JAM Session 5 - Trust The Process - Talk Framework for Older Camp Facilitators and Mentors
Hello everyone, and welcome to JAM Session 5! Today, we'll be focusing on "Trust the Process" as we delve deeper into the intersection of Jesus, Athletics, and Manhood—the essence of our JAM Camp experience.
As mentors and facilitators, our goal is to encourage and inspire these young boys, ages 13 to 18, who have made the decision to follow Jesus Christ. We want to help them understand the significance of trusting the process that Jesus has set in motion for His followers.
Let's review the components of our talk framework:
Main Point(s)
- Realizing that growth and maturity in sports, life, and their Christian walk is a process.
- Assuring them that they are equipped to overcome challenges and succeed.
Main Scripture Verse(s)
Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Manhood Theme
Before we proceed, let's remind our young boys of the theme we've been exploring throughout the camp—Responsible Leadership. This theme emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and leading by example both on and off the field.
Talk Framework:
Sports Example
The Philadelphia 76ers - "Trust the Process" We can draw inspiration from the Philadelphia 76ers' motto, "Trust the Process." A few years back, they used this phrase to instill hope in their fans during a challenging period. They had experienced a series of difficult seasons with multiple losses, but they believed in the process of building a championship-winning team.
[Show the 76ers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ine2qpnp9Dk]
Just like in sports, the concept of trusting the process also applies to our Christian walk. Many believers wonder why their spiritual growth may seem slow or stagnant. They question their relationship with God, feeling discouraged by their own shortcomings. However, we must remember that our journey of faith is a process, and like any relationship, it has its ups and downs.
Biblical Foundations
In previous JAM Camps, we've discussed several principles that emphasize the importance of this process in our Christian walk. We started by urging our boys to make God their "Audience of One," playing sports for His glory. We emphasized the need for "Holy Sweat" and "Wholly Surrender," acknowledging that both physical and spiritual training are essential for growth.
Additionally, we addressed the reality that as Christians and athletes, we will face trials and suffering, but these experiences are part of the refining process. All these principles point to the undeniable truth that there is a "PROCESS" in our Christian journey—from the moment we accepted Christ into our hearts until the day we depart from this earth.
Emphasizing Biblical Truths
Let's turn our attention to some specific Bible verses that highlight the importance of this process:
1 Peter 2:2 - "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."
This verse encourages us to study God's Word diligently and get involved in Bible studies or church groups, as this is essential for our growth.
John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."
Here, Jesus reminds us that we cannot navigate the Christian life alone. Staying connected to God is vital for our growth and ability to bear fruit in our lives.
Trust the Process
In conclusion, let's reiterate the main point of today's talk: Trust the Process. Just as the Philadelphia 76ers trusted the process to build a winning team, our campers need to trust the process that God has set in motion for their spiritual growth. They may face challenges and setbacks, but they are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Manhood Theme: Remind our boys once more of the Manhood Theme—Responsible Leadership. Encourage them to embrace responsibility, lead with integrity, and inspire others by exemplifying the teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives.
As we prepare to address our young boys today, let's seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. We trust that He will empower us to deliver a talk that resonates with their hearts and inspires them to embrace the process of growth in their faith, sports, and manhood.
Thank you all for your dedication to JAM Camp, and let's make this final session impactful for these young lives.
Image credit: JAM Camp logo by Cru Inner City / Athletes In Action
