Camp Meetings. What do you expect out of them?

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I don't think the primary motivating factor for most people going to large conferences or camp meetings is to get closer to God.

In contrast, I don't think the implication that it's a low priority is correct either. I would say that wanting to get together with other Christians and fellowship is a good priority to have, and a perfectly acceptable reason to attend a church function.

Personally, I've had my share of come-to-Jesus meetings at campmeetings, conferences and youth camp. However, I would agree that most of my campmeeting/camp experiences have been more about friends and fellowship. I think that's okay, and I hope my kids have the same good experiences.

[commonsense]

I went to camp every year from 1956 to 1969.

I've been to camp in ND, SD, MN,NE, IA and IL.


My fondest memories are of the shared UPC/PAW rented campground in Trego, WI.

It was very rustic.....sand, pump for water, outhouses; there was one central meeting structure, it served as cafeteria and tabernacle.

We slept on bunkbeds in log cabins with cement floors. No AC, we didn't even have fans.
I think there might have been one old fan at the front of the tabernacle for the preacher but I'm not sure.

We had fabulous afternoon Bible studies that taught the word. It was not superficial; even as a child I sat entranced as the the scripture was revealed.

The night speakers weren't as deep but it was meant to inspire and convict.

Nothing could top it!


(I confess that today the lack of AC and no running water would probably be more than I could handle)

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

In contrast, I don't think the implication that it's a low priority is correct either. I would say that wanting to get together with other Christians and fellowship is a good priority to have, and a perfectly acceptable reason to attend a church function.

Personally, I've had my share of come-to-Jesus meetings at campmeetings, conferences and youth camp. However, I would agree that most of my campmeeting/camp experiences have been more about friends and fellowship. I think that's okay, and I hope my kids have the same good experiences.

I think those are great reasons to go. It's just most of those meeting aren't advertised as being primarily about that kind of stuff though. Maybe its a good thing they are advertised the way they are though.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

LOLOL love it! An excellent point!

First, my apologies for the typos. Matthew 28:19-29 should have read Matthew 28:19-20.

Second, while Acts 2:38 is the expected response to the gospel, that is not where the Bible either starts nor where it or ends.

Agreed and I think that the first time a Christian becomes angry and needs to ask forgiveness, needs to forgive, or is tempted to tell, maybe, a white lie, tempted in anything, etc., they realize there is more to their life in God than only Acts 2:38. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

For example (for everyone's consideration), just how many of the 147 commands (instructions in righteousness -Torah) of Jesus can you list, claim to obey, and actively teach others to observe? Most folks I have challenged with this question could not list twenty without opening the Bible and going through line by line.

Every Apostle who was faithful to his calling had to fulfill the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:20. If any one of the apostles did not teach all of the things included in this instruction, then they were like Judas, i.e., they betrayed God's trust and were no longer a true disciple of the Christ. Since there is no record of such a failure, it is safe to assume that every Apostle taught others as they were commanded to teach - everything Jesus commanded (taught) during His earthly ministry.

So, for those who can list, say thirty of Jesus' instructions, that makes you 20% apostolic and 80% something else! So much for our self justified claim of having the Truth while others walk around in darkness.

Where did you get this information?

I can only find that if we do not love him more than our father, mother, wife, children, brethren, sisters and our own life, we cannot be His disciple; if we do not bear His cross and come after Him, we cannot be His disciple; if we do not forsake all, we cannot be His disciple. (Luke 14: 26;27;33)

Oh! Just because one might be able to recite the commands of Jesus, that does not mean that that person truly understands what those commands actually mean, or that they can correctly apply them to their life, i.e., that the individual is truly an apostolic disciple of Jesus! There is more to being His disciple (a student of the Jewish Rabbi from Nazareth) than saying I am sorry, getting wet and speaking in tongues.

Agreed! I believe, which is common in any religious faith, that there are those that live a religion, their parents religion, etc. and do not have a personal relationship with God. Then you could have the foolish virgin who takes advantage of what they have.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

In contrast, I don't think the implication that it's a low priority is correct either. I would say that wanting to get together with other Christians and fellowship is a good priority to have, and a perfectly acceptable reason to attend a church function.

Personally, I've had my share of come-to-Jesus meetings at campmeetings, conferences and youth camp. However, I would agree that most of my campmeeting/camp experiences have been more about friends and fellowship. I think that's okay, and I hope my kids have the same good experiences.

Right I agree. My wife was the first I heard say this... twenty years ago I thought she was just a bit "carnal". Today I more than agree and might even slip out of a heavy service for a shot of espresso with a friend... (please don't tell anyone.)

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by commonsense

I went to camp every year from 1956 to 1969.

I've been to camp in ND, SD, MN,NE, IA and IL.


My fondest memories are of the shared UPC/PAW rented campground in Trego, WI.

It was very rustic.....sand, pump for water, outhouses; there was one central meeting structure, it served as cafeteria and tabernacle.

We slept on bunkbeds in log cabins with cement floors. No AC, we didn't even have fans.
I think there might have been one old fan at the front of the tabernacle for the preacher but I'm not sure.

We had fabulous afternoon Bible studies that taught the word. It was not superficial; even as a child I sat entranced as the the scripture was revealed.

The night speakers weren't as deep but it was meant to inspire and convict.

Nothing could top it!

Good post!!!!! My experiences have been similar.

(I confess that today the lack of AC and no running water would probably be more than I could handle)

We're all pretty wimpy now, aren't we? My Grandma had lots of those cardboard fans with the little paint stick type handles and pictures of a long-haired Jesus on the front.

[MissBrattified]

Oh...and also, there were the scary benches that you had to be REALLY careful about sitting on, because of splinters and pinching. It was nice when folding chairs became in vogue.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Right I agree. My wife was the first I heard say this... twenty years ago I thought she was just a bit "carnal". Today I more than agree and might even slip out of a heavy service for a shot of espresso with a friend... (please don't tell anyone.)

lol...yep. My girlfriends and I slipped out of a ladies' conference session one year to go bowling. Now THAT'S close to sacrilegious--but it was FUN!!!! (I won't say who the speaker was that year....)

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

lol...yep. My girlfriends and I slipped out of a ladies' conference session one year to go bowling. Now THAT'S close to sacrilegious--but it was FUN!!!! (I won't say who the speaker was that year....)

Now you must tell us!!!

[MissBrattified]

Wait...maybe it was miniature golf...I can't remember!!!!!