by Andrew Garnett

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One of my favorite moments of summer is chaperoning my church’s week at PassportKids camp. I’m a big fan of Passport (a nonprofit organization that hosts interdenominational Christian summer camps for children and teens), because they do an exceptionally good job at creating meaningful and engaging camp experiences. I recommend Passport to any church that I know who’s looking for a good summer activity!

As I left this year’s camp, I tried to decide what part of the week was my favorite. I do love the creativity in worship, and I’m always impressed with the way that Passport staff can involve children in meaningful ways. I am also fascinated by the way that they do mission education, providing immersive experiences that help campers imagine what it’s like to live in another culture. From my perspective as a pastor, the spiritual content at Passport is top notch. But I realized that what I actually enjoy the most about camp each year is something decidedly unspiritual: the variety show.

The variety show is always held on the last night of camp. Each year there will be some ridiculous theme for the evening, like aliens from outer space abducting the earth’s cows, and campers come dressed in outlandish costumes that match the theme. Any camper who wants can then perform an act in this variety show. One may sing, another may dance, and a particularly brave soul may attempt a standup comedy routine.

When I step back and look at the variety show objectively, it is ridiculous. But what’s absolutely mesmerizing about the night is the way Passport staffers can turn this awkward event into an experience of grace. A nervous child, standing alone on stage, warbles out the first few notes to a Broadway showtune; the song clearly outstrips the performer’s ability—from the audience, we can see in their eyes a sudden realization that this was a mistake. But right on cue, a Passport staffer sees the need, puts their hands in the air, and swings them to the beat. Soon the whole audience has their hands in the air, and the performer plucks up enough confidence to finish the song with dignity. It’s incredible how quickly the room fills with support and encouragement for people who are complete strangers.

The variety show is—for me—an incarnation of one of Paul’s pithier sayings: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15). Paul is giving us the ancient equivalent of “read the room” and “match their energy.” It’s the art of deeply seeing other people, thinking about what they need, and meeting them where they are.

The Church is meant to be the place where timid voices are met with encouragement instead of judgment and where weakness is met with compassion instead of embarrassment. If our congregations can learn to “read the room” as well as a Passport variety-show audience, then perhaps our sanctuaries will become places where more people find the courage to step into the light, discover their gifts, and trust that God’s grace will meet them there.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Garnett is pastor of Hampton Baptist Church, a BGAV-participating congregation.

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