How a Flag‑Football Coach Became a Mountain Guide?

Ken and Dave first met when Ken was head coach of a flag‑football team and Dave signed on as an assistant. Over nearly twenty years their coaching partnership grew into a deep friendship, and that relationship became the seed that later produced the Wilderness Experience Men’s Ministry.

What Does a Wilderness Trip Look Like?

Ken and Dave describe their trips as intentional periods of stillness rather than structured hikes. Men spend time in the Word, in prayer, and in the quiet of the wilderness, with the goal of hearing the Holy Spirit and returning home with a new spiritual direction. The experience is guided by a loose curriculum of “thinking points” rather than formal presentations.

How Do Wives Fit Into the Mission?

Both men emphasize that their spouses play a vital role. When Ken first mentioned a month‑long trip, his wife asked how she could be involved. She became engaged in planning, fundraising, and supporting the men on the trail, helping to keep the ministry grounded and ensuring that the spiritual growth translates into families and communities.

What Is the Long‑Term Goal?

Ken likens the ministry’s impact to Abraham’s obedience, suggesting that the wilderness experience can break generational patterns by reshaping a man’s perspective on faith and family. The aim is not only to change individual lives but also to influence the next generation, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the mountains.

To learn more about how Ken and Dave’s friendship turned into a wilderness ministry and how the experience can transform lives, listen to the full episode of God’s Great Outdoors.