At New Hope, we recognize the importance of investing in the next generation. This summer, our students and graduations (who are still the next generation themselves) were able to experience ministry in action as they got to invest in an even younger generation in our community.
Leading The Next Generation summer camps for our lab church, New Hope West, our students organized a camp for high school, and a camp for middle school—both with approximately eighty campers at each camp. Held at Kellog’s Springs Camp, our students were able to essentially create a church at a different site than they are used to. This was an excellent way for our students to experience ministry in a different setting with a different audience while also having fun and building relationships.
Equipping Leaders Through Classes:
At NHCC, our students are equipped through their classes and private lessons and then able to implement their knowledge and theory with real ministry in their practicums and internships. We asked our students what classes made the biggest difference for them as they were leading at camp, and three classes stood out for our students. Leadership Essentials, Living Theologically, and Exegetical Practicum are the classes that our students say equipped them the most for leading in ministry. Leadership Essentials covers the basics of being a leader from a Christian perspective. Living Theologically is a discussion-based class that allows students to talk with their professor and learn about different worldviews and what it looks like to live from a Christian worldview. Exegetical Practicum is a hands-on class where students learn to study the Bible and interpret what it meant in its original context as well as what it means for us today.
“Taking the Exegetical Practicum has helped me to intimately and accurately understand the Bible, and I can now utilize that knowledge in my interactions with these kids. I wouldn’t know the Bible this personally if I didn’t attend exegetical and the ink wouldn’t come alive.” (Winnie Mears, Class of 2026)
Leadership in Action:
By taking their knowledge and putting it into action, our students were able to lead at camp in areas of activities, worship, counseling, preaching, and media. Essentially, the students took a campsite and created a church complete with small groups, worship, sermons, panels, fun activities, and more. Each student was able to lead according to their individual giftings. Our tech students were able to bring our sound system and lights to modify the space at camp in order to produce a better sound and experience for the students. Every day students were able to lead devotions, a morning service, an evening service, and small groups. Devotions were a great time for cabin leaders to work with their kids and show them how to do daily SOAP devotions, and the morning service included worship and often a panel of speakers. In the evenings, there was a second service where students were encouraged to go further in their faith and step out as the Next Generation of leaders for God. In small groups, leaders were able to talk through the message with their cabin, answer questions, and help campers apply the message to their lives.
Impacts and Outcomes:
The efforts of the students had quite an impact on the students. At the high school camp, twelve students made first-time commitments to follow Christ, and at the middle school camp, thirteen students made the same commitment. At both camps, many campers also rededicated their lives to Christ. There was a celebration at each camp as we welcomed the new commitment of the students. It was a huge blessing to see the hearts of the next generation grow passionate for Christ and the students develop a desire to share their faith with others.
Future:
As incredible as our camps were, we know that the ministry does not end there! Our high school and middle school groups have resumed their weekly meetings, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth through these ministries. Additionally, we are holding a baptism service this weekend for the students who have committed to follow Christ. This is always a special time for our student leaders to celebrate and support the students as they show their commitment to Christ in a public way. Our students not only led at camp, but they also created deep relationships with the students. We look forward to seeing these relationships grow and bear fruit in the future.
Conclusion:
The Next Generation summer camps were a huge success for both our students and our community. We are so grateful for everyone who has supported us through prayer, sponsorship, and volunteering at our camps. It was truly a blessing to see so many generations of leaders come together to invest in the middle and high school students in our community. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to move in and through our students and campus.
