I grew up in the inner city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have been an urban dweller, urban youth pastor, urban high school basketball coach, urban church planter, and urban community foundation executive. I now lead an urban Christian missions’ organization. I believe I have established how urban I really am. This is why it may seem odd for someone like me to share about how powerful I believe camps and conference centers can be in raising-up urban indigenous leaders to transform their communities.
Honestly, I have to admit that I’m not really a camp person. Being in the wilderness without the “urban noise” that I’m used to can be unsettling for me at times. But, I am sold on the impact that retreating into the wilderness, away from the noise, can have on an urban person’s life. Some urban young people are growing up in violent, busy, and broken neighborhoods. Some urban adults live every day in the traffic and crowdedness of trying to provide for their families and balance the high level of stresses coming their way. There are urban pastors in the storm of trying to bring hope to hurting people with very minimal resources for evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement. To be able to retreat into the wilderness, peace, solitude, and community space of a camp and conference center can be the very thing urban dwellers need in order to have their souls renewed.
I have experienced God in unique ways by just having the open space to pray, worship, journal, strategize, and even play. Our camp and conference centers provide a place for community to be built in new ways. Sometimes cities can represent dividing lines of race, class, ethnicity, and gang affiliation. Retreating into the wilderness can provide the opportunity to explore new life, new identity, and new community. This can potentially lead to the discovery of a new life purpose and mission. Getting away can become the gateway to knowing that you are God’s beloved child, purposed vessel, and gifted change-agent.
This is why, as urban as I am, I believe in camps and conference centers as a vehicle for developing urban leaders who will facilitate movements of church planting, community development, reconciliation, and transformation. I have seen firsthand how weekend retreats, youth camps, and a day or so to be alone with God can fuel the soul in powerful ways. If you aren’t already, I pray that you will consider being a champion of our camps and conference centers through your prayers and financial support. You can play a significant role in the empowerment of urban leaders by supporting the wilderness experience.
Read more from President Efrem Smith.
