I just spent a week as a counselor at church camp. I accompanied my two oldest for 7 days in the July heat of the Midwest, down in a peaceful little valley in the middle of nowhere. No air conditioning. Limited cell service. Lots of singing, lots of smiling, lots of sweating.
It was so much fun to watch more than a hundred young people draw closer to one another and to God. The young ones started the week looking dazed and confused and ended the week with laughter and grins. The older ones undoubtedly enjoyed catching up with friends that they only see during this one sweet week each summer, but they were also deliberate in encouraging the younger crowd, taking them under their wings. It was incredible to witness.
As a new counselor, I had plenty of time to just observe. The experienced counselors quickly took to their “usual” jobs: song leader, softball coach, craft organizer. They were kind and patient with me and my ignorance about how things were done. I appreciated the opportunity just take in the happenings and consider the implications of such a week.
To be honest and fair, I went into the week somewhat discouraged with organized religion and what we have made of “church”. Am I the only one who gets a little grossed out by the politics and agendas and drama that happens in church? Sometimes it seems like we are light years away from the church that is described in the New Testament. The church that met in their homes and gave generously of their own assets, and cared for their widows and orphans…THAT church has seemed like an illusion, a fantasy. Were they messed up? Absolutely, but I think that the New Testament church had a better grasp on the big picture, of what God wants church to be. But I think I might have caught a glimpse of it when I watched the young people at camp.
Sure, these kids aren’t masters of theology. Most of them likely couldn’t debate the most current, controversial, hot button topics, backed up with scripture. They haven’t spent decades learning the in’s and out’s of what’s “right” and “wrong” to do in church (I’m not talking sin here, I’m talking about societal norms). These young people are so earnest in their worship. Their prayers are so innocent. Their voices are so pure, free from the bashfulness that accompanies self-consciousness. They weren’t all alike: there were athletic kids, and bookworms, and shy kids, and loud kids, and they all seemed to find a way to get along.
I went into the week feeling pessimistic about the current state of the church, but spending seven sweaty days with over a hundred kids filled me up. I came away with more hope and more confidence in the future of the church. I understand Matthew 19:14 better now. I think I know what Jesus meant when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Our young people are doing alright. I think we are in good hands trusting the future to them.
Read more of Abbie Mabary’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
