Mountain View Bible Camp Staff & Leadership Training Module 3 Leading a Camper to Christ

Leading a camper to Christ Frank shuffled a stack of papers and looked out over the rows of staff. “OK, for this session we’re going to break up into small groups from the start. It’s an important topic—you could say it’s the entire reason for a Bible camp. How can you lead a camper to Christ?” Tracy nodded. She remembered the conversation she once had in this very room with her own counselor about trusting in the Lord.

Leading a camper to Christ Frank drove his point home. “In the other two sessions we were talking about your leadership and your relationship with campers.” He paused. “Ultimately, you want to understand their spiritual needs. How can they move along that bridge toward the place where God wants them to be?” Frank handed out discussion sheets and guided the staff into groups of five or six people. Tom, Tracy, and a few other teens and twenty-somethings pulled their chairs to one side of the room.

Leading a camper to Christ As the staff settled in their seats, Frank gave some final remarks. “The sheet you're holding has three different ways to explain the message of the gospel. “Don't use the verses to arm- wrestle a camper into making a confession of faith in Christ, as if we just want to hear the right words. Still, when a camper is ready to hear more, it’s important to know some key verses that will help you explain things clearly. “So, look up these verses and talk about how they might help you do that.” Tuck this question away for later: How can you tell when a camper is ready to hear more about the gospel message?

Leading a camper to Christ As Frank stepped away from the microphone, Tom scanned the discussion sheet. He looked around at his group. “Well, it looks like we've got a bunch of verses on this sheet. How about if we each look up one or two of them, then say how we would use them?” “Sounds good,” Tracy replied, and the others nodded. Bible pages rustled as everyone started looking up different passages. As the verses are listed on the next few slides, write them in the space provided on your own sheet. Copy a few key words from each verse, too.

Leading a camper to Christ: the “Roman Road” The Roman Road Romans 3:23 – the fact of sin Romans 6:23 – the result of sin and the payment for sin Romans 10:9 – the certainty of salvation and the value of confession

Leading a camper to Christ: “C – B – A” C – B – A Verses C onfess – 1 John 1:9 B elieve – Hebrews 11:6 A ccept – Romans 10:9, 19

Leading a camper to Christ: the “we all” verses “We All” We all are sinners. Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6 We all must pay for our sins. Romans 6:23 We all are offered God’s gift. John 3:16 We all have to decide whether we will accept His gift. John 1:12; Revelation 3:20

Leading a camper to Christ: Discussing the verses “Some of these verses are listed on here more than once,” Tracy commented. Across from Tracy, a teenager named Christi nodded her head. “They must be pretty important,” she offered. Tom agreed. “Personally, I like how the verses are arranged. The 'Roman Road,' the 'we all' verses... that makes it easier to remember.” Frank was walking among the groups and passed behind Tom at that moment. “It does help to have some kind of memory hook, doesn't it?”

Leading a camper to Christ: Discussing the verses Christi spoke up. “But what if campers ask something that's not on this list? Even with these verses, I still feel a little unprepared.” “Getting tough questions can happen to any camp worker, regardless of experience,” Frank replied. “Two things: First, remember it's the Holy Spirit's job to bring the Bible to our minds. He is always ready to do that! “Second, don't be afraid to say you're not sure about an answer. You can always ask another staff member, either right then or later on.”

Leading a camper to Christ: Wrapping up After about 20 minutes of small- group discussion, Frank asked the staff members to gather back at the front of the room. “I watched you write notes and heard your comments about these verses,” he said. “You're taking this seriously, and that's great. “To conclude this session, here are five essential points to keep in mind about the gospel.” Tom's pen had gotten lost in the shuffle back to his seat. He leaned over, borrowed one from Tracy, and got ready to write. For the next three slides, add information to the bottom section of your worksheet.

Leading a camper to Christ: Five principles of the gospel 1. Who is God? God is alive He is the Creator He is the author of the Bible He is holy and just, yet He loves each of us 2. We all need a Savior People are born with the “want” to do wrong things We all do many sinful things God says there is punishment for sin The punishment is to be separated from Him forever, since He is holy

Leading a camper to Christ: Five principles of the gospel 3. God’s way of salvation Jesus, God the Son, became a perfect man He took our punishment on the cross, as a substitute for us He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again 4. Response and assurance Personal belief that Jesus died for YOU Salvation is a gift, not earned by what we do God forgives your sins and gives everlasting life; you can't become “unsaved” God promises never to leave you

Leading a camper to Christ: Five principles of the gospel 5. Spiritual growth Confess sins after salvation, too; this keeps joy in your Christian life Grow as a Christian:  Pray  Read and obey the Bible  Tell others about your faith  Have fellowship with other Christians

Closing thoughts Standing in front of his newest staff members, Frank shut off the projector. Its low hum faded away, and the room became almost completely silent. “Let's spend a few moments praying for the campers we'll meet this summer,” he suggested. “God knows them. He's sending them to us. Let's be ready.” Tom, Tracy, and 25 other quiet staff members bowed their heads.

Your own thoughts Look back over the points in this presentation. Your worksheet is now a resource for three excellent approaches to explaining the gospel message. What other verses would you add? What scriptures could you use to support Frank's “Five basic principles” of the gospel message?

Your own thoughts: Readiness for the gospel Consider this Leadership Verse: Ephesians 6:11, 15 Put on the whole armor of God... having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. How does this verse relate to presenting the gospel to campers? How will it affect the words and actions of camp staff?

Congratulations! You've completed Module 3. Review your worksheet, and then close this file when you're ready.