In 1957, Camp Concordia (CC) was formed to support the mission and ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), particularly as a children's and youth ministry, both in guiding faith and helping kids (and their families) to know Jesus Christ for the first time. CC sees itself as an arm of the mission field, and as such, adheres to the teachings of the LCMS as expressed in the Bible, the Book of Concord, and the clarifications produced by the LCMS conventions. More specifically, it asks all its staff and representatives to teach the following beliefs in speech, action and example. As adherents to experiential learning philosophy, leaders of CC know that children grow in their faith through tacit experiences as well as direct verbal communication.

We believe that Jesus is our Savior and Lord.

Therefore, we also believe, proclaim and seek to live lives that...

Honor

1. Honor God: There is one God, as understood in the writings of the Bible, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three, yet one, a mystery. We should not set up other things, people or places to compete with God. God is above all and over all. This means we seek to listen to God first as we hear Him in Scripture and in other arenas compared to Scripture. John 15.26; Galatians 4.6; Matthew 28.19; 1 Corinthians 8.4; Matthew 3.16-17; 1 Corinthians 4.20
2. Honor God's Name: The names and character of God should be respected in prayer, in song, in all areas of life. We should avoid using it in careless ways and seek God’s forgiveness in Jesus so thatwe are empowered to use it rightly. Worship should ultimately lead to knowing and honoringGod’s name. Philippians 2.1-11; Exodus 3.14 (Yahweh); Isaiah 9.6; John 1.1; Matthew 15.9
3. Honor Sabbath: We should set aside certain times to rest in God's love, to honor Jesus name, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will take care of us and that we celebrate the Sabbath in many ways, one pointed out by Jesus includes caring for others. Mark 2.23-28; Matthew 11.28; Colossians 2.16-17; Hebrews 4.9-10
4. Honor Authority: We should honor those who have been set up as authority figures in our life, especially parents as long as they do not ask us to turn away from following Jesus. This includes government officials (and laws) as long as they do not ask us to live against the expectations of the God's Word. 1 Peter 2.13-17; Romans 13.2, 7; Titus 3.1

Protect

1. Protect Life: We should affirm all humanity at all stages of life, from conception through death, because all humanity is made in the image God at all stages. That we should seek to support the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects that make up each individual's life as it is lived out in connection to their faith community and interaction with all people in the local community. Psalm 139.1-16; Jeremiah 1.5
2. Protect Marriage and Relationships: That we should guard and protect marriages between a man and a woman. That intimate sexual relations should be expressed within that committed marriage. That the line of what is wrong and right is not sought out, but instead that we would live above the law. That sexuality (not the act of sex) and the attraction between a man and a woman is good (actually VERY good), appreciated, and lived out as God's holy relationship for them to carefully unwrap. That relationships (outside of marriage) in community are very good and are to be part of the Christian church. Encouragement and the need for close friendship as well. That dating and courting, however, should reflect God’s intent for marriage: between one man and one woman,committed, and holy. 1 Peter 1.13-16; Romans 1.24, 26-27; Hebrews 13.4; 1 Corinthians 6.18; Matthew 5.28
3. ​Protect Possessions: That as Jesus followers we should protect the possessions of others. We would go out of our way to be sure other's possessions stay theirs. That we would be good caregivers of other's possessions and organization's equipment. That we would respect the law when it comes to ownership of all material to the best of our ability and awareness. Romans 13.8- 10; Philippians 2.4; Hebrews 13.16; 1 Corinthians 13.7
4. Protect Other's Names: That we would always work hard to protect the name and reputation of those around us, at all levels of friendship, relationship or authority, so that people would think well of those others. That we would speak directly and privately with others about all matters of concern and disagreement, trusting first that they have good intent (no matter how marred we may be in selfishness and shortsightedness at the time). James 4.11; Matthew 18.15; Proverbs 31.8-9; 1 Corinthians 13.7

Submit

1. Submit to Contentedness: That we do our best to live contented with what we have been given to use in this life. This includes physical possessions, skills, talents and financial standings. Philippians 4.10-14; Hebrews 13.1-7; 1 Timothy 6.6-11
2. Submit in Forgiveness: That when all else fails, when we have accidentally, and possibly even deliberately, failed to live out these beliefs; we can stand before God and our faith community honestly confessing that failure knowing that we live in the forgiveness that was won for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah (Christ). Romans 1.20-32, 7.21-25, 8.31-39; Ephesians 2.1-22; 1 Corinthians 1.18; 2 Corinthians 12.9

Above all, we believe our behavior should be honorable. Ephesians 5.3-4 and Philippians 4.8-9 help to guide our overall behavior...

• But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Ephesians 5.3-4
• Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4.8-9

*These 10 points are based purposefully and primarily on the meanings of the 10 commandments as written in the Small Catechism in the Book of Concord. God makes it clear through His Word that anyone who is a follower of Jesus is called to live for Him. He indicates that we can encourage and correct each other in brotherly and sisterly love. Romans 15.15; 2 Timothy 3.16-17

Approved March 24, 2015

Camp Concordia is a Recognized Service Organization and aligns with the beliefs of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

A Special Note on Gender Identity and Sexuality
Some may wonder what our beliefs and policies are regarding gender identity and sexuality.  We believe that God created man and woman, male and female, as distinct and complementary beings, designed to be in relationship with each other in reflection of the spiritual relationship that exists between Christ and His Church.

As a result of this, we house campers according to birth sex and seek to help campers know their true identity in Christ. When conversations occur on these topics among other campers, we affirm what we believe with all campers participating.

We want to meet all campers first and primarily with grace and compassion and remind them of the hope offered to them through Jesus and the truth found in God’s Word to live as we are called, not by our feelings. 
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If these are areas you are concerned about for your camper, we encourage you to call our office for a personal conversation before their arrival at camp.