Have You Ever Considered Campground Evangelism?
- Date: 2009-08-13 - Word Count: 503
Share This!
The idea of campground evangelism is little thought of by many Christians. I certainly didn't think about it much until I started researching it. Of course, God has specifically laid it on the hearts of some believers to minister to those who travel around and spend much of their time at campgrounds, but maybe most of us don't realize the potential for ministry in this area, and it could be practically in our own backyards.
When we think of campers, we might think about all the adventures they have planned, with little time for "religion." This is true with some, but many people, even those wanting to escape thoughts of religion, are open to meeting new people and talking about various experiences in life, and conversation can eventually be swayed to spiritual things.
Here are a few things that are more common than not among those who frequent campgrounds:
• They're looking to have a good time, so for the most part their attitudes are cheerful and expectant.
• They're looking for a relaxing time away from stress and hassle, and some may be looking to escape serious emotional, physical, or spiritual difficulties in their lives.
• They're looking to meet new people and experience new things.
Aside from those who vacation at the campgrounds, the workers at campgrounds may be open to learning more about spiritual things. One thing about it, when one is surrounded by God's creation, it's hard to deny His existence. It's also possible that you could meet other believers who would love to participate in evangelism while on vacation, and there may be some believers in need of encouragement in their spiritual lives.
Although the door for campground evangelism is wide open, it would be very unwise to rush out right now and burst into camp with preaching and teaching. Prepare first and have a plan! Think about:
• Getting permission from the campground management. Beginning such a ministry without the proper permission from management could cause problems and hurt your testimony when word gets around about what you're doing.
• Building relationships with people; easing into spiritual conversation. Not everyone likes to be confronted by strangers about personal matters, and a person's soul is a personal matter--between him or her and God. Many people like to find an area of common ground on which to build, and even if there isn't anything obvious, those to whom you are speaking are apt to feel more comfortable if you show genuine interest in them.
• Specific activities you could plan according to the ages and capabilities of the people at the campground-- the ages will span from very young children to those who are retired.
• Speaking to people in a language that they understand, which will mean defining "Christianese" so that those who've never been in contact with spiritual things can understand. It would be beneficial to look for tools that help simplify the Gospel so that it's easily understood.
I'd encourage anyone who lives in an area where there are several campgrounds to consider the possibility of this ministry!
When we think of campers, we might think about all the adventures they have planned, with little time for "religion." This is true with some, but many people, even those wanting to escape thoughts of religion, are open to meeting new people and talking about various experiences in life, and conversation can eventually be swayed to spiritual things.
Here are a few things that are more common than not among those who frequent campgrounds:
• They're looking to have a good time, so for the most part their attitudes are cheerful and expectant.
• They're looking for a relaxing time away from stress and hassle, and some may be looking to escape serious emotional, physical, or spiritual difficulties in their lives.
• They're looking to meet new people and experience new things.
Aside from those who vacation at the campgrounds, the workers at campgrounds may be open to learning more about spiritual things. One thing about it, when one is surrounded by God's creation, it's hard to deny His existence. It's also possible that you could meet other believers who would love to participate in evangelism while on vacation, and there may be some believers in need of encouragement in their spiritual lives.
Although the door for campground evangelism is wide open, it would be very unwise to rush out right now and burst into camp with preaching and teaching. Prepare first and have a plan! Think about:
• Getting permission from the campground management. Beginning such a ministry without the proper permission from management could cause problems and hurt your testimony when word gets around about what you're doing.
• Building relationships with people; easing into spiritual conversation. Not everyone likes to be confronted by strangers about personal matters, and a person's soul is a personal matter--between him or her and God. Many people like to find an area of common ground on which to build, and even if there isn't anything obvious, those to whom you are speaking are apt to feel more comfortable if you show genuine interest in them.
• Specific activities you could plan according to the ages and capabilities of the people at the campground-- the ages will span from very young children to those who are retired.
• Speaking to people in a language that they understand, which will mean defining "Christianese" so that those who've never been in contact with spiritual things can understand. It would be beneficial to look for tools that help simplify the Gospel so that it's easily understood.
I'd encourage anyone who lives in an area where there are several campgrounds to consider the possibility of this ministry!
Aleena Denison has a heart for seeing the message of the Bible presented in a clear way,and is dedicated to sharing Jesus with the lost and helping believers see their responsibilities in evangelism,discipleship,and Bible study. For more information and free downloads, see http://www.goodseed.comn
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Unused Power
Ever wondered what would have already been accomplished on this earth if only a handful of people ha - How Horoscope / Astrology Does Affect A Person's Happiness
When we speak about happiness, it reflects on two variations. One as an emotion like being happy or - Using The Internet For God
Do you have a Christian product, service or message that you would like to inexpensively advertise a - Get The Latest Catholic Church Mass Times Now On The Internet
Get to know the Catholic Church Mass Times through the Internet. It is generally obligatory to atten - Horoscope Compatibility For Libra, Capricorn, Sagittarius
According to psychic readings, people under this horoscope signs are somewhat different and somewhat - Know Your Life Through Psychic And Clairvoyance!
Having psychic and clairvoyant readings done from professionals is the best way to know the flaws th - Astrology/horoscopes: Why People Love Astrology
Astrology/horoscopes is the study of celestial body movement. Astrologers believe that the movement - Benny Hinn: India Healing Crusade
Benny Hinn recently conducted a healing crusade in India that drew one of the largest crowds ever. P - Sun, Moon, Ascendants Sign In Birth Chart Wheel
The Ascendant signs or the rising sign - is the zodiacal sign and degree that was ascending on the e - Zodiac Sign Gemini And Its Houses Description
Understanding Zodiac is not that difficult at all, determining your reading for the said subject doe
Most viewed articles in this category:
- No Sign in the Prayer Test
The recent release of the Richard Dawkins book, "The God Delusion", has brought renewed accusations - Bible Versus Quran Versus Sciences Array (2) the Bees
Before dealing with the topic of the Bees in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is mandatory to - Understanding the Heart
(If you wish to more benefit from this article, please read first our "The Alems" titled article. - Christian Dating vs Courtship
Over the past decade, or so, It's become popular in modern churches to use the concept of courtship - Bible Versus Quran Versus Sciences, Array (19) the Birds
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The - Starting the Wealth Process
Luke 6:38 KJV Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken togethe - Dissolving the Illusion of Fear
Webster defines fear as unpleasant emotions cause by expectation or awareness of danger. However, - Crossing Paths with a Whistleblower
Mordechai Vanunu grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home but abandoned the faith by his mid teens. He bec - Conspiracy Madness
In connection with the WTC disaster there are conspiracy theories that have been proposed. Such as t - How You Dream Your World Into Existence
Reality is not real. It is a dream. This is not a metaphorical statement. On the quantum level of