COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America was founded by outdoor enthusiasts who saw a vision of using the great outdoors as a ministry tool to reach out to the unchurched men, women and children across this Nation. The start of  COFA actually dates to 1986 when Mike Brooks invited several of his friends who hunted deer in the Midwest to an elk hunt in the mountains of Colorado.  He used the trip out west as a ministry tool to share the gospel with the group of men that hunted with him.  Several of these men trusted in the Lord while on this hunt.

 

Officially COFA, with the help of four outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to use the outdoors as a ministry tool, founded Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America (COFA) at a sports show in Denver, Colorado in 1995.  The vision of these men was to develop through prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit a ministry tool that would reach out to the unchurched across the Nation.  They also wanted to have a ministry that gave an opportunity for Christians to have a place for fellowship through events and enjoy the great outdoors.

 

The vision of COFA is steeped in the rich tradition of the great American outdoor experience.  As President Theodore Roosevelt once stated

“It is an incalculable added pleasure to any one’s sense of happiness if he or she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.  All hunters should be nature-lovers.  It is to be hoped that the days of mere wasteful, boastful slaughter are past, and that from now on the hunter will stand foremost in working for the perpetuation of the wildlife, whether big or little”.

 

The founders of this ministry knew that God was also pleased with His creation.  God has plenty to say in His Word about the great outdoors. Psalm 8:3-4 “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, the stars, which you have set in place, what is man?”  That is a good question.  What is man?  God has intended for ALL OF US TO ENJOY HIS CREATION.

 

Men and women are invited to know the person of Jesus Christ, be a part of Christian history, and get involved in COFA’s outdoor ministry.  COFA is growing through many of its great events.

  • The National ATV event is a great event for those who enjoy ATVing, 4-wheeling, and dirt bikes.
  • COFA’s Fishcamp in Bemidji, MN is a great retreat for those who love fishing and sharing the word with other fellow believers.
  • The Colorado Men’s Elk Hunt is a national draw from men all over the US.  This hunt has some incredible spiritual times in the field and at evening devotions.
  • The Kids Free Turkey Shoot held in November draws kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, to watch kids shoot a BB gun at paper targets and see if they can win a frozen turkey.  This is a key event that we get to share the gospel with entire families, and many come to know the Lord and trust in him.

 

COFA realizes the importance of building strong relationships through Jesus Christ.  We are committed to seeing relationships grow through outdoor activities.  If you are interested in starting a COFA group in your church or community, you can contact us through our Contact Form and we will help you get started.