Decision Night at Hume

Chuck on February 15th, 2009

I’ve had a great day meeting with youth pastors.  Talked with some great guys today.  That’s one part of being in so many places that’s fun.  Last night was “decision night” here at Hume.  I always have mixed feelings when it comes to decision nights.  

I think it’s good to have this time at camp.  I like the fact that there’s a point where students have to actually make a decision.  But, I’m always a little cautious.

The truth is in years past I’ve been more concerned about having kids “accept the Lord” or “get saved” than I was about clearly articulating the gospel.  I’ve realized, and I told counselors this last night, that my role is simple: to articulate the gospel message.  It’s not my job to get kids to respond, and it’s certainly not my role to drag things on to the point of getting kids to make emotionally charged decisions.  My job is to proclaim the truth…that’s it.

I told all the counselors that if nobody stays behind when I’m done, but I did my job at clearly laying out the gospel message then I can lay my head on my pillow with a clear conscience.  That’s all I’m concerned about.

I’m thankful to the Lord for working through last night – kids did stay behind.  But I guess I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not the end, but rather it’s possible that God uses me as a means to bring forth His truth.  It’s freeing to know that it’s not up to me.  

Like every other talk I’ve given there’s always something you’d like to change, but I laid my head down last night with a clear conscience.  For that, I’m thankful.

Tonight I’m speaking on standing firm on Scripture and hearing God’s voice in midst of the noise of the world.  What does that look like?  How can we tell it’s God?  Should be fun.

Related posts:

  1. Hume Lake
  2. commitment nights
  3. This Is Beyond Us
  4. University as Mission Field (Part III)
  5. Fun at Hume

Share Discuss (3)

David Alexander at 7:30am February 16

Do you have any recommendations on blogs for pastors. Where pastors can connect, share notes, and all that jazz.

Thanks You!
God Bless
-David

Jim Gray at 9:39am February 16

Chuck:
I’ve learned to trust God more through teaching than many other avenues. I can force things, but that might hinder the work of the Spirit.
Good job, as usual. Thanks for the updates.

Sandra Garman at 11:23pm February 17

Chuck, Thank you for speaking to us at Hume this last weekend. This was my 7th year at Hume. We’ve seen a lot kids make “decisions” only to have those decisions go by the wayside when real life hits them. I can honestly say I felt the presence of God that night at Hume directing decisions and not just an emotional pull. The Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of students. Thank you also for the message on Monday about the importance of church. As a pastor’s wife with 25+ years in ministry, it was encouraging to have a speaker affirm the importance of the church body and to challedge the students to be the change in our churches today. God bless you and your girls as you continue God’s work in Portland and thorughout the world