Replacing Camp Meetings

“Camp meetings” played a central role in the spiritual life of Methodists and the holiness churches for more than 100 years. Camp meetings still exist and some are flourishing—but they are quite different than the original brand that had so much influence on local church life. Many are sort of “evening reenactments” of the original camp meeting. Before a church can find a suitable replacement for the camp meeting we’ve got to list the elements of the original camp meeting to see what would be a similar experience. Here are a few key elements:

- The laity sacrificed valuable vacation days to go out of town for a week or two.

- They spent some of their own money to cover the cost—even though the cost was subsidized.

- They lived in close association with other Christians in a 24-7 hyper-relational environment.

- The goal was purportedly evangelism but the greatest benefit actually came to those who went.

- They came back spiritually transformed with fresh energy to revitalize their local church.

- They considered it “the most transforming experience of my life.”

- They couldn’t wait to go again and started thinking right away about returning.

- They started recruiting others to go too—even offering to support them financially.

So, what modern experience comes closest to the original camp meeting experience? My answer: mission trips.

Glance through the list above once again to see if this is true. Is it? Are mission trips replacing the old camp meeting for the members of your church?

So, what do you think?

The discussion of this column is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=161502633

Keith Drury September 14, 2010

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