Who Are We?

Christian Contender Ministries was established in 1990 for the purpose of promoting New Testament Christianity. We are independent, undenominational and committed to "walking through open doors" into whatever opportunities the Lord may lead us.  The ministry is registered with the federal government as a 501(c)(3), tax-deductible religious charity, and also incorporated by the State of Indiana. We are involved in many areas of ministry including preaching, evangelism, Christian service training, publishing, and ministries to children.

This ministry operates by three basic philosophies:

First, we believe we must be committed to restoring "New Testament Christianity." We hold Christ as our only creed, and the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice.

Second, we think our ministry should have the local community at its very foundation and build upon it. Therefore we are involved with local churches and the community in various ways. Starting at this point the ministry has expanded into the state, the country, and other parts of the world.

Third, we are convinced that our focus must be on reaching, recruiting, and rescuing children because they are the future of the Kingdom.

Where Are We?  Read More...

What Can We Do To Help?
That is the question that was most often asked at the Men’s Round-Up this year. Many who attended the Round-Up were doing so for the first time and for most of them they had never been to Rock Haven Ranch. They all agreed this beautiful 95 acres should be preserved for use in Christ’s Kingdom and to God’s Glory. They all agreed it should serve the needs of children in the area and elsewhere. They all agreed that Christian Contender Ministries should be a beacon that heralds the truth and promotes New Testament Christianity and the Restoration Plea from this location. They all agreed that events like the Men’s Round-Up should be available to help support and strengthen the churches of this part of the country. THEN . . . they all agreed it was a ministry worth supporting with their time, talent, and treasure, following which they asked, “WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?” In response, the following projects and financial needs are being presented in order of importance. We are praying that several individuals and/or churches will accept one of these projects or contribute to one so they can be completed by the Men’s Round-Up in October 2009. Click here to view projects needed to be completed, complete with pictures and descriptions. 

Rock Haven is a "Working" Horse Ranch

This serves many purposes. First of all it Enhances The Program. All children who attend the camps participate in “chores.” These chores involve all aspects of ranch life: kitchen, garden, hay fi eld, barn, and livestock. Children must be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful —a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life. Since many parents work full-time, this ministry fills the gap by patiently teaching the children the value of a good work ethic. 

Second, it Improves The Character of children. Horses are used because their size and power are naturally intimidating. Accomplishing a task involving the horse helps many to overcome fears and develop confi dence that often applies when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Once they overcome these fears they can enjoy the great fun horses can be. Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many children will complain, “The horse is stubborn” or “The horse doesn’t like me.” The lesson they learn is, “when they change themselves, the horses respond in a more positive way.” 

During the camps, many children are involved in Equine Integrated Behavioral Therapy sessions using horses to help them learn about themselves and others. Activities with the horses are designed to build self-esteem and confidence. The skills that many troubled young people lack (non-verbal communication, honesty, respect, and assertiveness) are the very ones that are required to work with horses.” 

Finally it Increases The Income. Most of our horses, tack, feed, hay, equipment and supplies are donated. In addition, financial donations because of the Equine Rescue and Equine Integrated Behavioral Therapy programs far exceed the cost of keeping the horses. This helps toward the cost of staff and fixed expenditures. Special thanks to Keith Trucking Company and the generous members of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association without whose support these equine programs would not be as advanced.  See photos from the working horse ranch.  

Why Reach, Recruit and Rescue?

We are convinced that our focus must be on reaching, recruiting, and rescuing children because they are the future of the Kingdom. Children are the "Natural Resource" for the Kingdom of God. We see children in two groups. First, the children of Christian parents. These children need opportunities to serve in the Kingdom while recruiting them as leaders for the future. The second group contains the children of non-Christian parents. This is by far the larger of the two groups. These children are truly "Fellow-citizens" of God’s Kingdom but most never have the opportunity to become aware of that glorious fact. We need to rescue them for the sake of Christ and His Church.

Much of our ministry is focused on rescuing helpless children. These children are as much a part of God’s Kingdom as you and I, but they live in homes where God and Jesus are only swear words and the opportunity to attend church is never given. In our area that group makes up around 70% of all children. Many of these children live below the poverty level, but some are from homes that have plenty of what the world has to offer yet are still without Christ. All of these children need to be rescued.

As Christian parents, we have cut no corners to make sure our own children are raised with every opportunity to know Christ and His Church. We know this is our responsibility, but we must consider the fact that we are also responsible for those children who "live as captives" in homes without Christ. Just as there are two groups of children in the world there are also two groups of adults; Christian, and non-Christian. There are