DBC Students

Derrick Milner recapped Guest Speaker Glen Rowden's messages from Summer Camp 2025, which centered around the theme "All In" with faith.

The first message, "All Indwell," emphasized that followers of Jesus have everything they need to go "all in" because the Holy Spirit dwells within them. Milner highlighted Luke 9:23, which calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus, stressing that this is a daily battle against distractions and sin, not just a weekly or occasional commitment. He referenced the "Jesus delivered me from" boards at camp, symbolizing how God, through Christ's sacrifice, pays the price for our sins, enabling us to overcome past mistakes and live "all in."

The second night's message built upon this foundation. "All Invest" focused on not only investing in one's own faith but also in the lives of others. Milner underscored that to bring others to Jesus, believers must be willing to go to places they haven't gone themselves, actively engaging in conversations and building relationships.

The third night, "All Include,"celebrated the church as a family where everyone belongs. Drawing from Ephesians 1:18, Rowden encouraged campers to hope that Jesus is shaping them to fulfill His purpose, which includes making others feel included and welcomed in the Christian community.

Finally, "All Invite" reiterated the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19, urging believers to share their faith and invite others to experience the joy and peace found in Jesus. Milner likened this to having a cure for cancer and the moral obligation to share it, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of camp was not just personal faith growth, but equipping attendees to go out and share that faith with the world.

Derrick Milner reflects on an impactful camp experience and sharing insights from several Students. The camp was a significant event, fostering spiritual growth, with 13 baptisms and five salvations. Milner emphasized the power of worship and community, highlighting how sharing struggles and faith experiences in a supportive environment, like the small groups at camp, can lead to profound personal breakthroughs. He urged attendees to carry the spiritual intensity and openness experienced at camp into their daily lives, asserting that faith is not merely about emotional highs but about continuous, everyday commitment.

Milner and other speakers, including Brian, underscored the importance of students setting an example in their faith, not just within the church but in all aspects of their lives. They encouraged students to continue to worship freely, share their faith, and invite others to experience Jesus, preventing the church from becoming a "clique." The shared testimonials from students like Benjamin, Hannah, Noah, David, Josh, Harrison, William, Caroline, and Ethan illustrated diverse personal transformations—from overcoming anxiety and grief to finding deeper connections and understanding their faith. The camp aimed to show that even outside of an isolated camp environment, God can continue to work miracles, and personal faith should be a daily pursuit, not just a one-time event.

In final night of Summer Camp 2025, Glen Rowden's message, "All Invite," emphasizes that Christians are called to be disciples who make disciples.

Rowden began by reflecting on the songs of worship, noting that they highlight Jesus as the Lord of heaven and earth, the Savior of the world, and the name above every name. He asserted that this understanding of Jesus's identity should compel believers to live differently and be "all in" with the Gospel. He stressed that our purpose in life comes from Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Referencing Colossians 1:16-17, he underscored that all things were created through and for Jesus, and that He holds everything together.

The core of Rowden's message centered on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), urging the audience to view it not just as a command to "do" something, but as a call to "be" someone. He clarified that "all nations" means every person, regardless of their background or how difficult they may be, is valuable to God and invited into His family.

He explained that a disciple is someone who follows and strives to be like their teacher. Therefore, making disciples means inviting others to join you in following Jesus and trying to become like Him. This involves showing them how to follow Jesus through your own life and actions, rather than just telling them information. You cannot invite someone to follow you somewhere you are not going yourself.

Rowden then outlined key aspects of what it means to be a disciple:

• Baptism: He presented baptism not as a means of salvation, but as a public act of obedience and identification with Jesus. It symbolizes the death of the "old self" and the resurrection to "newness of life" in Christ (Romans 6:4). He likened it to a wedding ring, a public symbol of commitment and love, emphasizing that refusing to be baptized when Jesus commanded it would be akin to a spouse refusing to wear a wedding ring. He also noted that taking this initial step of obedience often leads to further obedience in a believer's life.

• Obedience to Jesus's Commands: Disciples are called to "observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). This means striving to live as Jesus lived, not picking and choosing which commands to follow. This commitment to obedience is a continuous, lifelong process, not just a Sunday activity. Rowden acknowledged that no one is perfect, but when disciples fall short, they should agree with God about their sin, admit their mistakes, and make adjustments to change.

  
  

Rowden concluded by reiterating that this mission of discipleship is not undertaken alone. Citing Matthew 28:20, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age," he reminded them that God's Spirit indwells believers, providing the strength and guidance needed to fulfill this calling. He challenged the audience to consider if they are truly disciples, believing that everyone present at the camp was there for a purpose orchestrated by God. He urged them to take their "next step" in their faith journey, whether that meant trusting Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, or making a significant change in their life to align with God's will.

Derrick Milner, in the final morning session of summer camp, reflected on the week's theme of "all in" faith, emphasizing personal application. He highlighted the campers' engaged worship and their courageous sharing of personal struggles, linking these to Jesus's sacrifice.

Milner then introduced communion, a first for this camp, as a crucial act of faith. He explained its symbolism rooted in Jesus's body and blood, citing 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 to underscore believers' commitment to glorifying God as they were "bought at a price.”

He posed the question, "Why do we participate in communion?" dismissing superficial reasons and sharing a personal anecdote about his own past misunderstanding of its significance. He grounded the practice in Matthew 26:26-29, describing the Last Supper as Jesus instituted communion as a symbol of his impending sacrifice. Milner also referenced 1 Corinthians 11 to emphasize the importance of self-examination before partaking.

Milner outlined three aspects of obedience related to communion:

1. Reflect on the Sacrifice

This involves remembering Jesus's death for sin, as highlighted in Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23, and acknowledging that His sacrifice offers eternal life.

2. Examine Our Hearts

Participants should consider their intentions for communion and their faith in general, ensuring their actions stem from genuine belief rather than mere participation or guilt. God values the "posture of your heart" over the act itself.

3. Show Others

Obedience in faith, including communion, can inspire others. Milner quoted Matthew 5:14-16, emphasizing that believers are the "light of the world" and their actions can lead others to God.

He concluded by offering three ways to respond: establishing a relationship with Jesus, getting baptized, or participating in communion with a reflective and examined heart. He explained the communion process, where deacons would serve the bread and juice, inviting attendees to consider the profound weight of what they were doing before partaking. The session closed with a prayer for participants to remember the deep meaning of communion and God's love.

Glen Rowden's "All Included" session at Summer Camp 2025 emphasized the communal aspect of Christian faith, drawing heavily from Hebrews 10:23-25.

Rowden began by acknowledging that while accepting Jesus Christ is an individual decision, it immediately ushers believers into a collective group—the "sons and daughters of God." This stands in contrast to the prevalent individualistic nature of society, as Christian faith is not self-reliant; believers need both the Holy Spirit and each other to navigate their spiritual journey.

Central to Rowden's message was the concept of hope. He posed the question: "What do you hope for?" He cautioned against hoping for temporary, worldly possessions or hoping for nothing at all, comparing the latter to his dog, Dolly, who has no hopes or dreams beyond basic needs. Instead, he urged attendees to hope for the call of Jesus and the "riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18), emphasizing God's unfailing love, purpose for each individual, and the promise of eternal life without pain, fear, or tears.

Rowden stressed the importance of holding fast to this hope in Jesus "without wavering." He illustrated this with a vivid personal anecdote from his time in the Army, describing how he had to cling desperately to a helicopter strap to avoid falling. He linked this to the spiritual need to have a "death grip" on one's faith. He further explained that wavering from faith makes life harder, not only for the individual but also for those around them, drawing a parallel to soldiers falling behind in a march, forcing others to exert more effort to keep pace. The ultimate reason to hold fast is because "he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

The speaker then shifted to the necessity of mutual encouragement and accountability among believers. Referencing 1 Peter 5:8, he warned that "your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour." Satan, he explained, doesn't announce his presence but subtly seeks to isolate and attack individuals with spiritual "blind spots." Therefore, believers need each other to "stir up one another to love and good works" and to provide accountability, not in a judgmental way, but with love, prayer, and scripture, for the purpose of building each other up.

Rowden directly addressed the common sentiment, "I don't need the church to be a follower of Jesus," calling it both wrong and selfish. He asserted that Hebrews 10:25, "not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another," explicitly commands believers to gather. He argued that attending church isn't solely for individual benefit but also to encourage and support other believers. He concluded by emphasizing that these crucial relationships require commitment and investment to foster trust and mutual protection against spiritual dangers.

Rowden ended by encouraging the attendees to be a group of people who cling to their faith, don't waver, and actively lift one another up, recognizing the increasing difficulties of following Jesus in the last days.

In the morning 2 Session, Derrick Milner focused on the importance of prayer and surrendering everything to God for a deeper relationship with Jesus.

He began by emphasizing that true worship involves giving everything over to God, even if it means "looking foolish." He connected this to the idea of going "all in" with one's faith, which requires a personal relationship with Jesus. He encouraged anyone who felt the need to surrender their life to Jesus or be baptized to speak with a leader.

Milner then posed the question: "What is something that you need to be delivered from? What's something that you need to give over to God?" He explained that prayer is essential for this, serving as our primary way of communicating with God, just as reading Scripture is God's way of communicating with us.

He referenced the story of Gideon in Judges Chapter 6. The Israelites had turned away from God and suffered under the Midianites for seven years. They were broken, hopeless, and starving. God sent a prophet to remind them of His deliverance from Egypt and His commands, which they had disobeyed. God then chose Gideon, a seemingly weak and insignificant man, to deliver Israel. Gideon initially doubted and tested God, but ultimately, he surrendered his plan to follow God's plan.

Milner drew parallels between Gideon's struggle and our own, highlighting that it's often difficult to give everything over to God, especially when things are uncomfortable or we face struggles like:

• Compulsive lying

• Addictions

• Gossip

• Anger issues

• Anxiety

• Depression

He reminded the audience that God can use anyone, even those who feel they've "messed up," just as He used Gideon. The core message was to identify what holds us back from a deep relationship with Jesus and to be willing to confess these struggles to God.

The session concluded with a powerful call to action based on Psalm 34:17-18, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted, and he saves those crushed in spirit." Participants were invited to engage in a symbolic act of surrender:

1. Pray privately, asking God to deliver them from their struggles.

2. Write their specific struggles or sins on a board labeled "Jesus delivered me from..."

3. Paint over what they wrote with red paint, symbolizing the blood of Jesus, who "bought us with a price" and delivered us from our struggles, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Milner emphasized that this act requires boldness and that while our lives won't be perfect, we can have peace, joy, and hope through Jesus' sacrifice. He also encouraged students to pray for each other, recognizing that growth in faith is a personal and communal journey.

In Night 2 of Summer Camp 2025, titled "All Invest," Glen Rowden, focuses on the concept of being an example to others, drawing heavily from biblical teachings.

Rowden begins by highlighting the core theme of investing in others by being a positive example. He references 1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." He explains that this verse is from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader of the church in Ephesus who faced many challenges. Paul's instruction to Timothy, and by extension to the audience, is to invest in the people around them and to be an example.

Rowden illustrates this point with a personal anecdote about his young son, Evan, who unconsciously imitated his father mowing the lawn. This story emphasizes that people are always watching, even when we don't realize it. He stresses that everyone, regardless of age or perceived influence, is an example to someone else—whether it's peers, family, or neighbors. The crucial question isn't if you are an example, but "what kind of example are you?" Especially for those who claim to follow Jesus, they are an example of what that means to others, and for some, they may be the only example of Jesus they encounter.

To understand what kind of example to be, Rowden turns to Philippians 2:5-11, which describes Jesus' humility and sacrifice.

• Relationship with Jesus is Essential: Rowden emphasizes that one cannot truly be the example needed without a relationship with Jesus. He quotes Philippians 2:5, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Our ability to live out this example comes from being "in Christ Jesus," not from our own power or efforts, as we are all sinners (Isaiah 53:6). He highlights that Jesus paid the price for our sins, demonstrating God's immense love (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9). This means we live by faith in what Jesus did, not in our own ability to do good (Galatians 2:20).

  
  

• Willingness to Let Go of Entitlement: Jesus, though equal with God, "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" (Philippians 2:6-7). Rowden interprets this as Jesus being willing to let go of what he was entitled to for our benefit. He challenges the audience to stop focusing on what they think they deserve, as ultimately, without Jesus, humanity deserves eternal separation from God. He states, "Jesus' example is this: I deserve, but instead I give, I serve, and I sacrifice."

  
  

• Importance of Daily, Little Moments: Rowden asserts that Jesus' example wasn't just about significant moments but also about the "daily moments and decisions that may seem insignificant" (Philippians 2:7). Jesus, the Creator, daily lived a servant's life, submitting to his Father's will despite mistreatment. Rowden urges listeners to consider that people are watching their everyday actions and reactions, not just the big decisions. He stresses that "your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith in your purity and daily life matters."

  
  

• Handling Failure as an Example: Rowden acknowledges that no one is perfect and mistakes will be made. However, he sees these moments as opportunities to be an example. Quoting 1 John 1:8-9, he encourages confession of sins, highlighting that God is faithful to forgive. He shares an anecdote about giving his hoodie to his cold son at a Good Friday service, despite initially being frustrated, as a personal example of sacrificing for someone undeserving, mirroring Jesus' sacrifice. He concludes that how we handle failure is part of the example we set.

Rowden's central message is a call to be "all in" with Jesus, not holding anything back, and to reflect His example of humility, service, and sacrifice in all aspects of life, both big and small, for the benefit of others.

In morning 1 of summer camp session, Derrick Milner, centered on the theme of "All In" with Worship, drawing parallels between the Israelites' wavering faith and the challenges modern youth face in fully committing to God.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Worship: The speaker emphasized that true worship goes beyond singing songs or outward expressions; it's about trusting God completely, even when it means "looking foolish" to others.

• The Story of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18): The message heavily featured the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal. The speaker highlighted how God dramatically responded to Elijah's faith, consuming the water-drenched sacrifice with fire, demonstrating His power and authenticity.

• Trusting God in Impossible Situations: The act of pouring water on the wood before the fire challenge was used to illustrate Elijah's immense trust in God to do the impossible. This served as a metaphor for believers to trust God even in their darkest and seemingly hopeless circumstances.

• Biblical Examples of "Looking Foolish": The speaker provided several examples from the Bible where individuals "looked foolish" by obeying God, but ultimately experienced marvelous outcomes:

  • Noah building an ark when it had never rained.

  • Moses parting the Red Sea.

  • The Israelites marching around Jericho without weapons.

  • David fighting Goliath with a sling and a stone.

  • Mary conceiving Jesus as a virgin.

  • Peter walking on water.

  • Jesus on the cross.

• Call to Action: Campers were encouraged to engage in worship in a way that is authentic and personal to them, regardless of what others might think. The speaker urged them to surrender their doubts and problems to God, believing that He can work miracles in their lives.

The session concluded with a prayer, reinforcing the message of unwavering faith and trust in God's power.

In the opening of the Night One Session of Summer Camp 2025, speaker Glen Rowden introduced himself, sharing that he's from Sarasota, Florida, but lived in Georgia longer, where he knew Brian and officiated Derek's wedding. He then introduced his family, including his new daughter-in-law who recently married his middle son, his 16-year-old twin sons, and his oldest son who is in the Air Force. Rowden also shared his passion for fishing in Florida.

Transitioning to the camp's theme, "All In," Rowden explained that being "all in" for Jesus means full commitment, not just a partial dip. He referenced Luke 9:23-24, where Jesus calls everyone to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him, emphasizing that this "all in" commitment is for every follower, not just "super Christians" or pastors.

Rowden then used Matthew 13:44, the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, to illustrate that the "kingdom of heaven"—a relationship with God—is so valuable it's worth giving up everything for. He quoted missionary Jim Elliott, "He is no fool who gives up what he can't keep, to gain what cannot be taken away," to underscore the eternal value of following Jesus compared to temporary earthly possessions.

Acknowledging that being "all in" can feel challenging, Rowden introduced the night's key word: "indwell." He explained that God knows we can't be "all in" on our own, and that when we believe in Jesus, we are no longer alone. He cited Ephesians 1:13, stating that believers are "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," meaning every follower of Jesus has everything they need to be "all in."

To illustrate the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Rowden compared the disciples' behavior before and after receiving the Holy Spirit. He recounted instances where the disciples showed fear and doubt while Jesus was physically with them, such as fleeing when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:55-56) and some doubting even after His resurrection (Matthew 28:16-17).

However, after Jesus ascended and the Holy Spirit came (Acts 1:8, Acts 2), the disciples were transformed. Rowden highlighted Peter's boldness, contrasting his earlier denial of Jesus with his confident proclamation of the Gospel to the very leaders who had Jesus killed (Acts 3-4). He noted that Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, rejoiced in suffering for Jesus' name and continued preaching despite being beaten and jailed (Acts 5:41-42). Rowden emphasized that believers today have the same Holy Spirit as the apostles, empowering them to live "all in."

Finally, Rowden addressed how to access this indwelling Holy Spirit. He referred to Galatians 5:16, 25, which instructs believers to "walk in the Spirit" and "keep in step with the Spirit." He explained that the Holy Spirit acts as a guide, leading us into all truth (John 16:13), particularly through God's Word, the Bible (Isaiah 40:8). He concluded by encouraging attendees to seek truth in the Bible, acknowledge the Holy Spirit's presence, and pray for His guidance, reminding them not to "quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

In week 3 of the series titled “Distracted,” Derrick Milner, explores the various ways believers can lose focus on their spiritual lives, particularly during the summer. Milner emphasizes that while summer offers freedom from school and obligations, it also presents many spiritual distractions.

Derrick references previous sermons in the series. He recalls Jonathan’s discussion on the Gospel, highlighting that a "counterfeit gospel leads to a counterfeit life." This counterfeit life involves simply going through the motions of faith—attending church and reading the Bible—without genuine consumption of one's life. He also mentions Zach's message on adoption, stressing that Jesus died to make "orphans, sons and daughters" by bringing them into God's family. Milner notes that adoption into God’s family is permanent, offering a place at home regardless of struggles or sins.

The core of Derrick's message centers on the concept of "true freedom" and the battle between being led by the Spirit versus driven by the flesh. While believers have the freedom to choose whether or not to follow God, true freedom comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus.

Derrick warns that this freedom can be abused. Citing Galatians 5:13, he reminds the audience that freedom should not be used as "an opportunity for the flesh," but rather as a means to "serve one another through love." Milner explains that abusing freedom can lead to spiritual captivity and distract believers from God's path.

Derrick emphasizes that the Christian life is not always perfect but a continuous battle between spiritual guidance and worldly desires. To maintain a strong relationship with God, believers must actively pursue Him. Milner concludes by highlighting the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—as the outcomes of living by the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Derrick encourages the audience to examine their hearts and pray for God to reveal how they are being led, particularly as they prepare for a church camp experience focused on pursuing a deeper relationship with God away from worldly distractions.