ACMNP originated as a student-led ministry in Yellowstone National Park in 1951, as Chief Naturalist David deL. Condon and a young Princeton Theological Seminary student named Warren Ost noted the growing faith-based needs of park visitors, employees, and permanent residents. Ost was working full-time as a bellhop at the Old Faithful Inn at the time and began leading interdenominational Christian services there on Sundays. At the suggestion of Ost, Condon wrote letters to three seminaries requesting assistance for the next year’s ministry initiatives. Princeton responded favorably, sending several more students who conducted interdenominational services the following summer at several locations in Yellowstone.

The Reverend Dr. Warren W. Ost went on to lead ACMNP as its founding Executive Director, serving in that capacity for 45 years alongside student interns, a Program Coordinator, an Administrative Coordinator, and his wife, Nancy, who has been an active participant in the ministry since its inception. Ost’s robust personality helped expand ACMNP into more than 25 National Parks, National Monuments, Recreation Areas, and National Forests.

By 1970, ACMNP had become a vibrant leisure-recreation ministry with an ecumenical mission, guided and financially supported by the National Council of Churches (NCC). As the Council was challenged by new issues facing the church they became less able to support ACMNP. Subsequently, ACMNP’s leadership began to explore the advantages of becoming an independent, self-supporting movement. Near the end of 1971, the NCC formally recognized A Christian Ministry in the National Parks as a valid, independent, interdenominational movement.

By January 1, 1972, the ACMNP National Board was formed, which continues to be the governing body responsible for the development of policies, administration, field operations, and the budget. ACMNP’s Board represents a variety of denominations and includes members from many walks of life such as the National Park Service, park concession companies, ministry staff alumni, denominational representatives, and other individuals interested in this unique ministry.

Ost’s successor and current ACMNP Executive Director is The Reverend Dr. Richard (Dick) Camp, Jr., who has offered his determined and compassionate leadership to ACMNP since 1996. Dick joined ACMNP with his wife, Virjean, after a distinguished career as Chaplain of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dick Camp’s vision continuously inspires board members, National Park communities, the national office staff, and summer ministry staff members to approach the ACMNP mission in fresh ways.

ACMNP now places ministry teams in more than 25 National Parks each year, from Alaska’s Denali National Park to Florida’s Everglades. Every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day ACMNP ministry staff members will offer approximately 150 worship services at 75 sites across the country. Ministries continue year-round at Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.