How many outdoor ministry\/camp enthusiasts does it take to have a good time? Probably only two or three, but about 40 met at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., Nov. 17-19 for the Outdoor Ministries Association National Conference.<\/p>\n
The event, held biennially to bring together those who work in or have a passion for outdoor ministry in the Church of the Brethren, focused on \u201cFostering Leadership.\u201d Bethany Theological Seminary president Eugene Roop provided keynote leadership, while General Board staff Chris Douglas and Janis Pyle and former Annual Conference moderator Paul Grout led other sessions.<\/p>\n
Douglas started things off Friday evening by holding up Jesus as \u201ca master of leadership development who really becomes our model\u201d and looking at partnerships in the Church of the Brethren through which leadership development occurs. Pyle followed Saturday morning by examining \u201cdaily mission-mindedness\u201d and stressing the need for intentionality and self-care in carrying out Christ\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
Grout, now director of A Place Apart, an intentional community project in Vermont, identified the basic spiritual needs he has heard from every age group—being able to slow down, find meaningful work, not to be afraid, and to find a place of belonging. \u201cIn terms of our longing, we\u2019re all pretty much the same,\u201d Grout said. He encouraged camps to be \u201cheart centers\u201d for the denomination.<\/p>\n
Roop spoke twice later Saturday, providing an overview of generational differences in leadership during his first presentation, and holding together the \u201ctwo worlds\u201d of God-given creation on one hand and human ingenuity on the other in his second. Using the \u201ccadence of creation\u201d found in Genesis 1, Roop said camps could be places that teach people to live authentically in both worlds. \u201cThere\u2019s no place else in the church where that\u2019s the mission,\u201d he said. That principle of offering something that \u201cadds value\u201d to people\u2019s lives and meets their passion is key, Roop added.<\/p>\n
Veteran camp directors Rex Miller and Jerri Heiser Wenger closed out the formal sessions Sunday morning, leading a roundtable discussion on leadership development through outdoor ministry. Other camp staff shared concerns and ideas, especially looking at leadership needs for summer staff.<\/p>\n
The weekend also included numerous worship and singing times, a tour of the camp, and time for fellowship and connecting. Camp directors and managers spent several days meeting in retreat at Brethren Woods near Keezletown, Va., prior to the conference.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n