of faith?
Understanding your ministry's statement of faith will give you an insight of what the ministry believes and why your ministry holds it's beliefs. It will also put you on the same page with the other members within the same ministry. If the members of a ministry do not agree on a specific statement of faith there will be conflict within that ministry and your strong foundation you thought you held will be demolished. This is not healthy for a ministry. Setting a strong, biblical foundation for your ministry allows for a close relationship with God and a mutual understanding of beliefs with other members and co-workers.
In camp ministry it is important that the campers coming in and using the facilities understand the camp's statement of faith. Allowing the people to understand that the ministry's beliefs and rules gives them assurance of what is allowed and what is not. It also provides an opportunity for clients to refuse the use of the facility if their beliefs hinder them in any way.
Ministry is an opportunity to allow others to experience the enjoyments the Lord has blessed you with. This experience may the change lives of those needing the Lord.
It is important for anyone involved in ministry to take the time to understand their statement of faith. A statement of faith is the belief that certain ministries, such as a camp or church, hold to explain why they hold their specific beliefs. Students involved in the LAUNCH program at camp Hidden Acres were asked the question: Why should everyone understand a ministry's statement of faith?
Understanding your ministry's statement of faith will give you an insight of what the ministry believes and why your ministry holds it's beliefs. It will also put you on the same page with the other members within the same ministry. If the members of a ministry do not agree on a specific statement of faith there will be conflict within that ministry and your strong foundation you thought you held will be demolished. This is not healthy for a ministry. Setting a strong, biblical foundation for your ministry allows for a close relationship with God and a mutual understanding of beliefs with other members and co-workers.
In camp ministry it is important that the campers coming in and using the facilities understand the camp's statement of faith. Allowing the people to understand that the ministry's beliefs and rules gives them assurance of what is allowed and what is not. It also provides an opportunity for clients to refuse the use of the facility if their beliefs hinder them in any way.
Ministry is an opportunity to allow others to experience the enjoyments the Lord has blessed you with. This experience may the change lives of those needing the Lord.
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