Back in the days before SOAR, we had Encounter, a winter conference sponsored by the BMA of Arkansas. It was one of my earliest BMA events. Before I ever attended one of our church camps, I went to Encounter.
If memory serves me correctly, it followed a format similar to what our students experience at SOAR. It was full of speakers, worship, and connections with other students who shared our faith and beliefs. I loved it. I remember coming home each year feeling like I could take over the world for Jesus.
However, without a plan or people to guide and encourage us, that enthusiasm often faded. Encounter became another highlight along the way in my spiritual journey. That does not diminish the people at church who loved me and shared Jesus with me. It simply reminds us that if we do not help students build on what they experienced, they may come home with little more than a good memory.
Summer is full of mission trips, camps, and conferences. Our students experience significant moments and are able to focus on God in ways that are often difficult during the school year. Academic and social pressures compete for their attention and can make it harder for them to focus clearly on Christ. That does not invalidate the decisions and commitments they make during the summer. It simply highlights the struggle of carrying them forward.
So, how do we help our students build on the inspiration and biblical challenges they received during their summer encounters with God? What can we do to help make SOAR or camp more than just a great memory?
• Inform parents about what their students learned and experienced. We know that parents are the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives. What parents believe about God will help shape what their children believe. When we help parents understand what was taught and encourage them to talk with their children about those significant summer experiences, students are more likely to carry the lessons and commitments forward.
• Pray for your students. Sometimes, students will share their decisions and commitments from these events with you or even with the entire group. While you should already be praying for your students regularly, these commitments provide a specific focus for your prayers. Did a student express a desire to avoid certain media, tell friends about Jesus, or become more involved in church? Whatever the commitment may be, pray specifically about it and follow up with that student.
• Teach on the same topics. This year at SOAR, we focused on being transformed. The messages were great, and the breakout groups complemented the main sessions well. Students learned how Bible study and prayer help believers renew their minds and live transformed lives.
Take a few weeks to teach follow-up messages that reinforce what your students learned. We all need to hear things more than once before they sink in. If you did not attend SOAR, think about your church camp. What truths were emphasized there? Revisit those truths with your students.
• Take advantage of social media and texting. Both can provide simple, unobtrusive ways to point students back to the concepts and commitments they encountered during the summer. Involving another adult sponsor can also give students another encouraging voice to hear.
I appreciate how SOAR is using its Instagram and Facebook accounts to remind students of the truths they learned. You can do the same. If social media is not your strength — or maybe it scares you a little — ask another sponsor or an older student to help.
There are many ways we can build on the momentum our students experienced during the summer, but they all require intentionality. Are you willing to take the time and make a plan? Our students need us to step up and help them as they strive to follow Jesus. Let’s be there for them.
How do you help your students carry their commitments forward after the significant moments of summer? Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity and share what has worked for you.
