Timothy Project

So, I said I would describe a little bit about what the Timothy Project is. Well, I don’t know about you, but this would be a lot easier for me if I could be sitting and talking to you instead of trying to describe it all in print.

The Timothy Project is my attempt to meet a real need (discipleship) by using a new tool that God has given us (the new Retreat Center).

We plan to do monthly retreats with a small group of interested, mature, committed teens from our After School Club Program. Kids will be allowed to sign up from our MYC Club. If they meet the approval of their group leader, display maturity, and are willing to commit to some pretty intensive learning, they will begin the process with me.

It is designed to be a three year process, with about 8 retreats per year. The retreats give us more time to focus on relationship, dig into the curriculum, and have plenty of time for fun.

Because the students come from MYC, I already have a relationship with them, and I can see them more than just once a month on a retreat. As I’m sure you know, relationship really is key in discipleship. The curriculum is probably secondary, but I do believe it’s necessary.

So, what is the curriculum?

Well, I basically tried to divide the Christian life into 8 categories. (Don’t try this at home! :-) ) Maybe this would be a good chance for you to get involved in this discussion. What do you think about these 8 areas? Do they cover the ground they need to cover? Please understand that we dig in to each topic deeply – with more scripture, several learning styles, and hopefully some discussion.
1. Saved by Grace – Ephesians 2:8-10
2. Devotional Life – Bible reading, prayer, memorization, etc.
3. Made in God’s Image – Discovering your unique blend of personality, gifts, and talents, and how God wants you to use them
4. Challenges – sexual purity, materialism, etc.
5. Stewardship
6. Marriage and Family
7. Telling and Teaching - Teaching the kids to do evangelism and to disciple others
8. Servanthood – usually accomplished more through action than through a long curriculum

Each category will include one retreat for each year, and we’ll look at the same topic from different angles each time. For instance, we shared the plan of salvation the first time we did Saved by Grace. Next time, we’ll talk about walking in grace instead of trying to revert to legalism, and then the third time, we’ll talk about the fact that we are made to do good works (which means we’ve worked our way through Ephesians 2:8-10 over the course of the three retreats.)

Well, what questions did I not answer? What else do I need to tell you about the Timothy Project?

Next week, I have some great news about new stuff at Camp. See ya then!