The Future

This week, a group of our Rocky Valley Baptist Church kids loaded up and headed off to church camp. As a pastor, it’s always a special moment. As a dad, it hits a little differently.

For the first time, my youngest daughter climbed on that bus and headed away for camp. I’ll admit there was a little nervousness in my heart watching her leave. I know many parents understand that feeling—the excitement for your child mixed with the realization that they’re growing up faster than you ever imagined.

Some of the kids headed out as camp veterans, knowing exactly what to expect. Others stepped onto that bus with wide eyes, a little uncertainty, and a lot of anticipation. Yet every one of them left with the opportunity to spend a week surrounded by God’s people, God’s Word, and God’s presence.

Over the last few days, we’ve received videos and pictures from counselors. In those videos I’ve seen young people standing with their hands raised high in worship, completely unashamed. I’ve seen students gathered around altars praying for one another. I’ve watched friendships deepen around the things of God instead of the things of the world.

And honestly, those moments have done my heart good.

We live in a world that seems determined to remind us of every division, every conflict, every reason to lose hope. Turn on the news, scroll through social media, and it’s easy to believe that darkness is winning.

Then you see a group of young people passionately worshiping Jesus.

You see students praying for one another.

You see hearts being softened by the Holy Spirit.

You see lives being shaped by the truth of God’s Word.

And suddenly you’re reminded that things are far better than they sometimes appear.

These young worshipers give me hope for the future. They remind me that God is still at work. He is still calling people to Himself. He is still changing lives. He is still raising up a generation that loves Him and desires to follow Him.

So while parents may be counting down the days until camp is over and their kids come home, I’m praying that every one of these students comes back a little different than when they left. I pray they return with a deeper love for Christ, stronger friendships centered on faith, and a clearer understanding of God’s calling on their lives.

The future of the church is not something I fear when I see young people seeking Jesus.

It is something that fills me with hope.

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers…” — 1 Timothy 4:12