HOW DO I START & SUSTAIN A WILDERNESS MINISTRY IN MY CHURCH OR CITY?
Do you love Jesus and time in the outdoors? Although we often can’t explain why, many people experience closeness with God by spending time in nature. Wilderness experiences rejuvenate us and maybe you are one of those people who wants to share the wilderness with others. I get excited about sharing the wilderness with people because I know time in God’s creation offers everyone space to be still and know that God exists and that he is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Getting time away from our packed schedules, things that stress us out, and even comforts that may make us lazy will help us hear that still small voice of God (1 Kings 19:11-13).
Photo by Jack Sloop on Unsplash
Maybe you are sensing that God may want you to get serious about helping other people enjoy spiritual wilderness experiences. But, you might be wondering, “How do I start a wilderness ministry in my church?” Or “How do I start learning how to facilitate transformative outdoor adventures where I can bring Scripture into the experience?” I totally understand how easy it is to lose motivation as I’m drowning in logistical questions. I don’t want you to lose heart! Training, resources, and community are available to make these callings a reality. It is possible and YOU can do it!
Starting a wilderness ministry can be broken into 7 steps. The 20 most common questions I get from folks who are interested in running a wilderness ministry fall into the steps and are shown below. Over the coming months, we are going to offer insights into these questions so that you can hopefully feel more equipped and empowered to start a ministry that will bring life change to your community and even the world!
TOP 20 QUESTIONS
STEP 1: FOUNDATION
1. Should I create a non-profit or develop a church ministry? Why?
2. What are the very first steps to take toward starting a wilderness ministry?
STEP 2: EXPOSURE
3. How do I get my church leaders to understand the vision and give me their support?
STEP 3: RECRUIT STAFF
4. How do I find staff and/or guides?
STEP 4: TRAINING
5. What skills do I need to safely and effectively take out trips?
6. Where can I find affordable training?
7. How do I effectively share the Gospel using the outdoors?
8. How long should my trips be? What about day trips?
9. How do I know I am ready to take trips out?
STEP 5: RECRUITING AND FILLING TRIPS
10. How do I find people to come on trips? How do I get them interested?
11. How can I provide excellent marketing at a reasonable cost? What marketing/promotional materials will I need?
12. How much should I charge for trips?
STEP 6: CARE FOR YOUR TEAM
13. What should my role with guides/staff look like?
STEP 7: MANAGING YOUR WILDERNESS PROGRAM
14. How much money will it cost to operate a wilderness ministry?
15. How can I get gear for my trips?
16. What should I do about food for a group?
17. Do I need permits to go to the backcountry?
18. What will I do in case of an emergency?
19. What communication needs to happen with parents whose kids are on trips?
20. What about insurance?
Do you have other questions? I would love to incorporate the things you want to know about how to start a wilderness ministry in this series. Send me your questions.
SHOULD I REALLY DO THIS?
Wilderness experiences are powerful and help us encounter God in transformative ways. Voices of doubt can interrupt our vision. Here are some reminders about the significance these experiences have on our lives.
