Published on May 25, 2026

Worship with the Wild

Worship with the Wild equips lay leaders to bring their small groups into God’s world, where participants can praise the Creator and grow closer to one another.

Tags:

Biblical Interpretation,

Ecology & Creation Care,

Wonder & Worship

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Connect with God, community, and the rest of creation.

Worship with the Wild helps people encounter God outdoors through guided worship and reflection. This free, ready-to-use resource equips lay leaders to bring their small groups into God’s world, where participants can praise the Creator and grow closer to one another.

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Why Worship With the Wild?

All of creation praises God. From the Psalms to the ministry of Jesus, Scripture repeatedly invites us to encounter God in, through, and with his creation.

When a group of believers gathers outdoors to worship God, they can grow closer to the Creator, to one another, and to the rest of creation.

As participants engage, they will find their idea of worship growing. It’s then that they can join in with all the chorus of creation as it sings to its Creator.

Built to Help You Grow Closer

When we worship with the wild, we grow closer: Closer to God, closer to each other, and closer to the rest of creation. Here’s how:

Closer to God

By listening to and reflecting on the wonder of his world, participants may glimpse his character in a way they never have before.

Closer to God

By listening to and reflecting on the wonder of his world, participants may glimpse his character in a way they never have before.

Closer to Community

Worship with the Wild offers participants the opportunity to unplug and come together to explore, discuss, and praise God.

Closer to Community

Worship with the Wild offers participants the opportunity to unplug and come together to explore, discuss, and praise God.

Closer to Creation

Joining the rest of creation in worshipping God brings participants closer to it, inspiring them to care for it as the Bible calls us to do.

Closer to Creation

Joining the rest of creation in worshipping God brings participants closer to it, inspiring them to care for it as the Bible calls us to do.

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What’s Included

Worship with the Wild is an all-in-one, ready-to-use resource built for busy communities. It includes:

A complete model for an outdoor worship experience, including optional language for each activity
Selected Scripture readings and poetry selections
Guidance on selecting an outdoor worship location, whether you’re near the woods, by the water, or in the city
Potential outdoor offering activities, including tree planting, trash pickup, and identifying local wildlife

How Does It Work

Worship with the Wild follows a standard liturgical model:

Approach: You’ll help your group prepare to enter the space, invite participants to pass the peace with human and non-human creation, and listen as nature sings its hymn of praise
Word: You’ll read from Scripture and listen as the rest of creation offers its own kind of homily
Response: You’ll help the group offer to God’s world by picking up trash, planting a tree, or learning about the local wildlife. You’ll close with prayers and a benediction.

Related Resources & Content

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering how you can use Worship with the Wild in your community? Explore the FAQ below. If it doesn’t address your questions, please send them to info@biologos.org.

Want to have your questions answered before you download Worship with the Wild? Explore the FAQ below. If it doesn’t address your question, feel free to send it to info@biologos.org.

Is Worship with the Wild biblically grounded?

Yes. While the idea of worshipping with the wild may seem uncomfortable to some, there is a long history of tradition to lean upon.

The Psalms are full of the praise creation gives. For instance, Psalm 96:11-12 reads, “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

Additionally, almost all of Jesus’ ministry happened outdoors. Many of Jesus’ stories involve the natural world. Jesus himself often went into the wilderness, and he so often encountered God there.

What if I don’t live near the wilderness?

That’s okay! Worshipping with the wild doesn’t have to mean going deep into the woods. If you can find a patch of soil, a garden, or a city park, you can use Worship with the Wild.

What if I don’t have much outdoor experience?

That’s no problem! Worship with the Wild is focused primarily on helping you encounter and worship God. While it certainly adds to the experience if a member of your group knows the land, it is not at all a requirement.

What kinds of groups can use Worship with the Wild?

Any group of believers can find value in using Worship with the Wild. The resource is built for small groups, but it can also be adapted for youth groups or retreats.

How much preparation does Worship with the Wild require?

Worship with the Wild is built to be a ready-to-use resource. However, using the resource will be more successful if the leader prepares beforehand by identifying a worship location, selecting Scripture readings, and choosing an offertory activity. Options for each of these are listed in the guide, but it is up to you to select which you will use.

Worship with the Wild

Connect with God, community, and the rest of creation.