What is ACMNP?

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) is recognized by more than 20 Christian denominations. ACMNP extends the ministry of Jesus Christ to the people who live, work and vacation in our National Parks by offering interdenominational Christian services of worship on Sundays in park amphitheaters and lodges. Our Ministry Teams are located in more than 25 national parks across the country, from Alaska to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is ACMNP's doctrinal statement?

As an interdenominational ministry, ACMNP upholds the integrity of the doctrines of each participating denomination and is comfortable with the expressions of the Apostle’s Creed. This ensures that each ACMNP Ministry Team accurately represents the Gospel of Christ to the ecumenical community it serves.

What does an ACMNP Staff Member do?

1. Each Staff Member is employed by a park hospitality company called a concessionair, and works as a housekeeper, desk clerk, bellhop, store clerk, tour guide, wait staff, etc. As a regular employee, each Staff Member earns a wage. Room and board is usually provided by the employer at minimal cost and is automatically deducted from each paycheck.
2. In addition to employment, each Staff Member has ministry commitments that involve formal and informal ministry: The formal ministry involves preparing and leading Sunday services of worship with the rest of the Ministry Team. The informal ministry – on the job and after work – is more relational and allows significant witness to take place with co-workers and fellow residents. Whether at work, calling on campground visitors, or exploring the park's wilderness, ACMNP Staff Members always respect park and company workplace policies and are expected to uphold their work agreements.
3. Within the Ministry Team there are two roles: Ministry Staff Members and a Ministry Staff Leader. Their functions are outlined below and should serve as guidelines that allow for the flexibility of team dynamics:
   1. Ministry Staff Leaders are chosen by the ACMNP National Office and are usually post-university leaders or seminarians. These individuals are responsible for facilitating staff meetings, ensuring worship schedules are maintained, providing or arranging for the sermon at each service, general supervision of the area program, and reporting to the Ministry Support Committee and the ACMNP National Office.
   2. Everyone who accepts a ministry placement from the ACMNP National Office is a Ministry Staff Member. Each Staff Member participates in the formal and informal aspects of ACMNP: helping prepare and lead services, facilitating Bible studies, offering recreational ideas, etc. In most locations Ministry Staff Members will be given an opportunity to meet park visitors and invite them to worship. All Staff Members will have an opportunity to preach at some point during the season.

What kind of training is required?

ACMNP provides Regional Training Conferences each spring to prepare Staff Members for park ministry and individual responsibilities. Room and board is provided when given proper notification. Staff Members must provide their own transportation.

Where can I go for the summer?

ACMNP places Ministry Teams in more than 25 national parks, from Alaska to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Click here for a list of parks.

Can I choose my assignment?

Preferences for parks and locations may be indicated on the application. These choices will be honored as much as possible, accounting for an applicant’s qualifications and the needs of ACMNP and the employer. Those who wish to question their assignment can contact ACMNP for further information or possible relocation.

What are my "arrival” and “departure" dates?

With few exceptions, Staff Members arrive in the parks between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and stay 90 days or longer. Those who can stay into September and October have broader options for park placement. Your dates will be submitted to the ACMNP National Office and then confirmed by your employer. All Staff Members are expected to honor the dates of their work agreements, which dictate the dates of their ministry commitment.

Where will I live?

The employer usually provides housing and meals for its staff at a minimal cost. Room and board costs are automatically deducted from each paycheck. Staff housing, which is typically dormitory-style, is usually within a short walking distance from work.

How do I get to the park?

Staff Members provide their own transportation to and from the park.

Is there a support system for me and my Ministry Team during the summer?

Each park will have a Ministry Support Committee (MSC) and/or a full-time Resident Minister who will help orient you to your park and offer ongoing support to your Ministry Team through the summer. These individuals will attend services, open their homes, cook meals, suggest hikes and/or join you for them, offer pastoral care/advice, or stop by the workplace to say hello.

Will I have any free time?

When not working or engaged in a ministry activity, everyone is free to explore their park! Each park has its own beautiful secrets that can be experienced by hiking, white water rafting, running, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing, camping, etc. The only limits are each Staff Member’s imagination, time management skills, and energy level. As employees of private businesses inside the parks, our Staff Members often get discounts on boat or bus rides, tours, and equipment rentals. ACMNP expects each Staff Member to explore their park with the proper equipment and preparation. We discourage hiking alone or without proper notification.

Can I get academic credit?

Students should first check with their school’s Field Education Office or Religion Department, and then notify the ACMNP National Office. We cooperate with each school's requirements and procedures to award academic or internship credit as it is available.

How do I apply?

Complete the online application. In addition to the application we require three (3) references that must be mailed separately. Applying does not obligate you to serve with ACMNP. It does notify us of your interest in experiencing one of the finest ministry opportunities available.