The continued ministry of Super Summer

By: Ruth Whorton

Twenty-one years ago, John Davison attended Super Summer for the first time. Then, in 1997, he accepted God’s call on his life to ministry while at Super Summer. Davison is now the middle school pastor at Sherman Bible Church and brings students to Super Summer year after year.

He is very invested in Super Summer because of the incredible impact the ministry makes around the state through the students who attend.

“Super Summer stirs student’s affections for Christ. Knowing there are others who are on the same mission as they are motivates them,” Davison said.

Super Summer taught Davison the importance of doing everything you can to make an impact on this Earth for Christ. He desires this drive to be instilled in his students through the experiences presented to them at Super Summer.

Super Summer is more than just recreational relays involving corn on the cob slathered with ketchup. While that is fun, and a little gross, Super Summer aims deeper. The goal of Super Summer is simple: teaching students to know and share the Gospel.

Jason Richards, Super Summer director, described Super Summer as a teaching ministry to the students who attend, but also a ministry to their friends who will hear the Gospel through the encouragement and training the students received.

“Super Summer is a place for students who know Jesus and want to share the Gospel with others,” Richards shared.    

Biblically-based, Super Summer leaders know the question is not if one will share the Gospel, but when, because the believer is commanded with absolute certainty to “go and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19). Since this is a when, then the new question becomes how. The how is what Super Summer answers for students.    

This summer’s theme, making the mystery of the Gospel known, comes from Ephesians:

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Within color schools, by grade level, students attend 12 school sessions per week. The majority of their time at Super Summer is spent in classrooms, worshiping, learning and discussing the Word of God. In addition, there is a collective worship service and sermon every night for all students.

Students attest to the same intentionality of Super Summer today as Davison has seen for two decades. Super Summer was described by students as a place that teaches you to feel burdened for the lost and gives you a template for how to share the Gospel. In addition, one student noted that Super Summer went beyond just telling him he needed to share the Gospel. Super Summer backed it up with scripture showing the spiritual call to share the sacrifice of the Cross.

As well as teaching students to know and share the Gospel, Super Summer provides a ministry to ministers through Life Recovered. Jimmy Storrie started Life Recovered nine years ago and has spent the last six years directly partnering with Super Summer for the summers. Storrie meets one-on-one with ministers on site throughout the week to provide a listening ear and biblical mentoring.

Once at camp, Storrie provides a presentation to all ministers called, “Taking Care of You.” His goal is “to prevent ministers from reaching the point of burnout.” He encourages all to fill themselves well because what they are filled with will have a ripple effect throughout their ministry.    

From students to ministers, Super Summer is dedicated to making an intentional, evangelism centered experience for all in attendance. With every detail of the week, Super Summer teaches students to know and share the Gospel.