Mighty Oak Ministries began unexpectedly.  I (Todd) found myself at a Wild at Heart Bootcamp in the Rocky Mountains in 2012 convinced that the Christian life could be summed up in three steps. 1) Repent of your sin. 2) Get saved. 3) Shape up.

Then God surprised me. 

I left a bootcamp session armed with a question whose answer would lift the fog of my false understanding of the Christian life. 

“Who do You say I am?”  

I sat against a pine tree on the side of the mountain and asked God the question. I was immediately struck with the reality that I was a poser. I had spent the last 30 years motivated by rewards, awards, and recognition. A flood of emotions overcame me. How could I have not seen it? I’d unknowingly worn a mask for so long. Surely someone could have told me the truth of my masquerade, but God’s revelation penetrated far deeper.  

“But that’s not who I say you are,” He said, “You are Mighty Oak.” 

Mighty Oak? What exactly does that mean? I knew oak trees as strong, firmly planted, and deeply rooted. I didn’t fully grasp the fullness of the new name, but I knew it was a new way to see myself. Others’ affirmation lost its tight grip on me that day. As a Mighty Oak, I am firm, strong, not easily moved. God sees me this way. It’s who I am. That day began a journey to become who I already was in God’s eyes.  

I’ve remained deeply connected to the Wild at Heart ministry since that day and have continued to put to death all the old, false ways of seeing who I am and who God is. Along the way, I’ve encountered others who have a similar story. God’s Spirit has led me to provide opportunities for them to be transformed by their true identity and the truth of who God really is.

Mighty Oak Ministries is a natural extension of what God has done in my life, and the lives of a few of my friends. We believe God still speaks and He wants to reveal His Truth to all his children. He offers a life of healing, freedom, and wholeheartedness through Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit.  

But as with any great offer from God, there’s opposition. Over the years we’ve noticed two major threats. First, finding the time and space to let down and allow God to speak is challenging. Busyness prevents many from the opportunity to set aside time to pay attention to God and where He is at work. Secondly, many people are not good at receiving. Christians in the West are great at doing things for God, but struggle to just be and receive from a Good Father.  

Our goal as a ministry is to offer retreats, monthly Fires, small group gatherings, and resources that provide the time and space necessary to encounter God. We don’t overwhelm our friends with content. We believe God knows exactly what each person needs and it’s our calling to create an environment conducive to a softening of one’s heart and a readiness to hear God’s voice. Our primary focus has been and is the hearts of men, however, we have influence in the life of a few women and want to remain open to where God leads.

Our experience in this work has also taught us the value of experiencing God in nature and in the company of others. We make a concentrated effort to incorporate God’s creation and connection to others in all we do. Nature helps to bring us back to our natural habitat and tends to be a better setting for encountering God. Man-made enclosures with electrical illumination can’t compare to birds chirping, the warmth of the sun, and fresh air. And as much as it can be nice to get away from the noise, the hustle, and the crowds, experiencing all of this alongside fellow travelers has proven to be one of the greatest benefits of our gatherings. “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one experiencing this,” has been a common response to our times together. Knowing you have someone you can turn to for encouragement and help in times of need beyond the gathering is priceless.  

We’ve been influenced greatly by Wild at Heart, and much of what we do stems from what they offer. However, over the years other ministries like Identity Exchange, Restoring the Soul, TrueFace, and Practicing the Way have all contributed to our way of knowing God, self, and others. 

As a ministry we are grateful for all God has done in our own lives and we are excited to journey with Him as He leads others to a life of healing, freedom, and wholeheartedness.

In love,

Todd