THE SOUTHLAND STORY
Southland Christian Ministries was formally known as the Miracle Camp under the ministry of BMA (Bible Memory Association). The property itself was begun as a part of the government Army core of engineers back in the early 1940's. The dike and lake were built as a plan to create jobs during the Great Depression. Dr. Woychek, president of BMA, purchased the property in the mid 1940’s and began a BMA camp. It was a place where young people and adults alike came as a result of completing a scripture memory plan that they worked on throughout the year. From 1948-1991 it was owned and operated under the BMA board of directors. In the early 1990s BMA went through financial turmoil and had to dissolve the organization as a result.
At that time, BMA contacted Dr. Bob Wood who was currently the Vice President of Bob Jones University. BMA's desire was to have the camp donated to other Christian Ministries in order to maintain the property in use for the souls of men and the teaching of the Bible. Dr. Wood contacted Dr. Carl Herbster, Pastor of Tri- City Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri, and asked if they would consider taking on the camp as an added ministry. Pastor Herbster’s initial response was, “No, because it is a camp that is 700 miles away we can’t do that.” but he did however feel led to bring it to the leadership of the churches deacon board, to ask what they thought. Praise the Lord the deacons voted to take the camp as another avenue to impact people and other churches for the gospel and glory of the Lord. Tri-City acquired the camp in the early 1990's and began to do the work to get the camp ready for opening in the summer of 1993.
Bob Graham was hired as the first camp director and served the Lord at Southland for 6 years. Adam Godshall was the interim director until Todd Sasek became the director. He served at Southland until 2008. The current director Mike Herbster became the director in the fall of 2008.
In the fall of 2012, Southland became an independent organization set up under a board of directors. Praise the Lord for all the staff of the past and present who have served here, and grown in their walk with God here. Praise the Lord for the thousands of campers who have been impacted by this place. Hundreds of souls have been saved and Christian's lives impacted by the word of God that has been preached at Southland. The goal of the camp is to have every camper take the “NEXT STEP” in their walk with God!
At that time, BMA contacted Dr. Bob Wood who was currently the Vice President of Bob Jones University. BMA's desire was to have the camp donated to other Christian Ministries in order to maintain the property in use for the souls of men and the teaching of the Bible. Dr. Wood contacted Dr. Carl Herbster, Pastor of Tri- City Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri, and asked if they would consider taking on the camp as an added ministry. Pastor Herbster’s initial response was, “No, because it is a camp that is 700 miles away we can’t do that.” but he did however feel led to bring it to the leadership of the churches deacon board, to ask what they thought. Praise the Lord the deacons voted to take the camp as another avenue to impact people and other churches for the gospel and glory of the Lord. Tri-City acquired the camp in the early 1990's and began to do the work to get the camp ready for opening in the summer of 1993.
Bob Graham was hired as the first camp director and served the Lord at Southland for 6 years. Adam Godshall was the interim director until Todd Sasek became the director. He served at Southland until 2008. The current director Mike Herbster became the director in the fall of 2008.
In the fall of 2012, Southland became an independent organization set up under a board of directors. Praise the Lord for all the staff of the past and present who have served here, and grown in their walk with God here. Praise the Lord for the thousands of campers who have been impacted by this place. Hundreds of souls have been saved and Christian's lives impacted by the word of God that has been preached at Southland. The goal of the camp is to have every camper take the “NEXT STEP” in their walk with God!
THE SOUTHLAND MISSION
"Southland utilizes the unique influence of the camping ministry to serve local churches by challenging every camper to conform to the character of Christ, through salvation, obedience to God’s Word, and surrender to faithful service."
Southland Christian Ministries is a service ministry sent out from and held accountable by a board of directors. Our camping ministry provides a different place with different people who are running a different program. We are, however, presenting the same God from one Bible. We use this setting to work together to point campers to Christ and Christ-likeness. We strive to assist God’s ordained entity to fulfill the biblical mandate in this age of Grace.
Every person who enters Southland will be brought to the mirror of God’s Word. Our goal for every camper is for them to conform to the character of Christ and to take the “Next Step” in this process.This is the only and absolute standard for all of mankind. Our camp verse, Philippians 3:10 points out these goals.
Southland Christian Ministries is a service ministry sent out from and held accountable by a board of directors. Our camping ministry provides a different place with different people who are running a different program. We are, however, presenting the same God from one Bible. We use this setting to work together to point campers to Christ and Christ-likeness. We strive to assist God’s ordained entity to fulfill the biblical mandate in this age of Grace.
Every person who enters Southland will be brought to the mirror of God’s Word. Our goal for every camper is for them to conform to the character of Christ and to take the “Next Step” in this process.This is the only and absolute standard for all of mankind. Our camp verse, Philippians 3:10 points out these goals.
SOUTHLAND CORE VALUES
Priority of the Local Church
We believe in the authority and importance of the local church and the pastoral leadership, which oversees it. Southland is a parachurch organization which means we are to support the work of the church. We are not established to be a replacement for the church, nor do we possess any authority over any individual local assembly. We desire to be a help to the church in ministering. We seek to elevate and enhance a love for the church in every Christian. We desire that every person see the importance of letting their life revolve around the work of their local church. (Mt. 16:18; Eph 1:22-23)
Priority of Preaching
Preaching, not programs, will be the priority. The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the truth that transforms any life. It will be preached with purpose, passion, power and practicality at Southland Christian Ministries. Speakers and counselors will lean on the Word and the Spirit of God to do the work in the lives. The schedule will revolve around the preaching times, and it will be the priority of all we do. (Mark 16:15; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:2)
Priority of Evangelism
Our goal is that every person hears a clear and understandable presentation of the gospel. Our preaching will be gospel-focused and will be one of the clear goals of our ministry. We also believe that as Christians we are commanded to be fishers of men; therefore, each person will be challenged to reach others with the gospel of Christ. Our staff is taught the importance of soul-winning and is placed in situations to be able to lead others to Christ. Our full-time staff is expected to be involved in evangelistic ministries through their local churches in addition to their ministries at Southland. (Mt 28:19-20; Rom 1:16; Mt 9:37-38; 1 Pet 3:15)
Priority of Holiness
We believe that holiness is an attribute of the heart that manifests itself in every area of the believer’s life. Holiness involves more than just external standards, but is also not without external standards. We will focus on internal holiness that leads to godly actions. We will encourage and enforce Biblical standards for holiness. Therefore, we will maintain Biblically-based standards in music, dress, dating relationships, language and other areas of conduct. These standards will be addressed in a way that follows biblical principles, reflects the love of Christ, and puts the focus on being like Christ! (1 Pet. 1:14-16; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Heb 12:14)
Priority of Hospitality
It is our commitment to make serving others the priority of our ministry. We desire to pay attention to detail so our guests feel welcome, and have the best experience possible. Our meal service, cleanliness, politeness, and friendliness will reflect our commitment to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9; Rom 12:13)
Priority of Discipleship
We desire to build lasting relationships centered around our unified commitment to Christ. We desire to promote true discipleship for Christ through straightforward teaching of the Word of God, one-on-one confrontation, life example, and encouragement for lasting personal growth. We will emphasize the importance of disciplined living, persevering through suffering, and being devoted to knowing God and following His path. Discipleship ministry involves giving all for the sake of another’s spiritual growth. Southland is a multiplication ministry! We desire that those we disciple will be equipped to disciple others in their families and local churches. (Rom 12:1; 2 Tim 2:2; Luke 9:23; Mt. 16:24-25; John 8:31-32)
Priority of Excellence
Excellence is about glorifying God in all that you do. Our goal in everything we do is to make His name known. It is all about the glory of God! We will therefore strive for excellence in every area of the ministry, including food service, preaching, music, program activities, staff training, facilities, cleanliness, and safety. Excellence will be our focus in the management and structure of the overall ministry. (Col. 3:23; 1 Cor. 10:31; Eccl. 9:10)
We believe in the authority and importance of the local church and the pastoral leadership, which oversees it. Southland is a parachurch organization which means we are to support the work of the church. We are not established to be a replacement for the church, nor do we possess any authority over any individual local assembly. We desire to be a help to the church in ministering. We seek to elevate and enhance a love for the church in every Christian. We desire that every person see the importance of letting their life revolve around the work of their local church. (Mt. 16:18; Eph 1:22-23)
Priority of Preaching
Preaching, not programs, will be the priority. The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the truth that transforms any life. It will be preached with purpose, passion, power and practicality at Southland Christian Ministries. Speakers and counselors will lean on the Word and the Spirit of God to do the work in the lives. The schedule will revolve around the preaching times, and it will be the priority of all we do. (Mark 16:15; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:2)
Priority of Evangelism
Our goal is that every person hears a clear and understandable presentation of the gospel. Our preaching will be gospel-focused and will be one of the clear goals of our ministry. We also believe that as Christians we are commanded to be fishers of men; therefore, each person will be challenged to reach others with the gospel of Christ. Our staff is taught the importance of soul-winning and is placed in situations to be able to lead others to Christ. Our full-time staff is expected to be involved in evangelistic ministries through their local churches in addition to their ministries at Southland. (Mt 28:19-20; Rom 1:16; Mt 9:37-38; 1 Pet 3:15)
Priority of Holiness
We believe that holiness is an attribute of the heart that manifests itself in every area of the believer’s life. Holiness involves more than just external standards, but is also not without external standards. We will focus on internal holiness that leads to godly actions. We will encourage and enforce Biblical standards for holiness. Therefore, we will maintain Biblically-based standards in music, dress, dating relationships, language and other areas of conduct. These standards will be addressed in a way that follows biblical principles, reflects the love of Christ, and puts the focus on being like Christ! (1 Pet. 1:14-16; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Heb 12:14)
Priority of Hospitality
It is our commitment to make serving others the priority of our ministry. We desire to pay attention to detail so our guests feel welcome, and have the best experience possible. Our meal service, cleanliness, politeness, and friendliness will reflect our commitment to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9; Rom 12:13)
Priority of Discipleship
We desire to build lasting relationships centered around our unified commitment to Christ. We desire to promote true discipleship for Christ through straightforward teaching of the Word of God, one-on-one confrontation, life example, and encouragement for lasting personal growth. We will emphasize the importance of disciplined living, persevering through suffering, and being devoted to knowing God and following His path. Discipleship ministry involves giving all for the sake of another’s spiritual growth. Southland is a multiplication ministry! We desire that those we disciple will be equipped to disciple others in their families and local churches. (Rom 12:1; 2 Tim 2:2; Luke 9:23; Mt. 16:24-25; John 8:31-32)
Priority of Excellence
Excellence is about glorifying God in all that you do. Our goal in everything we do is to make His name known. It is all about the glory of God! We will therefore strive for excellence in every area of the ministry, including food service, preaching, music, program activities, staff training, facilities, cleanliness, and safety. Excellence will be our focus in the management and structure of the overall ministry. (Col. 3:23; 1 Cor. 10:31; Eccl. 9:10)
SOUTHLAND'S DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
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THE BIBLE: We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God in all parts and wholly without error. For the purpose of unity and no confusion,
we preach and teach only from the King James Version of the Bible here at Southland Christian Camp. JESUS CHRIST: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, the eternal Word, and only begotten Son. He became man by the miracle of the virgin birth; He is true God and true Man. SALVATION: We believe salvation is by grace through faith and is a free gift of God available to all, neither merited nor secured by any virtue or work of man; received only by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. |
GOD: We believe in the one true God, who is the first person of the Trinity; perfect, infinite, and eternal. He is revealed to us as Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity; that He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. MANKIND: We believe that all men, by nature and choice, are sinful and lost; that man is the direct creation of God, made in His image and likeness. SECOND COMING: We believe in the second coming of Christ and that His coming, which is our blessed hope, is always imminent. |
