Valleys and mountains, highs and lows are all part of life. Specifically, in the Christian life we certainly go through moments where we feel more empowered and determined to honor God than in other moments which might feel mundane.
Getting people motivated for the Lord is something I strive to do as a youth pastor. It can be difficult getting people to realize they need to be on God’s agenda and that He actually has an agenda for their lives too. Perhaps the most perplexing context is when someone realizes God has a plan for them, they realize that epiphany with joy, excitement, and instant desire to seek God always. As a youth pastor I see this in my own youth and I also see this in them at church camp. The excitement and adrenaline of wanting to pursue the Lord with every fiber of one’s being. We see students get fired up, sponsors get fired up, and I get fired up to serve the Lord more too! However, after camp is done, the vans are put up, the post camp nap is complete, and the next week begins back in our own routine. We somewhere reach a gap and often the fire we once held so dear begins to slowly fade away.
After camp this year, I prayed that God would help me come up with ways to fill that gap between fire up and fizzled out. Below our ten steps to help you and your youth group to help keep the fire alive after camp. We can’t do anything, but through surrendering to God’s direction daily, we can see the fire blaze for many more days, months, and even years ahead. Lord, keep our fire burning for You!
How to Keep the Fire Alive even After Church Camp is Over:
1. Carve out a time during the day to dedicate to an intentional quiet time. Replicating this part of church camp is crucial to you.
2. Go to Church. Stay connected with the church, youth group, and friends you went to camp with. Don’t retreat back to the wilderness of your week alone.
3. Prepare For WAR: Know that as soon as you get home from church camp, the devil is already working against you and will fight you in every way possible to stunt your spiritual growth and smoother your fire for God.
4. Reflect daily on what you learned from camp and think of how you can apply it to your life.
5. Remember the Spiritual Decision you made at camp and obey God fully. Meaning if you get saved, get baptized. If you felt the call to ministry, ask God to give you guidance and direction. Fulfill the decision you promised to God.
6. Remember God is always speaking to us, make sure to find time to listen to Him.
7. If you are not already connected to a church, get connected and plug in. Find your spot, get involved, and be an active part of the Kingdom of God.
8. Look through your notes from the sermons and session times. Reflect and apply them to your life daily.
9. Find the playlist or songs from camp. Think on the lyrics and remember the effect they had on you. Let the song’s message into your heart.
10. Find someone to disciple you, grow you, and keep you accountable with your walk with God.
Whether you feel like you are on top of a mountain or low in a valley, know that God still seeks time with you. He also is always present no matter what we feel. If you want to keep the fire burning, may I suggest bringing your life to the Lamp.
Psalms 119:105 (CSB) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
Let the Lord light up your life with the application of His Word, Truth, and Hope. Keep the fire alive!
-Brandon, a youth pastor who needs help keeping his fire alive for God too!
Brandon Baumgarten 