SummerSalt is a summer camp for sixth through twelfth graders, and it’s one of the largest year-round gatherings of student ministers in the South Carolina Baptist Convention. 

“SummerSalt is one of the greatest ministries that we do,” shared Charlie Swain, who is the Next Generation Mobilization Strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. SummerSalt is a camp designed to captivate the next generation with the Gospel. “We want to utilize that time and give student ministers a free opportunity to gather and train while they’re at SummerSalt.”

Creating an Opportunity

THRIVE is a free resource to equip student ministers with the tools needed to advance the Great Commission in their community. It’s also an opportunity to gather together. “We don’t think we have the best ideas,” Swain remarked. “Student ministers have the best ideas, so we want them to get in a room together, ask really good questions, and sharpen each other.”  

One of the greatest challenges student ministers face is the feeling of being alone. Developing leaders in youth ministry can be difficult, and leaders don’t appear out of thin air. THRIVE exists to welcome that discouraged student minister, listen to their problems, let them know they’re not alone, and offer potential solutions. 

“It’s a time of intentional investment where student ministers meet with their peers and learn and grow with one another,” stated Ricky Wilson, the Next Generation Evangelism Strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Forming a Community

THRIVE is a great reminder to student ministers that they have a large community of people who are cheering them on and looking out for each other. “I think one of the best things about THRIVE is the think-tank environment,” added Brandon Harrison, student pastor at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned in ministry is to leave your ego at the door so we can all learn from one another. THRIVE allows other people to help you think differently about your ministry, what you’re doing, and what you could be missing.”

“It’s an excellent opportunity to evaluate seriously our ministry’s health and personal health,” remarked Ben Feil, Student Pastor at First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg. “THRIVE allows me to step back from the daily grind of ministry and see the state of my soul.”