The structure of Outdoor Ministries is transitioning to a larger umbrella Faith Formation Ministry with sub-teams, which will evolve over time, as will this web page.  Please stand by.
This report was part of the 2026 Regional Assembly docket for Faith Formation:

Faith Formation Team Report – May 2026

Background
If you have never heard of the Faith Formation Team, you may perhaps have heard of our
previous name, Outdoor Ministries. Since the last Regional Assembly, the team realized that
there were various ministries that had been bundled with Outdoor Ministries after the setbacks
we experienced in 2020. Because we wanted to be intentional about these ministries, we began
the process of reorganizing into a team that could support current programs and explore new
opportunities. After some deliberation, the name Faith Formation (a more flexible name than
Christian Education) was chosen as it reflects the ministry we are working on.

Work of the Team
The Faith Formation Team is intentionally operating with the idea of team vs committee as it
implies that our work is work of action. Our structure that we are working to build up is that the
primary team serves as a hub for sub-teams to create opportunities for faith formation in the
Northern Lights Region. One of our major programs is Summer Camps, which led to the
formation of a Camp Team (see separate report). The Faith Formation Team is now looking to
form other sub-teams to work on projects of faith formation in the region. A current project is
assembling a team to focus on building a program to fill the gap left by the Turner Lectures
Series in the former Northwest Region. At this time, we are seeking Clergy and Lay Leaders to
join our team to discuss what would be beneficial to our region.

In addition to the work on camps and developing a new program, we are working to connect the
efforts of existing regional ministries and helping to create opportunities for gathering, growing,
and faith in the Northern Lights Region. Examples of existing and potential future opportunities are

    • Retreats – (Women’s*, Men’s, Clergy*, Elders, Laity)
    • Activities & Faith events – Fishing, Camping, Boating, Hiking, etc.
    • Children’s Worship Wonder and Welcome training
    • Resources for Congregational materials
    • Travel experiences for Faith Formation
    • Other opportunities brought forward by persons/congregations in the Northern Lights Region

(* denotes an already existing opportunity)

This team will continue forward in faith, seeking ways in which we can assist in our continued growth in faith as a region. If you have an idea or are interested in serving on a team/sub-team please contact the Regional Office (office@northernlightsdisciples.org).

Respectfully submitted,
Mathew Goodrich
Faith Formation Ministry Team Chair

Outdoor Ministry – Child & Youth Policy Documents

Required Camp Volunteer Forms: