Church leaders across the country are discovering that one of the most effective ways to strengthen families, disciple boys and men, and grow their church is a thriving Trail Life ministry. Around campfires, on open trails, and at weekly Troop meetings, pastors are finding a natural environment for boys to grow into godly men, where men are able to pass down wisdom and life skills, where intergenerational male brotherhood is formed, and where new church leaders are identified and developed.
For years, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills has urged fellow pastors to think seriously about their role in developing biblical masculinity in the boys of their churches. For Hibbs, this work is central to the mission Christ gave the Church.
“You and I are called, as pastors, to make disciples,” Hibbs said. “We have to remember that. It’s not telling stories and it’s not making fluff. It’s giving them the Word of God to make them disciples.”
Many churches are finding that Trail Life USA, the premier Christ-centered outdoor adventure and character development organization for boys, provides a natural pathway for that early discipleship.
And discipleship, he says, doesn’t begin in adulthood. “At what age does that begin? We believe from the earliest age,” Hibbs said. Trail Life USA is a men’s ministry that begins at age five.
Across town from Hibbs, Pastor Montia Setzler of Magnolia Church in Riverside, California, said his church had tried a variety of children’s programs over the years. Few successfully strengthened families while also engaging the surrounding community. But when they launched a Trail Life Troop at their church, it just felt different.
“We saw Trail Life as a way to help us help parents build godly men,” Setzler explained. “With scouting going in a different direction, Trail Life seemed to be a great extension of our ministry. Parents today are looking for support in raising boys with strong biblical values—and even families who don’t attend church recognize the importance of those values being instilled.”
For Hibbs, the impact often shows up in quiet but powerful ways.
“So many families are aimless, and Trail Life gives that structure,” he said. “Trail Life is communicating the Gospel in a wordless fashion, which is even more powerful. These kids are catching the fact that their dad cared enough to give up his golf game to be with him.”
Through outdoor challenges, service projects, and mentorship from Christian men, boys learn practical life skills rooted in biblical truth.
“Your young men become men of God very practically,” Hibbs said. “The things that are being taught are life skills based on biblical truth. You can’t get better than that.”
Pastors across multiple denominations say the program has become a vital part of their mission.
“The emphasis on outdoor adventure provides not only physical challenge and skill development but also rich opportunities for mentorship and discipleship,” said Pastor Dan Leitz of Calvary Chapel Oceanside. “The Troop is a valuable extension of our church’s disciple-making efforts and plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of godly men.”
“My son and I have had a great experience in Trail Life USA,” said Bart Barber, Former President of the SBC. “We look forward to meetings, enjoy the hands-on approach to presenting biblical truth, and the adventures together have become our 'man time.' I pray men across America capture the vision. I am excited to see Baptist churches across the country grow as men connect through outdoor adventure and find purpose in molding generations of boys to become leaders of character and conviction."
Others emphasize the impact on fathers.
“Trail Life is an essential ministry at our church,” said Pastor Chris Wells of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Kentucky. “It helps us disciple young men and give them role models to follow. Additionally, it allows fathers to connect with their sons and helps them be the spiritual leaders God has called them to be.”
In a cultural moment when conversations around masculinity are often contentious, Hibbs believes Scripture offers a clear and compelling model.
“People may be screaming, ‘That’s toxic masculinity!’” he said. “No. Actually what we’re doing is showing them the origin of masculinity, which is Jesus Christ Himself.”
“He was tender. He was forgiving. He was strong. He turned tables over. He stood against wickedness and unrighteousness. Yet He was tender enough that children, common people, and even prostitutes would sit and listen to Him. That is biblical masculinity. That’s our goal.”
Churches also report that the ministry often reaches beyond their congregations.
“The success of Troop TX-0109 has actually led to numerical growth in our church,” said Pastor Shane Wyly of Washington Avenue Christian Church in Arlington, Texas. “People are choosing to come to our church because of the way the Troop conducts itself in our community. That is the biggest compliment I can give to the Troop.”
Mike Buster, the Executive Pastor of the largest Southern Baptist Church in America - Prestonwood Baptist Church - commented, "We love the vision of Trail Life USA. We believe in the mission and are excited about the impact this ministry has on growing the church and raising up generations of godly men.”
This is one way in which Trail Life is distinct from many other organizations like it: Trail Life is not a parachurch ministry. “We’re not just an organization that meets in the basement of a church. We are an active outreach of that local church,” says Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. “We are not an outdoor program that incorporates a Christian experience. We are, at our core, a Christ-centered program that utilizes the outdoors to draw boys and their families into a closer relationship with their Creator”
Still, Hibbs understands that many pastors feel hesitant about launching a new ministry in an already busy church calendar.
“You might be saying, ‘I’m busy. I don’t have time for that,’” Hibbs said. But the role of pastors, he argues, is not necessarily to run the program themselves. “We’re not asking you to do it. We’re asking you to give a thumbs up,” he said. “You’ve got men in your church who are just waiting for the opportunity to step up.”
His advice to fellow church leaders is simple.
“Why don’t you try it? Just try it as an experiment. Make an announcement, connect with Trail Life, and open the door.”
For many churches, that one step is leading to something bigger: stronger fathers, growing boys, and a new generation of young men learning what it means to follow Christ.
Trail Life USA is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. Trail Life’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Troops exist in all 50 states and continue to grow as Trail Life USA expands nationwide.
Find a Troop today or start one in your community at TrailLifeUSA.com. Trail Life USA’s K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the Trail Life USA is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.
