Reflections on Basecamp

Reflections on Basecamp—Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill

Connor, you went along to Basecamp this year with a few other men from Cornerstone. Can you tell us what Basecamp is?

Yes, I sure did! Basecamp is a conference run by an organisation called Katoomba Christian Conventions, or KCC for short. This conference is specifically for men and looks to help Christian men understand more about what the Bible and Jesus has to say about manhood.

What was the topic on this year, and what was something that you learnt?

The topic this year was ‘Building Brotherhood’, and we dived deep into the specific relationships we have as mates and brothers in Christ. Not only is having solid Christian mates a good idea, we learnt that it is actually something Jesus modelled himself with the close friendships he had on this earth. I also learnt about the concept of a ‘3am mate’: this is a relationship in which both mates can rely on each other to chat and help each other through hard times, even if it is 3am in the morning

How were you encouraged by Basecamp?

Two of the men interviewed were Steve and Keith. They}ve mates for over 40 years. They shared valuable insight into what it looks like to have a deep and lasting relationship with a Christian mate. It was very inspiring and made me reflect on the mates that I intentionally catch up with and spur on in the Christian walk. They shared a lot of their past trials and how they leaned on each other for support in those times.

How were you challenged by Basecamp?

The most challenging part was Sam Allberry’s talk on the end of 1 John 1—looking at the confession of sin and the fellowship we have with others that are in Christ. As Christians, we sin and we accept that we are sinners, but there’s a deep sense of pride in us that tries to put a façade on, as if we aren’t sinful! However, as Christians we’re called to bring our sin into the light and confess not only to God but to our brothers in Christ. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess out sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”