EDGE
To create an Exceptionally Distinctive Godly Experience
What is Outdoor Ministry All About?
“Did you know over half of Jesus’ teachings recorded in the Bible occurred in an outdoor setting? If you look at every block of His teaching in the New Testament, you’ll discover that more than 50% occurred in the outdoors, whereas 16% occurred indoors. The particular indoor or outdoor setting of the remaining 33% of Jesus’ teaching is unknown, but from the context the majority of these passages may also have occurred in the outdoors.[ii] In stark contrast, most of today’s preaching and teaching happens indoors where there are no natural creation analogies from which to draw.
Different From Short Term Mission Trips or Typical Church Camps
Different from mission trips or traditional church camps, wilderness ministry programs offer:
- The ability to spend focused, intentional time together as a group
- A retreat from the distractions of our over-connected lives (or 100% creation, 0% distractions)
- The sharing of Life Stories, where masks come off, facades drop and everyone gets real
- Deeper relationships – with Jesus and with each other
- More trust built within the group – carrying each others’ burdens physically translates into also doing so emotionally
- The opportunity to be more like Jesus – Jesus had a rhythm of retreat in His ministry, using the outdoors for renewal, teaching, trials, and trust-building
