The College of Bible and Ministry will be kicking off a new summer camp called “The Kerusso Experience” for young men in grades 9-12 interested in learning more about God’s word and developing the communication skills to be better equipped to become ministers later on in life.
The “Experience” will be July 6-13 at Harding University’s campus. The week will consist of Bible studies, preaching studies, mentoring with Harding Bible professors, worship, fellowship, meals in the caf and field trips to the “Tabernacle” and other locations. The students will also be able to take advantage of the university’s facilities, such as the pool and basketball courts.
“We want students to realize that there are other students their age that share their same passions, that aren’t running away from the call to ministry, but already viewing themselves as ministers at their young age,” Bible major recruiter Jared Mayes said.
B. Chris Simpson, a 2010 graduate of Harding and well-known chapel speaker at Harding, will be a guest speaker at the “Kerusso Experience.” Several area ministers will also join as guest speakers and mentors.
Since this is the first year of the preaching camp, college credit will not be given, but once the camp gets going, the department hopes to give one hour of college credit to juniors and seniors who attend the camp.
“One of the purposes of this program is to introduce students to the idea that they could serve God in a lifetime of full time ministry,” Bible professor Devin Swindle said.”Those students who show the potential for spiritual leadership should be encouraged by their parents, preachers and youth ministers to pay attention to God’s call upon their lives. Hopefully we will be able to give these students career options that they have never considered, and to serve the church by training up more and more young people with a heart to serve them.”
The cost of the camp is $100, which includes meals and housing for the week, as well as field trips and all other activities that take place during the week. The hope of the College of Bible and Ministry is that the home congregation will cover the cost of each student that attends from their congregation.
