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The experience of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) is best described in three words: Work, Wilderness, and Worship:
WORK: SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT
The workplace is an important location for ACMNP. Upon accepting a ministry placement from the National Office, ACMNP Ministry Staff Members are recommended to park hospitality companies (concessionaires) for seasonal employment. More than a place to earn a paycheck, the workplace is also an environment where relational ministry occurs with other employees, calling for you to be a Christian witness in your daily life.
WILDERNESS: ENGAGING GOD’S CREATION
The national parks attract millions of people each season, including thousands of international visitors and seasonal employees. Many arrive at the parks wide-eyed, ready to explore and to have an adventure. Countless others seek nature as a solace within the wilderness of their own lives. ACMNP is present to give a Christian interpretation to the awe that is inspired by God’s creation.
WORSHIP: SUNDAY SERVICES
Worship stands at the heart of ACMNP’s mission, calling for a collective response to the living God and giving meaning to the whole ACMNP experience. Since our inception in 1951, the formal purpose of ACMNP has been to provide interdenominational Christian services of worship on Sundays for the people who live, work, and vacation in the parks. Our Ministry Teams fulfill that initiative by preparing services that include short sermons, prayers, scripture readings, music, and other elements of worship. Leading worship is a faith-building experience. This commitment calls for continuous trust in God to provide mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.
Work, Wilderness, and Worship are three ingredients that blend to create the unique ACMNP experience:
- Learning to love the people around you
- Working with a positive attitude
- Living in unfamiliar housing
- Trusting God in all circumstances
Qualifications
A Christian Ministry in the National Parks seeks leaders of character who are followers of Jesus Christ. The ministry demands maturity of thought and conduct. Participants need an ability to understand and live cordially with other people and other faiths. Opportunities are available for both men and women from churches proclaiming the Christian faith. ACMNP is also open to both singles and married couples. When married couples participate, both spouses are required to work.Finances
Unlike other volunteer mission opportunities, ACMNP requires no financial fee to serve. Instead, you earn a wage as wait staff, bellhop, desk clerk, housekeeper, or other job typical of seasonal employment. As an employee of a private business in the park, you receive room and board at minimal cost. Having a job will allow you to earn a wage and give you the opportunity to have a relational ministry with your co-workers, meeting them where they are on their spiritual journey.Placement
If you'd like to serve in a particular park, your requests can be made on the application. These preferences will be honored as much as possible, accounting for an applicant’s qualifications and the needs of ACMNP and the employer. We give priority to early applicants and those who can serve 90 days or longer, generally between May and September. All ACMNP participants are expected to fulfill their commitments to their employers and to the Ministry. If you are available to work for 6 to 15 months, ACMNP can arrange year-round and winter placements. The need for pastoral care in these communities is not necessarily limited to summers.Training
Attending an ACMNP Training Conference is imperative! Training conferences cover important information that will help you understand ACMNP and each member's role:- Preparing & Leading ACMNP worship services
- Your role as an employee
- Relating to people of other worldviews
- ACMNP support structures
- Enjoying your park