More on Pentecostal Campmeetings

Positives that Come from Campmeetings

Last week, I was able to attend two services at the Ohio Church of God Campmeeting, Legacy ‘24. On Sunday night, Eric Petree was the speaker. On Wednesday night, Tim Hill was the speaker.

I don’t know Eric at all. I’ve known Bishop Hill for nearly 30 years.

Bishop Hill did his sermon on the denomination’s declaration of faith and admonished those in attendance to hold to those traditional articles of faith in a rapidly changing culture. It was a throwback service that mixed in some new music with many songs from the red back hymnal. The sermon was unabashedly pentecostal. The delivery was fiery, and people were leaping to their feet all over the auditorium. The altars filled up at the end of the sermon, and the state overseer, Ronald Martin, challenged those in attendance to go back to their churches holding fast to their faith.

I loved the whole night. For several reasons.

First, I felt that all-too-familiar stirring in my innermost being. The gift of God was being stirred up and I couldn’t help but cry. I tried to hold it back. I brought guests, for goodness’ sake! It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve been in a service like that, when the Holy Spirit moves you recognize Him.

Second, I felt a wave of nostalgia including feelings about the loss of my mother last year. You see, the year before we had gathered at the same camp meeting on Wednesday night for the memorial program where all ministers and spouses who have passed away that year are honored for their service. It still feels strange to be in a camp meeting service and not see mom in the auditorium. But I trust she was there (in a Hebrews 11 sort of way, not in a seance sort of way).

Third, I felt the weight of 138 years of history. The Church of God is the oldest continuing pentecostal denomination in America. They’ve been having meetings like this for a century or more. I received an ordination at one of these meetings in 1998. It is my reflex to lament some of the changes in American Pentecostalism, but I was reminded at this meeting that it’s still alive.

I hear people criticize pentecostals, saying that our worship is “emotional”. And to this criticism I say, “So what?” Yes, it’s emotional! But it is not only emotional. It has a long intellectual tradition as well, rooted in the Wesleyan tradition.

James Taylor has a song that says “…the secret o’life is enjoying the passage of time.” And camp meeting has popped up like a signpost during many points on my timeline. And I’m better for it.

-Dr. Craig S. Heath

“Craig in Appalachia”