PEA RIDGE — Summertime for youth pastors is usually the busiest part of the year. I really look forward to spending a week at youth camp and going on mission trips, and whatever else comes up during this time. Last week I had the privilege, and I do believe it is a privilege, to spend a week with a group of students and sponsor from my church. This was my first time to take them to camp and I was a little nervous about the trip, but it didn’t take long for our group to gel together and we had a blast.

I could tell you so many stories about how I feel that teenagers can impact the world more than any other age group. Throughout Scripture, we see how God has used teenagers to carry His message to people. In church history, one can read about teenagers who were used to bringrevival to people. I know teenagers can get a bad reputation for being lazy and irresponsible. However, when they are given a mission and a cause to stand up for then they become passionate and the gates of Hell cannot stop them.

While I was at camp, there were some pretty amazing things that happened. Students were sharing testimony about how Jesus saved them and some that had never prayed out loud in front of a group of their peers were doing so. Not only that, but the group grew in community and became a tight group of friends. It was an amazing work of the Holy Spirit in our group, and I give Him all the glory.

One day I was having a conversation with one of the staff members who served at the camp. Wewere talking about how people grow and bond together at camp, and how people grow in their relationships with Christ. It is really a miracle how it all comes together and there is a sense of the Spirit moving and working. It occurred to me as we were talking that this is how it is suppose to be. When Jesus calls the church His bride, we are suppose to respond in love for Him and others. I am married and I call my wife my bride. I am supposed to love her as Christ loved the church. His love for the church lead Him to the cross.

Camp has come and gone this year, but I learned some things from a group of teenagers. First, relax and enjoy getting to know other people. We live in a stressful society and our country’s economic situation doesn’t make it easy to enjoy life, but deep relationships that are formed will help us get through the tough times. Next, when we have authentic community, then we have freedom to be ourselves. That allows us to open up and share our hurts and fears.

This is essential for biblical community. Finally, watch out! When God gets a hold of a group of teenagers and uses them for His glory, an entire community could experience change.

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Michael Smith is the youth pastor of First Baptist Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at michael@ prfbc.org.

Church, Pages 2 on 07/14/2010