Rod King began the Outdoor Ministry at Durham’s Ridgecrest Baptist Church nine years ago.
Invited to speak at Wake Forest’s Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, King discovered that the school had invited nationally-known outdoorsmen, including Al and Ron Lindner and western outfitters, to speak to students.
“I thought we could start something like that at our church, so I talked to a few guys, and we’ve been pretty steady since then,” King said. “We want to connect believers — not just men and women, but children — with the outdoors. Our aim is to teach people to admire and glorify God for His wonderful creation while realizing our responsibility to be good stewards of the world He gave us.”
In addition to eight “Chase the Big Eye Crappie Man” tournaments from February through April, the organization also sponsors a Kids Fishing Rodeo, plus a popular summer banquet.
The banquet, initially a meal and raffle, morphed into an event that now draws nationally-known outdoorsmen. Two years ago, Duck Commander Phil Robertson and his brother, “Uncle Si” Robertson, came to Ridgecrest. In 2014 John Godwin and Justin Martin, also from the Duck Commander show, appeared along with pro bass angler Jimmy Houston.
“We’re trying to get Jimmy, Roland Martin and Bill Dance this year,” King said.
The 2015 event is tentatively scheduled for July 25. For more information visit www.ridgecrest.cc/#/ridgecrest-life/outdoor-ministry.
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