Dear Ministry Leader,
What could your camp or congregation do if it were truly well-informed by actionable research and well-equipped by quality training?
Cultivating Teen Faith
Cultivating Teen Faith has finally hit the bookshelves of libraries across the country, and ministry leaders are digging into this resource’s valuable findings and insights. The book cover shows many hands of diverse types, looking ready to start some game or...
Fall is here!
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 I have always loved the fall season. Here in the Midwest, the humidity drops and the leaves begin to change colors. It is harvest time, with plenty of fresh berries,...
New Experiences and Camper Growth
We were on the ledge. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was a dizzying 100 feet below us. I tried to exude confidence, but I was, in fact, a little nervous. We were on the first mile of our hike on the famous Highline Trail at Glacier National Park in Montana. The ledge was...
Sacred Playgrounds, LLC
Supporting Camps and Congregations Through Research and Training
This organization was formed to bring current and upcoming research on what is truly effective in key ministry spaces like outdoor ministry, confirmation ministry, and more. The team is experienced in and passionate about academic and action research, training, faciliation, and adult learning. Use the link below to meet the staff and contact us.Ministry Partners and Current Projects
Jacob Sorenson, PhD
Founder/Lead Researcher/Consultant
Hi, I’m Jake. I am known as a camp guy, and I suppose that is fair, since camping ministry is one of my primary passions. I am engaged in many other minstries of the church, as well. I am a practical theologian and researcher who has a deep interest in bringing scholarly attention to ministry, especially outdoor and highy experiential ministry. I have a PhD from Luther Seminary and a Masters of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. I have more than fifteen years of experience in youth ministry and camp ministry, and have published multiple articles on camping ministry. I love spending time with my amazing wife, Anna (a Lutheran pastor), and our two boys Elijah and Nathanael. On the best days, you can find me in the garden, out for a run, singing around a campfire, or at some camp somewhere.I have dedicated my work to supporting camps and congregations through research and training, and I would love to hear about your ministry.