We’ve all read the passage describing the early church and have aspired to be like them to some degree. However, with the current busyness, individualism and transience, I wonder, “Is this even possible today?” However, in my time as a Summer Staff Coordinator, I saw this lifestyle lived out.
During one session, my co-workers and I led 12 teachings in 25 days geared towards various topics of scripture: How to Read Your Bible, How to Pray, The Holy Spirit, Hearing God’s Voice, etc. You’d think 12 sessions would be plenty, but they wanted more! These Summer Staffers were on fire for the Lord and hungry for His word! When we weren’t reading scripture, we were talking about scripture (amongst other things!). I found myself hanging out with two lifeguards as they asked questions about the Holy Spirit, shared their own insights with me and told me stories of how they experienced His voice that week. Truly, we were devoted to the teachings of the apostles.
Summer staff is hard and exhausting. You will run out of energy and sin will show its face. It’s scary, but it forces you to be vulnerable and known. I had a very long day of 1on1s and felt completely out of gas. As their supervisor, I tried my best to maintain my composure and be an encouraging presence… But I couldn’t. I was tired and it showed. One student, named Blake, walked up to me while I was sitting by myself and asked, “Hey Ryan, are you okay? You seem exhausted.” I shared with him my exhaustion and he shared with me how much of a blessing I had been for him! It was needed. It’s my tendency to act like I have it together in leadership but Summer Staff won’t allow it… and I am glad it doesn’t. True fellowship can’t be one sided and God helped me see that. Truly, we were devoted to fellowship.
Summer Staff is a beautiful example of God’s intention for mission. Everyone knows their role and works hard towards the common goal of seeing students begin a relationship with Jesus. At the end of each week, Young Life gives campers a moment to declare whether or not they decided to follow Jesus right before they head home. During this time, Summer Staffers take a break from cleaning camp and gather in the dining hall to watch a live feed of this event. During our 25 day session, we saw around 450 students begin a life with Jesus!!! All the hard work paid off! God did something big and He let us in on the action. Truly, the Lord truly added to His numbers daily
During my time on Summer Staff, I got to live in a community with students who were dedicated to prayer, the scriptures, each other and had a common mission. What’s even better is we got to see God use our work in big ways. Living life like the early church is hard but it's not impossible. For those looking to try, Summer Staff is a great opportunity to experience it.
Written by Ryan McSwane