GREG’S GRAPEVINE …… summer is here and God’s work that called me into ordained ministry is upon me.

 As most of you know, the summer season is the time for Youth Ministry across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Regions. Each year thousands of lives are touched and transformed by their respective regional church Camp and Conference programs. Every program is unique, because every group of adults that God calls together have different gifts to share and bring to this week in the summer. Every year since I have been involved in these Youth programs across three Regions, I ask the youth to share a special moment at their camp and typically ask them to share a time when they felt or witnessed God’s presence. As a result, every year I have adults come to me afterwards and say, “I wish I could experience something like these kids did at camp.” The truth is … every adult can if they stay focused and go with the plan God has set before them in their congregation. However, this takes discipline, faith, and a commitment level that many are not willing to give. Let me explain by sharing the process in VA.

 As early as September, the month following the end of the Camp and Conference season, the Outdoor Ministry Committee (OMC) reviews the season and determines how to do better next year, and evaluates the adult leaders in their leadership positions. We ask questions, such as, “Is this person in a position that mirrors their spiritual gift?” “Did this person enjoy her job and demonstrate enthusiasm in the position?” “Are they interested in coming back next year?” The answers to these questions are absolutely imperative for any program to be worthwhile for attendees and leaders. As the Director of the Camp or Conference, it is this person’s responsibility to give credible insight and information during this meeting.

This will be my third and final year as Director of CYF Conference for the VA Region. By design, no one can be in this position for more than three consecutive years. This design was put in place to allow for new leadership and fresh ideas, in order to keep the program creative and exciting. That doesn’t mean there are no traditions, but this also helps to prevent "stagnant ideas." Then as Director, I am on the phone the next two months calling for my next-year staff. We begin meeting in January and meet a minimum of two additional times (all-day meetings) before we ever get to Craig Springs. During this time we are in prayer for each other and opened to God’s vision for the next summer. By January I am bringing a theme and vision for the coming year; not how to do it, but what we are doing. By the second meeting, we are all working from the same plan. The process works and has proven successful since I was taught this by other leaders in 1985.

 So how is this different in the church? Do we have a plan, vision, and purpose for our church? Are we sticking to it? Are we inviting and including new members to our leadership and committees? Trinity, we can experience God the way the youth do at camp, but it will only happen if we have a plan and stick to it.

                                                                 Pastor Greg