Do you remember attending a camp meeting? In the summer time we would often go to a rural location where we would attend religious meetings under a tent.
I have many memories from camp meetings. While making friends and hearing incredible music was all a part there seemed to be a special focus on hearing a word from the Lord. Not that we couldn’t get one at home or in our local church. But there was something about these special gatherings both for speaker and listener that seemed to have special significance.
This weekend I was blessed to be the musician for a camp meeting hosted by the Denton Church of Free Seventh-Day Adventists. Here are 3 lessons that I learned that I believe will be a blessing for you.
CAMP MEETING LESSON 1: WE MUST REVIEW OR WE FORGET
One of the subjects covered by one of the speakers was health. There is so much more information being thrown at us daily then in years gone by. And it is easy to forget significant things learned before. Every year someone has a new diet for us to try. While this is great to help them sell books it may well be that the fundamental principles remain the same. We really have to review what has worked in the past and what was taught before in order to have it ready to use when needed now.
LESSON 2: THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEATRICS AND THEOLOGY
I love a good sermon! I enjoy the exhilarating feeling of listening to the helpful truths found in the word of God delivered amidst well woven stories. But I’ve lived long enough to learn that there is a difference between the sizzle and the steak. Having mastered skillful oratory doesn’t mean that someone has more Jesus than another. In fact, as I listened to the different speakers who also had the yoke of a translator to make their delivery process more difficult I realized that what was most important was sincere relatable truth with proven solutions to help me on my spiritual journey.
CAMP MEETING LESSON 3: WE WILL LOSE WHAT WE HAD IF WE DON’T MAKE A CONNECTION WITH THE NEXT GENERATION
My heart was warmed as I saw a teenage boy translate the sermon for his father. Later he also translated a health lecture by his mother. And I was pleased that the leadership praised both him and the other young people who participated by singing, ushering, or supporting technology.
I realized as I looked that so many who have served are growing older and in need of support themselves. But I didn’t see as many younger people participating in the execution of the event. It takes a lot of work to put on a camp meeting. A lot more than having a zoom meeting from the comfort of your home.
What ever benefits that can be received from being in nature and in this kind of environment may be lost if the vision of it’s importance isn’t shared in meaningful ways with those younger generations. They currently are overwhelmed by the digital attention they receive and often puzzled with their struggle with anxiety and depression. They often don’t see the connection between the two.
Have you ever attend a camp meeting? Please share your story in the comment section. Have a great rest of your day!
