Partners in Discipleship: Camp and Retreat Ministries (continued) Enhancing Community Fundamental changes in our society make community building imperative. In the U.S., we have moved from a front-porch culture to a back-deck existence. We know our neighbors less and less as we get busier and busier. Families frequently leave their communities of origin, ending up far from relatives and friends. And our population is the most diverse in U.S. history. All over the world, the reality is setting in that we are mutually interdependent members of the global community. Religious groups have an immense responsibility to lead the way in bringing people together in love, cooperation, and support. One notable dimension of camp/retreat ministry is its consistency in giving a group of people the vision, sensitivity, and tools to become a caring community for one another. Remarkably, many of the participants have never met one another before or do not know one another well. Some folks are quite different from one another. Very few settings in today's world invite strangers to live 24 hours a day together with the goal of becoming a loving community. That explains, in part, why camp/retreat communities have such lasting impact. In some cases, camp/retreat events help families know and appreciate one another more. Christian hospitality occurs through a deep connection with the Holy Spirit, for it is the Spirit that produces "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These fruits of the Spirit are at the heart of family. Camp/retreat experiences demonstrate that such relationships are possible and call people to the ministry of community building wherever they return to live. Caring for the Earth The degradation of the earth is a wake-up call to humanity, if we will hear it. Whatever happens to the earth will happen to human beings; God established fundamental ties and interdependence within creation as a whole. People do not stand outside creation; they are part of it. Religious leaders and faith communities must partner with scientists to create understanding of the human impact on and responsibility for the earth. Human consumption, waste, and overpopulation threaten the very fabric of existence on this planet. Under such burdens, other species are disappearing at alarming rates. The spiritual, biblical roots of our faith speak powerfully about the sacredness of creation and make it crystal clear that earth care is part of discipleship. The creation belongs to God, not to humanity. The value of all creatures goes far beyond simply "using" them. Human beings are responsible for caring for God's creation (Gen. 1, Psalm 24:1-2). The natural world is sacred. The wild things are holy words of God (John 1:1-5, Psalm 19:1-4, Job 12:7-10). God's intention is that the earth will share the freedom of the "children of God." The earth suffers when we do not show an attitude of "meekness," and we end up suffering too (Isa. 24:4-8, Matt. 5:5, Mark 16:15, Rom. 8:19-25). The earth depends on the people of God to step forward and reveal ourselves, then to lead the society to be stewards of creation. The location of United Methodist Camp/Retreat Centers makes them ideal for teaching discipleship, earth care, and environmental sensitivity. Those who come receive peace, beauty, and healing in return from the earth and the Holy Spirit. Finally, it is important to prepare spiritual leaders who will return to their local churches and communities inspired to involve others in eco-ministries that will benefit generations to come. Support for Groups Who Serve the World Nonprofit groups of all kinds now seek out our camp/retreat centers. Much investment has gone into quality, year-round retreat centers designed to serve groups from local churches, religiously affiliated organizations, educational institutions, social service agencies, extended families, and others. More than an investment in buildings, it is ultimately an investment in changed lives. All the groups we host share one thing: They exist to make life better in the world and to address real need. We partner to help that happen. Nonprofit groups travel to our environments of Christian hospitality to develop and implement life-changing programs, to train leaders, to gather for visioning and planning, and to retreat for renewal and inspiration. We extend nurturing hospitality for them because we understand them to be partners in healing, justice, and personal, spiritual growth. By supporting these groups and their purposes, The United Methodist Church extends its love to people and places far beyond what we will ever know. Thanks be to God for sacred common ground where people can receive the blessings of the Spirit so they can go forth to be a blessing. Camp/Retreat Ministry and the General Board of Discipleship: Partners in Discipleship The General Board of Discipleship feels privileged and honored to be in partnership with the leaders of camp/retreat ministries. The General Board: Encourages and helps equip camp/retreat ministry staff to lead ministries that will be avenues to "making disciples" and developing spiritual leadership. Works collaboratively with Drew Theological School, the National Camp/Retreat Committee, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and other organizations to provide and/or promote national gatherings and training opportunities for leaders of camp/retreat ministry. These events provide spiritual renewal and skill training for what has become a complex and crucial set of ministry responsibilities. Links with interdenominational and professional camp/retreat ministry associations to glean the most effective practices, developments, and resources within the field to share with United Methodist leaders. Provides consultations and mission/visioning processes for centers doing futuring. In addition, the National Director of United Methodist Camp/ Retreat Ministry supports and assists conference and center directors. Helps make it possible for international staff who come from Methodist settings worldwide to serve understanding, and mutual appreciation for other cultures that develops among the participants adds another important dimension to the ministry. Operates a leadership e-mail network, newsletter, and web page that provide information about the ministry to the public and allow camp/retreat leaders to connect and learn. Creates devotionals specifically for camp/retreat leaders. National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Ministry Links Staff Kevin Witt, Director of Camp/Retreat Ministries, ktwjel@aol.com, Connie Schmutz, Administrative Assistant, cschmutz@gbod.org Camp/Retreat Ministry Office, General Board of Discipleship P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003; toll-free (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7134; (615) 340-7134; http://www.gbod.org/camping To sign up for the Camp/Retreat Leader E-mail Network, email ktwjel@aol.com. | New Camp/Retreat Certification | | Share Our Worlds Approved by State Department | | It's Working for Us | | | Partners in Discipleship: Camp and Retreat Ministries | | Resource Review | | Conservation U.S.A. | | Continuing Education & Fellowship Events | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | | Camping Home | Articles | Links | Staff | | Comments | Directory | Events | Employment Opportunities |