ABOUT
Rugged Faith started in 2007 in an effort to get men more engaged in God’s word. We began with a small weekend retreat that we called “Rugged Faith Boot Camp.” Almost 15 years later, we’re engaging men from all around the U.S.
Founder. Board Member. Speaker
Meet Jack Ward.
For the past 40 years, Jack has been involved in leading men. Jack started Rugged Faith Ministries and has a passion for helping men grow in their relationship with Jesus. He is a former high school coach and has served in men’s ministry for many years. His vision for Rugged Faith has been to blend outdoor adventure and sound biblical teaching. Ward is the author of two best selling books on outdoor adventure, “Rugged Faith published in 2010 and “Adventure with a Purpose,” published in 2018.
Director. Board Member. Speaker
Meet Jim Zalenski.
Native Pennsylvanian, Desert Storm veteran – Jim Zalenski lives in Rogers, AR with his incredibly supportive wife Barbara. They’ve been married 37 years with 2 amazing daughters, Tiffany and Shae, along with 3 grandkids – Owen, Lucy, and Jack.
Ever since his first Promise Keepers event, Jim has always had a calling to minister to men. Couple that with a passion for outdoor adventure and creativity in teaching Biblical truth, Jim has been blessed with the opportunity to serve alongside sold out Christ- following men of Rugged Faith.
Jim fervently believes that now is the time that men replace apathy with action, comfort with challenge, and passivity with passion. Jim is confident the Lord will use him and Rugged Faith to inspire men to do just that.
Board Member - Speaker
Meet Rusty Jones
Born in Texas but raised in Southern Illinois. Parents were both school teachers so naturally I went to work as a coal miner.
I was a certified blaster. I got to blow up dirt and rock for a living. Then in my spare time I would go sky diving.
I was a serious adrenalin junky. My insurance agent kept in constant contact.
Today, I am now a minister with an evangelistic spirit, passionate about sharing the message of the gospel and igniting a love for God in individuals lives. I’m honored to be part of Rugged Faith and the opportunity to impact the lives of men for the Kingdom.
Board Member - Speaker
Meet
Gary Winscott
Gary has been married to his best friend for 32 years and has two boys - both grown, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren! Born in Texas, he is a lifelong Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboys fan. We don't hold that against him!
After slowly seeing my relationships with my wife and boys deteriorate over several years, I knew I had to change as the spiritual leader of my family - becoming real and intentional in my words and actions. I thought I was leading correctly - boy, was I wrong! During the last ten years, the Lord has brought me through reconciliation and healing with my family. During this time, the Lord began to work in my heart to serve men and communicate what the Lord had shown me. Over the last eight years, I have seen men reconcile with their wives, take leadership positions within the church and become bolder for the Lord in their communities. Serving men with the Rugged Faith platform, I have a front row seat to God's transformational power!
OUR MISSION
To Guide men into a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ.
To Prepare men to be Godly leaders in their homes, their churches, and their communities.
To Support The local church in their efforts to reach and equip men for Christian service.
OUR VALUES
Trinity
2 Cor. 13:14 - The God of the Bible is the only true God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Salvation by Grace
Eph. 2:8-9 - A person comes into a right relationship with God by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ
Holy Bible
2 Tim. 3:16-17 - The Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God and it has the right to command our belief and actions.
Personal God
Psalm 121:1-2 - God is involved in and cares about our daily lives.
Humanity
John 3:16 - All people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Compassion
Psalm 82:3-4 - God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.
Eternity
John 14:1-4 - There is a heaven and a hell and Jesus Christ is returning to judge and set up His eternal kingdom.
Stewardship
I Tim. 6:17-19 - Everything we are or own belongs to God.
Single-minded
Matt. 6:33 - Focus on God and His priorities for our lives.
Bible Study
Heb. 4:12 - Read the Bible to know God, the truth and to find direction for our daily lives.
Prayer
Psalm 66:16-20 - Pray to God to know Him, to lay our requests before Him, to confess our sins and find direction for our lives.
Worship
Psalm 66:16-20 - Worship God for who He is and what He has done for us.
Church Community
Acts 2:44-47 - Fellowship with other Christians to build up and to accomplish God's purpose in our lives, and in the world