Equipping People for Biblical Meditation On Creation at St. Paul’s Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Somerset, Pennsylvania

Abstract

The Thinking Outdoors ministry project was developed to equip participants to meditate on the elements (e.g., trees, leaves, thorns) of creation at St. Paul’s EPC in Somerset, Pennsylvania. The project aimed to engage participants in creation meditation as they enjoyed their favorite outdoor recreational activities in order to equip and inspire them to meditate on Scripture and, ultimately, on God. Chapter 1 outlines the context, rationale, purpose, goals, and methodology of this project. Chapter 2 defends the biblical and theological basis for creation meditation, proposing that the biblical authors prescribe meditation on emblematic elements in creation as integrally important for enhancing believers’ understanding of, faith in, and worship of God as well as apprehension of and delight in his Word. Chapter 3 describes how creation meditation is faithfully practiced within the parameters of a biblical and historically orthodox theology and methodology. Chapter 4 details the background, development, promotion, and implementation of this creation meditation project. Chapter 5 evaluates the collected data, analyzing and reflecting upon it, for the purpose of potential future use in other settings.