WHY I RECOMMEND DISCOVERY MINISTRIES
Life undeniably has it challenges. When adversity hits, we can feel alone and overwhelmed. Discovery Ministries sees the value in developing skills from challenge expeditions with a biblical Christian community that help us thrive through with life’s adversities. Discovery Ministries says it this way, “By testing ourselves in the unknown of wild creation, we press into the unknown of our hearts and the heart of the Creator.” Their trips model Jesus’ teaching through challenge (experiential learning) trips and recreation (rest/retreat) trips.
WHO DOES DISCOVERY MINISTRIES SERVE?
Trips are designed to equip the local church, missionary teams and families, and students with skills learned through getting out of their comfort zones. Spiritual awakening awaits!
DISCOVERY MINISTRIES’ VISION
Discovery Ministries exists to enable individuals and groups to grow to be like Jesus through challenge and recreation.
BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW DISCOVERY MINISTRIES GOT STARTED AND WHY IT EXISTS
Our founder noticed that the students in his youth group who showed the greatest growth were the same students who went on their camping trips. After co-founding another similar ministry in California, he moved to the Ozarks and founded Discovery Ministries. Discovery Ministries has been in existence for over 30 years and exists to enable individuals and groups to grow to be like Jesus through challenge and recreation.
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL WILDERNESS ADVENTURE TRIP?
Shocking but exhilarating. Eye-opening but uncomfortable. Risky but rewarding. A challenge expedition will push you to do more and grow faster than you would left to yourself–physically, mentally and spiritually. The friction provided by a journey together with a group of people in the environment of the wilderness, which is ever-changing and unknown to many, creates opportunities for group members to self-assess, identify trouble areas, and put into practice many disciplines (i.e. forgiveness, community, honesty, integrity) that create space for deep life change and spiritual formation.
DURATION OF TRIPS OFFERED
They offer 1-14+ days trips!
EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING ELEMENTS TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN THEIR TRIPS
- Daily devotion or quiet times
- Solo experience (either a few hours or day-long solos)
- Facilitated discussions and teachable moments to draw out growth opportunities
- Rock climbing
- Canoeing
- Backpacking
- Other: fire building, backcountry cooking, navigation, shelters
COSTS
Most of their trips cost in the rage of $300-$500.
