Hunting Series Part 3: The Rugged Path into Spiritual Formation & Outdoor Ministry

Silence, Solitude, Prayer in the Hunting Blind

Elevated box blind while deer hunting in Alabama

When I try to explain hunting to friends, I usually start by sharing how it feels like 90% boredom for the 10% that is worth every penny. Granted, my experience of hunting varied greatly depending on what type of game, weather conditions, or how much I was paying to hunt on a certain type of property. Considering all privileges or limitations as it relates to hunting big game animals such as deer or bears, I spent hours and hours of my life sitting in cheap metal seats leaning on trees or small box-type shelters called blinds where you are hoping to catch a glimpse of anything by peering through tiny slots cut out of the wooden frame.

Because big game are incredibly sensitive to smell, sounds, or movement, hunters are extremely limited on what they can wear, eat, or do during the hours of the hunt. One loud sneeze, a carelessly eaten chicken biscuit, or scratching your nose can derail the 8 hours just spent waiting for a deer to come within hunting range. As an extroverted, sporty, chatty, and active person, sitting still for hours alone felt like torture. Why did I subject myself to this torture for years and years on end?

While I still do not fully have the answers, one unintended ‘consequence’ was that I was constantly engaging the spiritual practices of slowing, silence, reflection, and prayer. DEFINE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES (Foster, Calhoun, Willard, Etc.) Every hunt, especially the ones where I did not actually harvest any animals, felt like embracing the monastic life of withdrawing from society to reflect, pray, and transform.

Those hours spent in the blinds or tree stands were where I was able to confront some of my deepest pains, worries, or curiosities as a young adult. It was where I was able to step away from the noise of cities, distractions, and even people to become more attune to my unique design and identity. And I was hyperaware and present to my surroundings through every sunrise and sunset, and paid attention to every little leaf crunch or animal steps. Hunting helped me develop the practices and disciplines that raised my awareness to God in my life through His presence in nature.

I can trace back my spiritual formation journey to my mentor Pastor Bill, the Church, my ministry graduate program, but primarily to the Hunting Blind.