Start an Outdoor Creation Ministry

Taking people outdoors to learn
about creation can motivate and
excite people in multiple ways

Are you fascinated with the wonders of creation?

Are you distressed by the pernicious influence of evolution?

Do you wish more people shared your feelings?

There’s something positive you can do about it: start an outdoor creation ministry!

In a recent podcast, CEH Editor David Coppedge told the story of how he founded Creation Safaris in 1984. In the 42 years since, Creation Safaris has enjoyed a multi-faceted run of events geared for Adventure, Worship and Education (A.W.E.). David has led over 400 events, from local hikes to extended road trips into other states, taking people to experience the wonders of creation up close and personal.

The Creation Safaris ministry has been enjoyed by thousands of individuals with many repeat attendees. They enjoyed not only the beauty of the outdoors, but also the fellowship, fun, challenges, and worship. Nothing can compare with singing hymns around a campfire in the mountains with stars overhead, or praying at a location with an awe-inspiring panoramic view. To a culture soaked in artificial fluff, our motto has been, “Escape to Reality!”

The Podcast

Christi Rose, David’s niece, who had herself come on many of these events, wanted to interview him for her acclaimed podcast “Smiling at the Future.” The interview was uploaded recently. You can listen to it here at Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

Outdoor Creation Is Not Just for Fitness Gurus

An outdoor ministry does not have to be limited to the physically strong. It can attract young and old, fit and not-so-fit, singles, families, and seniors. Creation Safaris tried to offer “something for every body” on its calendar of events, anything from wild caving or backpacking trips for adventurous young adults and teens or, for those less physically able, viewing an IMAX film, a museum, or a planetarium for seniors. Creation can benefit everyone in some way. Some of the most popular Creation Safaris have been Star Parties where no hiking is required: just viewing the heavens through telescopes at a clear-sky location. For the able-bodied, of course, there is a huge variety of activities that can challenge, strengthen, and enhance the health and wellness of participants.

Those gifted with ministering to certain groups might want to consider the benefits of an outdoor creation ministry to the disabled, people with special needs (such as autistic children, troubled teens, young people struggling with depression or gang temptations, veterans with PTSD, and more). Events can be tailored to a group’s physical and mental limits. The blind can enhance their other senses on carefully planned walks on nature trails. The deaf can “hear” the blessings of creation with their eyes and hands. One doesn’t even need to go outdoors. Even those bedridden in hospitals heal faster, David points out from scientific studies, by viewing photos and videos of nature, or looking out the window at a garden by their bedside. Some hospitals even encourage “animal therapy” by allowing trainers to bring in cats, dogs, parrots, or even miniature horses for the enjoyment of patients.

How to Find Out More

To learn more about this unique ministry, go to CreationSafaris.com and click the home page to see a list of videos. There are also more resources there, including photo galleries, lesson plans, sermon outlines, and instructions on how to plan and organize outings for groups.

Adventure, Worship and Education (AWE) on Creation Safaris, where nature is a 360° surround-sound audiovisual resource.