409 - Canyon Ministries - with Nate Loper
Canyon Ministries exists to help people encounter God in the outdoors, using places like the Grand Canyon as living classrooms. Through guided hikes, rim walks, backpacking trips, river adventures, and outdoor teaching experiences, they invite people to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with their Creator.
While Canyon Ministries is known for thoughtful creation apologetics, their deeper aim is relational—helping guests experience awe, ask honest questions, and recognize that nature is not just something to admire, but a place where God speaks. Whether someone comes curious, skeptical, or already grounded in faith, the goal is the same: to foster meaningful moments in wild places where hearts are stirred, faith is strengthened, and people walk away more aware of God's presence than when they arrived.
Nate Loper is an outdoor educator, speaker, and veteran Grand Canyon guide with decades of experience helping people connect faith, science, and the natural world. He has spent years teaching in some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, with the Grand Canyon serving as his primary classroom. Known for his clear communication and grounded approach, Nate blends geology, history, and Scripture in a way that is accessible, thoughtful, and rooted in real-world observation.
Nate has played a central role in the growth and mission of Canyon Ministries, serving in leadership and guiding roles while helping shape its vision, teaching philosophy, and outdoor programs. Through leading and developing daily rim tours, inner-canyon hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, and Colorado River expeditions, he has helped thousands experience the canyon not just as a scenic wonder, but as a place that points clearly to the Creator.
Beyond apologetics and geology, Nate's heart is for people. His work with Canyon Ministries has always emphasized relationship—creating space in the outdoors for honest questions, quiet reflection, and moments where God's presence feels unmistakably close. Whether standing on the rim at sunrise or sitting in a chair circle along the river, Nate sees the outdoors as one of the most powerful settings for spiritual clarity, renewal, and growth.
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Pete spends many days a year afield enjoying God’s creation while hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping. He has traveled to 49 states, as well as numerous Canadian provinces, pursuing his passion in the outdoors. Through these and other experiences, Pete has published more than 1,400 magazine articles and 4,000 photographs in his career. His stories and photographs have earned more than 60 awards in literary, photographic, and videography competitions. He is also the author of six books.
Christian Outdoors Podcast has been awarded “Best Podcast” four years in a row by the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association. His weekly episodes are exciting and uplifting and bring a passion for the outdoors and his Lord and Savior.
Currently, Christian Outdoors has more than 14 million downloads and is growing. More about Pete can be found at christianoutdoors.org/
A lifelong lover of God’s creation, Jon is an avid whitetail deer hunter and outdoorsman. His passion for the outdoors has also led to years of involvement in the outdoor industry, including serving on the CVA Pro Staff team. For Jon, hunting is about much more than the pursuit—it’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy God’s creation, build relationships, and recognize the connection between faith and the outdoors.
Whether preaching from the pulpit, recording weekly devotions with Christian Outdoors, sharing his testimony at a sportsman’s banquet, or simply gathering around a campfire with fellow outdoorsmen, Jon enjoys connecting with people and pointing them toward Jesus. For Jon, faith, family, community, and the outdoors are opportunities to serve, build relationships, and give God glory.
Jon would love to connect with your group for a men’s gathering, sportsman’s banquet, church event, or conversation about faith and the outdoors. He can be reached at jon@christianoutdoors.org.
