This year’s Camp Meeting theme, “WE ARE THE CHURCH”, is more than a metaphor — it is a declaration of identity, purpose, and unity in Christ.

The Church Is Not a Building — It Is People

When people think of church, many immediately think of a structure—brick, mortar, pews, a steeple. But biblically, the Church is not a building; it consists of the people who believe in Jesus Christ. Acts 17:24 – “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” This verse shows that God's presence isn’t confined to a building. The ekklesia (Greek term for “church” used in scripture) refers to a called-out assembly of believers.

We Are the Body of Christ

Paul, writing to the early church, used the analogy of a body to describe the Church—one entity made up of many parts. Each person brings something vital to the whole. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 – “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many”. This indicates that each believer—regardless of background, ethnicity, or social status—is a necessary and valued part of the Church. No part is insignificant. This body functions only when each one remains connected and active.

Each Of Us Has a Unique Role (Ministry)

We don’t all serve in the same way, and that’s intentional. God has distributed gifts and roles among His people to build and sustain the Church. Ephesians 4:11-13 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” This passage makes it clear: ministry isn’t just for pastors. Every believer is called to ministry in some form. Whether teaching, encouraging, giving, serving, or leading—our diverse roles contribute to the growth and maturity of the Church.

Unity In Diversity

We are uniquely gifted, but we are unified by one Spirit and one purpose: to glorify God and make Christ known. Romans 12:4-5 – “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. It means cohesion in purpose and love for one another despite our differences.

The Church Is Alive and Sent Into the World

Jesus gave a mission to His Church. The Church isn’t stationary; it is a living, breathing movement of God's people sent into the world to reflect Christ’s love and truth. Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This Great Commission wasn't just given to the original disciples; it is the Church’s call—our call. As “the Church,” we carry Christ’s mission forward.

To say “We are the Church” means we embrace a sacred identity and a divine responsibility. Each of us contributes in our own God-ordained way. When we love, serve, worship, forgive, and proclaim Christ, we are the Church.

MISSION LOUISIANA UPDATE

Since this time last year, we have added nearly $700,000 to our Mission Louisiana total! Our new Mission Louisiana Total is $1,695,451! The Mission Louisiana project involves building, upgrading, and beautifying the place that has impacted our lives like no other, our wonderful Louisiana District UPCI Campgrounds. Our first goal is to build a much-needed Boys’ Dorm. Once we reach 80% ($2,000,000) of the estimated cost, we can begin construction. I can only imagine the blessing it will be to nearly double the sleeping capacity of our old boys’ dorm.

Pastors, please make Mission Louisiana a priority in the giving plan of your local church. There have been many different ways pastors have included Mission Louisiana in their giving. Some have received special offerings. Others have received annual pledges. I witnessed some who have had a special service promoting our campgrounds and receiving a cash offering. Our campgrounds have blessed our churches in more ways than we can count. Thank you, pastors for including our campgrounds in your vision. Together we will accomplish much to make our campgrounds a place for God to impact lives for generations to come!

Mission LA Offering – Camp Meeting 2025

Our THIRD SACRIFICAL OFFERING for Mission Louisiana will be received in the LA Camp Meeting Friday evening service, July 4. We believe for a miracle offering that will propel us closer or even accomplish the goal of building of the New Boys’ Dorm. I am asking that all our churches across the state bring an offering and come ready to give to this most important project.

“WE ARE THE CHURCH” Camp Meeting 2025 Schedule

TUESDAY, July 1

• 7:00 PM – Stan Gleason

WEDNESDAY, July 2 (Family)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Aaron Holloway
  • Jennifer Williams
  • Stan Gleason
• 7:00 PM – Tim Gaddy

THURSDAY, July 3 (Missions)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Aaron Holloway
  • Rigo & Risha Estrada
  • Tim Gaddy
• 7:00 PM – Jimmy Toney

FRIDAY, July 4 (Deliverance)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Aaron Holloway
  • Testimonies
  • Jimmy Toney
• 7:00 PM – Myron Wideman, Jr.

Other District Ministry Events During Camp Meeting:

• Youth Service – Thursday, 7:00 PM, POA, Speaker – Caleb Herring
• Women in Ministry (Licensed Ladies) – Wednesday Luncheon, CDAC (RSVP required)
• Women of Worth (Licensed Ministers’ Widows – Thursday Luncheon, CDAC (RSVP required)
• Single Adult Event – Friday after evening service, Outlaw’s BBQ (Pineville)
• Kids Zone (Ages 5-12) – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9:00AM

Day of Prayer and Fasting

Please join us on Thursday, June 26, for a day of Prayer and Fasting for our 109th Camp Meeting 2024.