Does your church hold an outdoor worship service?
If not, it might be time to consider it. An outdoor church service can strengthen fellowship, increase member involvement, and create unique outreach opportunities. After organizing outdoor worship events for my local church over several years, I've seen firsthand how gathering outside the building can revitalize a congregation.
And no, I'm not talking about a church picnic where everyone happens to be eating potato salad within earshot of a devotional thought. I'm talking about a real worship service held outdoors: under a pavilion, beneath a canopy, or in the middle of a campground. The point isn't the location. The point is worshiping God outside the familiar four walls.
An Old Tradition
Outdoor worship has deep biblical roots. Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount outdoors (Matthew 5-7), taught beside the Sea of Galilee, and often ministered in open spaces. Most of his teaching takes place outdoors in the Gospel accounts. Psalm 19:1 reminds us that "The heavens declare the glory of God," which makes nature a fitting place for worship. Even in the Exodus account of the wilderness sojourn, the Tabernacle had a sanctuary structure, but the congregation gathered outside.
American churches have been at this for a long time, too. At the Cane Ridge revival in Kentucky in 1801, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people showed up to camp, pray, and listen to preaching, in a state whose largest town had only a couple thousand residents. Our campout is a modest revival of that tradition, with better plumbing. (read about the
History of Outdoor Ministry)
What Happened at Our First Campout?
Based on the signup sheet, we expected about 30 people to camp overnight. Nearly 50 showed up. Apparently church attendance estimates operate under the same principles as fishing stories. We also invited anyone who preferred not to camp to join us for the worship service and fellowship meal. By the time everything started, around 65 people had gathered, more than one-third of our regular church attendees. But the attendance wasn't the most exciting part.
High school students led small group discussions. Some of our quietest members stepped forward to help with music. People who normally avoid microphones as though they're venomous snakes became involved in leading parts of the service. Without planning it, we created opportunities for people to serve who might never have volunteered in a traditional setting.
We also found it easier to connect with people outside our congregation. Without walls separating us from everyone else, conversations happened naturally. People stopped by. Questions were asked. Connections were made. For a few hours, we were reminded that a church is not a building. It's a group of believers following Jesus Christ.
Everyone Asked for a Sequel
After the event, many people approached me with the same sentiment: "We should do this twice a year." They loved it. Many said they felt refreshed and closer to God. The event was so successful that we now host two outdoor worship events each year: a weekend church campout and a separate daytime outdoor worship service.
Fellowship That Actually Happens
I expected people to say they enjoyed the food or the scenery. Instead, most talked about the fellowship. Several members said they had conversations with people they barely knew despite attending the same church for years. Weekend services can feel formal and rushed. People greet one another, sit through the service, chat briefly, and head home. There's nothing wrong with that, but deeper relationships often require more time.
Outdoors, people relax. Conversations become more personal. People who normally sit on opposite ends of the sanctuary discover they have common interests. Campfires accomplish what countless fellowship committees have struggled to engineer. I've even seen one church that holds outdoor worship at a local state park every month, and people genuinely enjoy it.
Why Outdoor Worship Works
The setting feels different, and so do expectations, so members are more willing to try something new. Someone who would never agree to preach during a regular service might be willing to share a devotional around a campground amphitheater. Musicians who feel intimidated by a church platform may relax leading songs beneath a pavilion.
It's also an excellent way to involve youth and young adults. Meaningful responsibilities build confidence and ownership in the life of the church. Most importantly, it reminds us that God is not limited by buildings. The Creator of the mountains, forests, rivers, and fields is perfectly capable of meeting His people there.
Planning Your Own Outdoor Church Event
Here are a few lessons we've learned along the way.
Step 1: Build an Organizing Team
Designate a small leadership team to oversee the event. Three people is usually ideal. Look for complementary skills such as music, teaching, administration, hospitality, or food planning. If two of the organizers happen to be married, that's often a bonus. They can discuss plans outside scheduled meetings without creating yet another committee meeting. Church committees are useful, but nobody has ever said, "You know what this church needs? More meetings."
It's usually best if the primary organizers are not the pastor, who already carries plenty of responsibilities. The pastor should absolutely be involved in planning and invited to offer suggestions and support. Organizers with prior experience in event planning is also critical.
Step 2: Choose a Date
Whenever possible, schedule the event on a weekend that already includes a fellowship meal or potluck. People are far more likely to attend if food is involved. Plan for more people than you expect. Trust me on this one. Running out of seating is memorable, and not in a good way.
Choose a date at least six months in advance to allow time to reserve locations and promote the event. Consider local weather patterns and check the church calendar to avoid conflicts with holidays, conferences, or other activities.
Step 3: Find the Right Location
Look for a site that is accessible to all ages and accommodates members with mobility limitations. Ideally, it should be within ninety minutes of your church. Closer is even better. Search for locations that offer recreational opportunities alongside a large gathering space. Amphitheaters, pavilions, and shaded open areas work well.
Be mindful of practical details. Keep attendees out of direct sunlight when possible. Make sure the speaker can be seen and heard by everyone, which may mean a portable sound system. Visiting the site beforehand prevents many surprises. Ask church members for recommendations. Local parks departments, chambers of commerce, campground directories, and mapping apps can all provide options. Reserve early, especially pavilions and shelters, which often require separate reservations from campsites.
Step 4: Choose a Theme
A theme unifies the event and gives direction to sermons, discussions, music, and activities. Some our members have enjoyed:
- The Second Coming of Jesus
- The Wilderness Experience
- Discipleship
- Following Christ in Everyday Life
Step 5: Organize the Service
This is where outdoor church really shines. Use it to involve people who normally don't participate in traditional worship. Several people have preached their very first sermons at our outdoor events.
Finding those speakers is often harder than finding a location. Don't simply announce a call for volunteers. If your church resembles mine, you'll be greeted by a silence so profound you can hear someone unwrapping a cough drop in the back row. Instead, ask people personally. Give them time to pray and consider it. Offer mentoring, and work with your pastor to help them prepare. Sometimes all a person needs is someone who believes they can do it.
Be creative. Invite youth groups to perform skits. Encourage poetry, artwork, testimonies, and other expressions of worship. Churches often lean heavily on music, but God has given His people many different artistic gifts. And don't forget the children: include songs they know, a children's story, or even a dedicated program.
Outdoor Church Service Packing List
For worship
- Bibles and any printed songbooks or handouts
- Portable sound system, extension cords, and spare batteries
- Folding chairs or blankets (bring more than you think you'll need)
- Clipboards or hymnals with weights, since wind loves loose pages
- Communion supplies, if you plan to include them
- Hikers in the audience may enjoy The Hiker's Prayer, an adaptation of the 23 Psalm
For comfort
- Sunscreen, hats, and bug spray
- Rain plan: tarps, canopies, or a backup shelter
- Water coolers and cups
- First aid kit
- Trash bags
For fellowship
- Potluck dishes, serving utensils, and tables
- Drink coolers
- Firewood, if the campground allows it (call for details)
- Games for kids and adults
- Name tags for guests
For overnight campers
- Tent, sleeping bag, and pad
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Warm layer for evenings
- Camp chair for the fire
Is It Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Planning an outdoor worship event takes extra time, energy, and organization. But our events have strengthened fellowship, encouraged lay involvement, and improved relationships with a neighboring church that shares our pastor. Almost every event includes guests who have never attended our congregation, and sometimes people who have never attended any church. That alone makes it worthwhile.
Sometimes all it takes is a group of believers, a place to gather, and a willingness to try something different. And if it goes well, don't be surprised when next year's attendance exceeds the signup sheet. Again.
