Twin Pastors Connect Hunting and Faith, Viewing Harvest as Stewardship
Brothers Chad and James Hampton explain how providing their own food deepens their connection to God and influences their ministry.
For twin brothers Chad and James Hampton, hunting is more than a seasonal activity; it's a practice deeply intertwined with their Christian faith. The pastors and authors harvest deer each year, filling their freezers with venison, which they view as a way to practice stewardship over God's creation.
"We know that God's given us that food to manage and also consume so that we can be what He's created us to be," Chad Hampton told Fox News Digital. He and his brother, founders of Huntin' the Truth Ministries, point to Genesis 1:26 in the Bible to explain their perspective as stewards of creation.
Their approach to food and faith is detailed in their new book, "100 Days of Strength for Hunters." The devotional aims to help outdoorsmen strengthen their relationship with God, combining Scripture, hunting stories, practical applications, and prayer. The brothers designed the book to be concise enough for hunters to carry with them.
The Hamptons' focus on sourcing food aligns with a broader national conversation about eating "real food" and understanding its origins. They emphasize that "everything that we harvest we eat," acknowledging that while busy schedules sometimes lead them to fast food, they prioritize the venison they process.
"Although we love our fast food, we also love the slow-cooked venison," Chad Hampton said.
The brothers believe the time and effort required for hunting—spending hours in a tree stand to harvest an animal that will eventually be consumed—carries a responsibility rooted in their faith. They see this process as both obtaining food and caring for what they believe God has entrusted to them.
This connection between hunting and Christianity has been central to their ministry for over two decades. James Hampton recalled a pivotal moment in 2004, praying from a tree stand while his wife was undergoing cancer treatment. This experience inspired the brothers' ministry, with a mission to encourage others to "hunt for God and His plan for their life."
"We have to live what we preach," James Hampton stated. "And that is loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strengths and seeking Him."
