|
|
| Saturday, July 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Marketplace
|
|
Sections
|
|
Service Center
|
|
 |
|
Trust and encouragement
Published October 23, 2009
It’s all about trust.
To build a team, trust has to be the foundation.
The group of 28 young people he led at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega earlier this month learned that lesson firsthand, according to Jason Allen, student pastor at First Baptist Church Scottsboro.
Allen’s group use Shocco’s team-building activities to develop trust among his group. The youth took part in the low ropes course at the 725-acre center and camp.
“It really made our students communicate and trust each other,” Allen said. “They encouraged one another for something temporary.”
The students spent three days and two nights at the camp during fall break from school.
The low ropes course involves the use of cables, ropes and wooden beams strung low to the ground to minimize danger. It provides a chance for groups to expand their comfort zones and ease fears that block achievement of goals.
Discussion and other activities involved in the exercises help individuals learn more about taking risks, assuming leadership roles communicating effectively and working as a team.
“My prayer is that this group will grow to encourage one another for external things,” Allen said after seeing the cooperation that developed among his group during the exercise.
Shocco Springs offers a natural setting for various activities designed to break down barriers and meet the needs of groups from five to 1,500. It has adequate meeting space, lodging, hundreds of acres of woods, a lake, trails, chapel and pavilions. The camp hosts more than 50,000 annually for retreats, meetings and conferences. To learn more about Shocco go to www.shocco.org.
First Baptist student ministries offer opportunities on Sunday mornings, evenings and Wednesday nights. Most events are held in “The Oasis”— the students own space, which provides a haven from life’s hectic pace and activities.
Allen says his prayer is “that when people walk in the door, they will be able to receive a surge of Christ’s living water in the midst of a barren world.”
Saturation, held on Sunday mornings, is a time for students to learn Biblical, life-changing principles and to be equipped and encouraged to apply them to daily life.
Held on Sunday evenings, Overflow is a time for students to learn how to serve others, to share their faith and grow spiritually. Overflow encourages students to allow their hearts to be filled with love for the Lord and let it show to others.
Quench is Wednesday night’s answer to church. Students participate in exciting worship with music and insightful messages. Each is challenged to examine his or her faith and become passionate about life. As John 7:37 days, “Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.’”
Allen believes students want more than sitting and talking. He feels today’s youth want to become involved.
“You are sick of religion; you desire something real and personal.” Allen says on the church’s Web site. “If that describes you, then I invite you to come be a part of what God is doing here at First Baptist Church.”
For more information on the church’s student ministries, call Allen at 574-3308 or visit www.fbcscottsboro.org and follow the links.
Editor’s Note: Wendy Westerhouse at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center contributed to this article.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|