Ironwood is a camp to be used by groups that would characterize themselves as fundamental, Bible-believing churches/schools. During our sponsored camps, few restrictions are placed on who can attend; however, churches/schools who wish to set up a custom camp will be asked to sign the following position statement.

(Group Name) does not associate with, fellowship with, or join together with unbelievers for religious or spiritual endeavors. This includes those who do not believe in the veracity of the Scriptures as the only source of absolute truth or do not believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from any additional works or second acts of grace. Furthermore, we do not subscribe to any belief that the revelation of God is incomplete or that visions, dreams, speaking in tongues, or any additional contemporary inspiration gives new revelation that would add to, amend, or in any way contradict the literal, historical, contextual interpretation of the Scriptures long established as the Canon of the Word of God.

One area of literal interpretation under cultural attack today deals with God’s established roles of leadership in the home and church. It is Ironwood’s position to serve churches who believe that the Bible teaches that qualifications of a pastor found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 indicate clearly that the office of pastor of a local church should be filled by a man. We understand that Ironwood recognizes the priesthood of the believer, the autonomy of the local church, and individual soul liberty and accountability to our Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, if necessary in the interest of not being offensive to the conscience of other believers (1 Corinthians 10:23–33), we agree in Christian love (Romans 14) to put others first by limiting our liberty so as not to be a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 8), and thereby glorify our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, we agree to operate within the application guidelines of practice and behavior established by Ironwood while conducting a custom camp retreat at their facility.

While the absolutes of the Scripture and the principles derived from them never change, specific practices may change as churches make new applications in a changing society. We understand that in order to deal with such applications in a way that is non-offensive for some believers Ironwood has adopted some application guidelines of practice and behavior for custom camp groups.

Application Guidelines for Practice & Behavior: It is understood that these guidelines are for members of our group while at Ironwood and may or may not reflect our church’s beliefs or practices when not at Ironwood.

• Ironwood requests that every retreat or camp have at least one gospel or Bible-based message or service each full day they are on the camp facility.
• Ironwood requests that groups focus on Bible preaching and teaching, testimonies of praise to the Lord, workshop and seminars on biblically related subjects, songs of worship and praise to God above, and prayers; while refraining from any outward manifestations of sign gifts.
• Ironwood requests that participants refrain from smoking, vaping, and use of tobacco or tobacco-like products, drinking alcoholic beverages, or using illegal drugs.
• Ironwood requests that all campers follow the dress guideline regarding modesty and appropriateness outlined in the camper information flyer.
• Ironwood requests that groups conducting their own music use sacred traditional music, Scripture songs, or praise and worship choruses whose lyrics are in agreement with Scripture.
• Ironwood requests that musical instruments used for accompaniment be limited to a piano or an acoustical guitar.
• Ironwood requests that the use of media and videos be consistent with the requests above.
• Baptism and communion are ordinances of the local church and will be practiced at Ironwood only if a specific local church does so under the leadership of the pastor/s of that church.

We agree to operate within the application guidelines of practice and behavior established by Ironwood while conducting a custom camp retreat at their facility.

Addendum for Churches Organizing More Than One Group or Christian Ministry

Ironwood requests that if we are going to bring or invite other churches or Christian ministries to this retreat/camp that we send to Ironwood along with our contract a signed Position Statement from each church or ministry that is sending people as a group and/or will be promoting this retreat within their church or ministry.

If the group of churches is a part of, or is represented by some larger organization or group, Ironwood further requests that the larger group leadership must also sign a Position Statement. This includes any denominational organization, association, or alliance where this retreat is a function of that larger group.

Ironwood also requests that if the speaker is not from our church or ministry that we request of the speaker a signed Position Statement. By signing this addendum, we are also agreeing to help Ironwood monitor who is invited to speak or teach at an Ironwood retreat so that Ironwood can honor its biblical convictions to maintain purity through biblically mandated separation.

Ironwood also respectfully requests that we honestly consider the statement before signing it. Ironwood’s wish is to work with as many Bible-believing churches as possible while remaining true to the Word of God. As a sponsoring group or individual, we will not invite churches that obviously do not adhere to Ironwood’s Position Statement or have ecclesiastical compromising leanings. It will only create difficulties since these are non-negotiable areas for Ironwood.