Chesapeake Conference Camp Meeting to Focus on Evangelism

Story by Evan Knott

Chesapeake Conference’s 2025 English Camp Meeting will take place June 17–21 at Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., featuring keynote speakers John Bradshaw (left), president of It Is Written, and Eric Flickinger (below), associate speaker of It Is Written.

This year’s theme, “Hope Rising: Finding Light in the Darkness,” aims to remind people that the Bible offers good news and unwavering hope, no matter one’s personal hardships or the chaos in the world. Building on the success of last year’s evangelistic emphasis, camp meeting will once again feature proclamation messages designed for the general public. Church members are encouraged to invite their friends, and targeted mailings and advertising efforts will focus on reaching the nearby Hagerstown region. Immediately following this year’s camp meeting, Chesapeake Conference will conduct a follow-up evangelistic series in Hagerstown with Ministerial Director John Rengifo and Evangelism and Church Growth Director David Klinedinst.

The evangelistic aspect of camp meeting aligns with Chesapeake Conference’s broader focus on outreach for 2025, including the Pentecost 2025 and Reach Baltimore 2025 initiatives. It Is Written is a key partner in Reach Baltimore 2025, working alongside the Chesapeake Conference and other partners, including the Allegheny East Conference, Columbia Union Conference and the North American Division (NAD). In preparation for this major outreach, It Is Written conducted a monthlong SALT (Soul Winning and Leadership Training) school of evangelism in February to equip members for personal evangelism. Later this year, Bradshaw will return to the area as one of the primary speakers for Reach Baltimore 2025, alongside NAD President G. Alexander Bryant.

“Our programs and activities for all ages are designed to refresh our hearts and refuel us for our mission, in alignment with the Pentecost 2025 and Reach Baltimore initiatives,” says Andre Hastick, Chesapeake Conference executive secretary and camp meeting coordinator. “Once again, we will be inviting guests from the community to join us in hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed and to encourage all to make decisions for Him.”

Seminars for Spiritual Growth

This year's camp meeting will offer a diverse lineup of daily seminars designed to inspire spiritual growth and equip attendees for personal evangelism. Chef Mark Anthony (pictured) will present a dynamic cooking show, blending health principles with engaging demonstrations to promote a biblically informed lifestyle. Tom Grove, vice president for Ministries Development at the Texas Conference, will lead a seminar on spiritual leadership and discipleship for men. Eric Flickinger, associate speaker for It Is Written, will share practical approaches to evangelism and witnessing, and Frank Hasel, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference, will speak on revival and spiritual renewal.

Engaging Programs for Kids and Teens

Camp meeting will also offer a full slate of daily children’s and youth programming. Younger attendees ages 0–9 will enjoy engaging VBS-style programming with stories, songs and crafts. Juniors, young teens and youth will be challenged to grow spiritually through dynamic speakers, daily field trips, and games and activities that foster a deeper connection with God and each other. This programming ensures that camp meeting is a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for attendees of all ages!