The Base Camp Theory

Have you ever watched documentaries on Mount Everest? When people want to climb Mount Everest the first place they go is “Base Camp”. At base camp they learn about the challenges they may face during their climb, they study weather patterns, learn about the terrain, practice their climbing techniques, they are teamed up with other climbers, and are given the tools and supplies they will need for their trek, and they are linked to a support network who will maintain contact with them from the base camp to help them through any challenges they may encounter whilst on the mountain. Then, amongst the cheers of those they leave behind, they set out on their climb. Once they have completed their trek they return to base camp to refresh, recharge and restock their supplies, prior to setting out up the mountain again.

I see church as a type of “Base Camp”. Church is the place we go for our training and preparation. It is where we study the word, build our faith in God, strengthen our support network, and learn the techniques we need to embark on the real mission.

The real mission is reaching the lost people in this world. Jesus commanded us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every person. This takes commitment, dedication, preparation and risk, just like climbing a mountain. Thankfully he has given us a place we can go to prepare and train for the climb, where we can receive the support, encouragement and resources we need, and where we can recharge, refresh and restock our supplies when the going gets tough.

So many Christians sit in their base camp preparing for a climb they never start. They are given all the preparation, skills and supplies, but never use them. They are having so much fun at base camp that they forget why they are there. I pray that God will always remind me of my mission when I get too comfortable in base camp, and that I will never forget my real purpose as a follower of Jesus.