Almost all denominations, or what I call “tribes,” used to be able to boast an extensive farm system for growing the next generation of leaders. The past two decades have seen a gradual dismantling of that farm system. But you can still see features of it. Starting with the cradle roll and ending with the theological seminary, the church built for its future just like sports teams built for their future in a farm system.

One of the most important vestiges in the church’s farm system is summer camp. How many of you here this morning ever went to church camp? [At this point, you might walk down and draw out stories of what church camps they attended and where? Anyone marry their church camp sweetheart? Etc. But most importantly for this sermon, get nominations of their favorite church camp …