‘Sup gang. We’ve been runnin’ this whole SLAM biz in different regions and cultural contexts for a coupla weeks now. The different cultures really do express the varied challenges our team has to work with, but there’s one detail found in every SLAM week that’s one of my favorite aspects of runnin’ these service camps…
One reason youth love SLAM so much in favor of the many other service camps (it’s quite a common idea) is because of God’s Word is practically tied to the work that’s done.
It’s hard to describe how the Bible studies relate to the service projects. A Bible study is like the pledge of allegiance to a soldier, or a mission statement to a dedicated corporate executive.
It’s a curriculum, a fuel, a reminder, saying, “This is why we do what we do”
When service is done within a collective like that, you develop an identity you feel confident in. You find yourself part of a greater goal, and it’s exciting, and a little scary. Cause now you’re held accountable to a particular standard, and if you mess up, you face the wrath of SOCIAL JUDGEMENT, which is actually fine if you know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As you learn, mistakes are inevitable. Growth actually comes from learning from them, y’know.
So here’s the effects I’ve seen in a community of people as they go through this process.
Turns out, acclimating to the sort of pursuit we’re after as a team is uncomfortable. I’ve seen it in the youth, I’ve seen it in my own team. I’ve even seen it in myself!
You can’t push through it by yourself. That’s just stupid. But becoming dependable sucks. Cause you’re being humbled. But being part of the body of Christ is beautiful, because there’s interdependence. None of us could do this by ourselves. We have leaders on our team, and they rely on the other people to get work done, and the other people have different skill sets that require leaders to help coordinate. An effective team requires that diversity in strengths.
Can you imagine a football team with only quarterbacks? The mere idea is absurd!
Gosh dang it I’m on another tangent.
Ok. My point is, serving with a team (with a collective goal!) brings people together, because they literally need each other. It’s good to feel needed.
My name is Max, and I’ll see you on the flip side. Ciao.