Author Jim Harper. Edited by Claire Carter

WHAT IS ENCOUNTER CAMP?

An annual opportunity for those with life-controlling issues to meet with God and see significant breakthrough.

Set in rural Worcestershire, Encounter is a 5-day camp to meet with God through times of worship, inspirational preaching, prophetic ministry, creative workshops, sport and games.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Encounter is for anyone with life controlling problems who need breakthrough from God.

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome.

WHY?

We aim to provide an environment for broken people to encounter God and be set free.

WHERE IS IT?

Lenchwood Christian Centre, Worcestershire

Encounter Camp was so much more than a week away. It was and is a week of faith, friendship, laughter, creativity, community and encounters with Jesus.

Year after year, we have the privilege of seeing people, many of whom battle with addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges, come to camp and leave different from how they arrived. This year we saw people respond to the Gospel, give their lives to Jesus, experience healing, find hope and discover that God can transform their lives.

For some, camp is where they hear the Gospel in a way that finally makes sense to them. For others, it is a place where they rediscover their faith, experience God in a new way or take another step forward in
their journey with Jesus. Seeing people respond, pray together and support one another is at the very heart of why Encounter Camp exists. But encountering God doesn’t only happen during worship or the
teaching.

Our creative writing session gave people the freedom to put thoughts, feelings, experiences and faith into words. Sometimes people express things on paper that they have never felt able to say aloud. Our art session offered another way for people to express themselves. Through paint, paper and creativity, people were able to explore their emotions, their stories and what God may be saying to them. It was a safe space to express what is inside.

And, of course, Encounter Camp is also about having a lot of fun!

The quiz and karaoke night brought plenty of laughter, friendly competition and some very enthusiastic singing! There was and is every year, pool and table tennis competitions, games, conversations and all those little moments throughout the week that turn strangers into friends and friends into family.

Those relationships mattered. People who arrived nervous or unsure found themselves becoming part of a community where they are welcomed, valued and encouraged.

We were also excited to see people wanting to go deeper in their faith. Following camp, new people have signed up for the next two years of our Encounter2gether Theology and ministry Training Course, choosing to learn more about the Bible, grow in their understanding of God and be equipped to serve Him.

This is what we love about Encounter Camp.

People came and belonged, People encountered Jesus and were healed.

People responded to the Gospel and gave their lives to Jesus.

Many people were transformed.

Encounter Camp 2.0

A new chapter is coming! Making space for families to grow together

Encounter Camp is growing! New opportunities for families to experience community, faith and recovery together. By creating a more family-friendly space, the camp aims to help those struggling with addiction to spend meaningful time with their children and loved ones, surrounded by people who understand their journey.

It’s an opportunity to strengthen family relationships, build supportive friendships and discover how faith and community can play a part in recovery.

Could this be a model for other recovery ministries looking to support not just individuals, but their families too?

From Friday, the camp will open up to families and younger generations, bringing people of all ages together to encounter God and grow in faith.

We’re excited to see how God will lead this next chapter and the lives that will be impacted.

Save the dates: 9–15 August 2027! Adults-only programme: 9th–13th August, followed by an all-age gathering through to Sunday 15th August.

ENCOUNTER2GETHER

Having spent 20 years gathering people from very difficult backgrounds to experience God’s love and receive freedom and breakthrough, we now have a vision to mobilise those same people to start New Testament communities in the places they came from. We have therefore now launched our 2 year ministry training programme.

For more information on this and Encounter Camp click HERE.