The Generation to Come

Sounds: laughter, diving boards bouncing, chatter, frogs croaking, children's praise

Smells: sunscreen, dirty socks, chlorine, camp food--it all smells the same

Touches: heat on your skin, hugs, breeze on your face, splashes from the pool, the Holy Spirit present


These are just a few things that I experience every year at Children's Camp. This year, we took 299 sponsors and children to Glenrose. It was an amazing time. David, Shawn, Brian, Kim and others work tirelessly to make sure our kids are safe and have an incredible experience. Barry and Dennis lead so wonderfully in worship. Daryl and his crew work tirelessly around the clock to address every media need and capture the memories on video. This year, we had 35 professions of faith and 17 rededications. Their hearts are so tender, and so honest.

One of the lessons I learned (or was reminded of) is that we need to set our expectations high for the future. There is a wonderful generation of kids just waiting to be used. And they need to be trained and made to feel useful.

Our youth band led worship at Children's Camp. This was a group of 5 guys entering 8th grade to entering 11th grade. They took it seriously. Now they were kids...complete with the ghost stories, sleeping in life preservers, camp pranks, etc. But, when I challenged them in leadership, they stepped up. It wasn't about music or performance to them. It was about modeling and leadership. They took seriously their spiritual preparation each day--spending quiet time with God. They took seriously their musical preparation--they would have played all day if I'd have let them. But then, they took seriously the modeling. They spent the afternoons playing with the kids in the pool, or helping Brian by filling water balloons. They were servant leaders. I was proud.

I came back to Brown Blvd on Sunday, where one of our adults was training two of our "children" to do the graphics. She showed them how to do it just before the service, and that 5th and 6th grader ran the entire service on Sunday. I didn't even notice that it wasn't an adult running them. They felt useful, and were helping to lead the entire congregation in worship.

Mark 9:37 says, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me;"

I have been truly blessed by the ministry of these "children". Scripture talks about faith like a child. We often think of that as "simple" faith. This week, I thought of it as willing and fearless. It made me truly excited about the next generation of believers and all that God will do through them.

Lord, thank You for Your provision. Thank You for Your training. Thank You for a church who believes that even our children can serve You powerfully and meaningfully. Help us to teach this next generation, and help us to be willing to pass the baton graciously as that time comes. Thank You for the reminder that You are eternal, and Your work will continue for generations to come!