Dear church,
My first experience of outdoor ministry (at Peace Lutheran Bible Camp—northwest Alberta near Grande Prairie) included dormitory accommodations, generous portions of oatmeal porridge at breakfast (which I still love), a singing/ministry team from the then Camrose Lutheran College whose members also served as camp counsellors, worship, skits, crafts, a “prank hour” on the last evening, and a bear sauntering through the camp one sunny afternoon.
I was a young teenager and thrilled with this time away from home and the opportunity to be in God’s creation and to meet other like-minded young Lutherans, some of whom I am still in contact with today.
Since those years I have participated in several of our Lutheran Church camps as staff, camper, volunteer, resource person, Confirmation instructor and again and again I have experienced the impact that outdoor ministry has on adults, youth and children.
Many share stories of the significance of this ministry on their lives and their journeys of faith.
Many point to their outdoor ministry experience as an important piece in their faith walk.
Many tell of the impact of a counsellor or cook or resource person on their life through a significant conversation or prayer together or shared experience at worship.
As a youth I remember particularly the singing-ministry team from Camrose Lutheran College and a devotion and prayer one evening shared by one of the college students (who recently retired from pastoral ministry) around a blazing campfire. They spoke of vocation (a word I wasn’t familiar with then) and calling and ministry and service. They talked of one’s calling as farmers and educators and musicians and pastors. They shared of their own journey of faith in a brief and simple and genuine way. And they prayed asking the Spirit of God to move in the lives and hearts of all those gathered in this intentional community gathered around the fire. I’ll never forget that night.
There are many opportunities within the ELCIC for participation in outdoor ministry this summer and throughout the year and I encourage you to take part as you are able in this important ministry. If you are not able to participate personally consider giving a gift to send a child or youth to camp. Many of our camps have a “wish list” of needs for the camp, perhaps you might share in this way. And certainly, we can pray for camp staff, volunteers, board members and for the campers.
Camping Ministry is our ministry together: encouraging growth of the whole person by providing encounters with scripture, experience and care of the environment, staff witness, and opportunities for worship, re-creation and relationship building through intentional Christian community.
Living out God’s grace and unconditional love. This is what I experienced, and continue to experience, through camping ministry.
Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer
ELCIC National Bishop
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