Greetings from Camp with Some Homework for Parents

We are about halfway through our time here at camp, focusing on the church. Our goal is for students to see God’s wisdom on display in the local church. They need to understand God’s purpose for the church, how He specifically designed it to function, and—if they are believers—be convinced of their interdependence on the local church.

One of my main goals for Student Ministries is that by the time they graduate, each student would be convinced of their standing before God:

For those students who do put their faith in Christ,  Student Ministries exists to equip them to recognize and commit to their role in the church. Being saved by grace means being saved into a local church. Being part of a local church is not about consuming (come, sit, listen, and leave), but serving—using the unique ways the Holy Spirit has gifted each member to serve and build up one another in love.  

A committed church member should impact their church, and leaving a local church should not be taken lightly. As students grow into adulthood, their education, careers, and responsibilities will demand attention, but these things must never take precedence over being a committed and functioning part of the local church.

Josh Kellso has prepared discussion questions for each of his 4 sermons in order for you to engage with your students when they return home. I have already seen students deeply impacted by the teaching they are receiving. I encourage you to set aside time in the coming days and weeks to walk through these questions with them. At Student Ministries, all of the leaders are committed to walking alongside you—not replacing you—in the discipleship and evangelism of your students.

Early next week, we will post the audio, video, and transcripts of the messages. For now, please review the discussion questions and prioritize these conversations with your student.

Discussion Questions for Parents

Session 1: The Wonders of God’s Wisdom

1. How do you cultivate a love for the church?

2. In what ways are you encouraged by my participation in church?

3. In what ways can I strengthen my participation in church?

4. What are the biggest threats you see me being drawn toward that compete with my faithfulness in being involved in church? What safeguards would you recommend that would help me in this?

Session 2: God’s Design for the Church

1. Summarize the task of the local church to your parents. Ask them how they see you contributing to these tasks. How can you grow in your contribution to the church?

2. Ask your parents which of the “one-another” commands you are doing well. Which “one-another” commands do you need to give more intentional attention to?

Session 3: My Responsibility in the Church

1. How can I grow in maximizing the benefits of the equipping ministries of our church? (Examples: take better notes, discuss lessons with the family after, go to bed earlier the night before, etc.)

2. In what ways do you think it would be best for me to serve in the church?

3. What makes it hard to remain faithfully connected to the church? How do you battle those difficulties?

4. How have you personally seen the church impact your spiritual growth?

Session 4: How Do I Choose a Church?

1. Why did you choose our current church?

2. How do you seek to be a blessing to our church leaders?

3. What things are you most thankful for about our church?

It is a privilege and joy to serve you and your family. Lord willing, we will return to the Grace Bible Church campus in Tempe at 3:30 pm on Sunday.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla