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Mel Moody, 1914-2003 Legacy of Leadership in Camp/Retreat Ministries by David & Sharon Schaar
Mel Moody knew how to inspire people through visionary approaches to ministry and a keen interest in supporting emerging leaders. Mel was the first full-time staff person for Christian Education and Camping in the Evangelical United Brethren denomination that merged with The Methodist Church in 1968 to become The United Methodist Church. Mel then accepted the responsibility of supporting the newly formed faith communion as the first national staff person for United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries from 1970 to 1981. Today, all of us owe Mel an immense debt of gratitude for his foresight and consummate collaboration that forged a strong future that blesses us all. A camper to the end, Mel entertained friends and family with a rousing rendition of the campfire favorite "Lion Hunt" as part of his 89th birthday celebration.
A month later, in February 2003, one of the pillars of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries died. Even in death, he drew folks together for a celebration of Jesus' love, an embrace with God, and the joy of an anticipated heavenly "camp reunion," especially with his wife Sally who had gone on before.
Mel had a vibrant sense of humor and a deep faith, illustrated by this first-hand account of his earliest camping experience.
"A high school junior taught my Sunday school class. He and I became good friends. He took us boys on an overnight camping trip. We camped on a farmer's land along a river. We didn't ask the farmer if we could be there, so it was kind of scary. We put up a small pup tent to sleep under and made a fire and cooked some food. When we went to bed, I hated to leave that fire. It seemed so lonely in that tent. I didn't know what might happen along that creek. I decided all that I could do was to trust in God. So I prayed. It was a real religious experience. I never felt like that before."A shaky beginning developed into the theme of Dr. Moody's life and career, even to the point of titling his memoirs, "Camping Is My Life."
Here are a few highlights from his many contributions to United Methodist Camp/Retreat Ministries:
- Served as Director of Christian Education for the East Ohio Conference, 1946-1970;
- Helped with the development of Camp Wanake in Ohio;
- After attending training schools with L.B. Sharp, he helped launch the highly effective "small-group decentralized camping" model that shaped the philosophy of camp and retreat ministry profoundly;
- Chaired the Outdoor Committee of the National Council of Churches and the Religiously Affiliated Council of the American Camping Association®;
- Set as a high priority leadership training and the nurture of new people in the ministry — including helping to organize the National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Committee, which established national training events beginning in 1972 with 71 participants (today's average event attendance: 400-500);
- Pioneered the move from camp "caretakers" to highly skilled directors/managers, combining responsibilities for operational management with faith formation, program, and Christian hospitality — essential to the long-term success and effectiveness of United Methodist camp/retreat ministries;
- Taught seminary courses at United Theological Seminary on camp and retreat mnistries, leading the way for others such as Ted Witt to teach advanced courses in this specialized ministry.
(The numerous camp and retreat ministries classes now being offered by the Theological School at Drew University and the new Certification in Camp/Retreat Ministry offered by our denomination now would be thrilling for Mel.)
Mel's dedication and achievement were recognized by Otterbein College (his Alma Mater) through two separate awards: a Doctor of Divinity Degree and a Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Moody cherished the simple opportunity to be a friend and mentor to others who wanted to make a difference by helping people grow closer to God and experience a community of love. He believed camp and retreat gatherings were a wonderful way to help fulfill that need for many youth and adults, if capable leaders could be equipped to provide the experiences. We will never know just how many women and men were encouraged and supported by him on a personal and professional level as they entered camp and retreat ministry and continued to grow as camp and retreat leaders. He was even known to pull out his own wallet and to advocate for scholarship funds to make sure leaders who could not afford to go had the chance to attend seminars and courses to enhance their faith and their skills. His life is a reminder that none of us become effective leaders on our own. Celebrating Mel's life is a time to remember and honor/memorialize all those who have touched our lives and helped us become the best of who we are today. Undoubtedly, United Methodist camp/retreat ministries are stronger, in part, because of this tradition of mutual care and support.
Mel, we thank God for you — your vision, lifelong dedication, and Christian love. You have been an example of what it means to be "One in the Spirit" as leaders together in this important ministry of the church.
| Camp/Retreat Memo Contents | Mel Moody 1914-2003 |
| The Legacy of Leadership Fund | The Legacy of Leadership Fund Contribution Form |
| In Honor/Memory | Congratulations | Gathering Histories |
| Opening Hearts to the Spirit | Mark Your Calendars |
| Improvisation Papers | Share Our Worlds |
| Retreat-Planning Steps for Local Churches | Recommended Resources |
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