Jesus: Camp Director: 5,000 Campers, 12 Interns, 0 Kitchen Staff

by Dan Bolin, Ed McDowell (foreword)

In his previous book, Blueprints, Bolin answered the question of why we do what we do. Answering the question of how we do what we do, Camp Director unpacks the Feeding of the 5,000 and explores ten universal principles of ministry that Jesus employed as he performed one of his most well-known miracles. During the Feeding of the 5,000, Jesus not only taught, healed, and fed a huge throng of people, he also challenged and trained his Twelve Disciples. In this camp-like setting, Jesus engaged people in highly effective ways. He addressed the massive crowd with a different strategy than he used with his Twelve. He did not grouse about what he did not have but wisely applied the meager resources available to him. He used some green grass, a few loaves of bread, and a couple of small fish to meet the needs of the throng and the Twelve. He applied proven organizational systems and ministry strategies to accomplish his purposes. But through it all, he relied on the power of his Father in Heaven who abundantly provided all they needed.The Feeding of the 5,000 opens a window into how Jesus did ministry in a camp-like setting. But the Ten Principles can be applied in churches, schools, mission agencies and anywhere people want to do God's work, God's way.

163 pages, Paperback

Published November 8, 2023

About the author

Dr. Dan Bolin is an author, teacher, and ministry leader dedicated to helping Christian leaders serve with wisdom, humility, and grace. As President of Refueling in Flight Ministries, he encourages pastors, board members, and nonprofit leaders around the world to lead in ways that honor God and strengthen His people.

With more than forty years of experience in Christian leadership, Dr. Bolin has served as International Director of Christian Camping International, President of KVNE/KGLY Christian Radio, and Executive Director of Pine Cove Christian Camps. His extensive background also includes teaching, consulting, and speaking engagements in over thirty countries, where he has guided ministries in leadership development, strategic planning, and board governance.

Dr. Bolin holds a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary, a Master of Business Administration from LeTourneau University, and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including Blueprints, Jesus: Camp Director, and A Board Prayer.

Dan and his wife, Cay, make their home in Culpeper, Virginia, where they enjoy time with their family, grandchildren, and the beauty of God’s creation.

Reviews

[Emily Rayburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan does a great job of paralleling the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 to camp ministry. Helpful discussion questions that are great for studying this book as a group.