What if church wasn’t just something you went to—but somewhere you hiked, skied, or snowboarded your way into? That’s exactly what’s happening at Alpine Church, a Fresh Expression of Church nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Meeting on mountain summits and forest trails, Alpine Church is reimagining spiritual community for those who feel most at home in nature.
Launched at Gunstock Mountain Resort and extending to places like Lockes Hill, Alpine Church gathers outdoor enthusiasts, seasonal workers, and spiritual seekers who might not feel drawn to a traditional sanctuary. Whether it’s a ski lift ride to a Sunday message or a hike followed by communion beneath the trees, every gathering is shaped by the spirit of presence, adventure, and welcome.
More than just a scenic backdrop, Alpine Church reflects the broader vision of the Fresh Expressions movement—meeting people where they are, building relationships through shared passions, and forming spiritual communities in the spaces people already love. It lives out the Fresh Expressions ethos that “church can happen anywhere,” reminding us that discipleship doesn’t need pews or stained glass—only people willing to journey toward Jesus together.
“I come for the view, but I stay for the Spirit.” — Alpine Church participant
A Church on the Move
The vision for Alpine Church began with a simple but radical question: What if church happened where people already felt close to God? Founders Katrina and Bryant Keefe, along with David Baker, Melany Bowe, and Tyson Bowe, noticed that many in their community felt spiritually connected in the outdoors—but had no desire to return to traditional church spaces.
“There were people we knew who would never step into a church building,” shared Katrina Keefe. “But they talked about feeling God in the woods, on the mountain, or while riding the chairlift. We started wondering, what if we brought the church to them?”
That wondering led to a beautiful experiment in spiritual presence. One Sunday morning, a family arrived at the summit in ski gear, expecting only a day on the slopes. Instead, they found a worship gathering echoing across the ridge. By the end of the service, they stood in prayer—tears in their eyes—grateful for a space where faith could meet them on familiar ground.
Alpine Church now meets throughout the year, adjusting to the seasons: summer and fall services on hiking trails, and winter gatherings for skiers and snowboarders. What began with a handful of volunteers and a bold vision has become a spiritual home for many.
Reaching the Unreached
Alpine Church serves a distinct and often-overlooked population: those who are spiritually curious but hesitant to return to traditional church structures. Some have never belonged to a church. Others carry the wounds of past experiences. But all are drawn to the quiet clarity of the natural world and the deep desire to belong.
“We weren’t starting a program,” Katrina said. “We were responding to a longing. People were already gathering on the mountain—we just showed up and said, ‘Jesus is here too.’”
This posture reflects the first steps of the Fresh Expressions journey: listening deeply, loving generously, and showing up consistently. It also embodies incarnational mission—bringing the Good News into everyday life with authenticity and grace.
“You don’t need a building to find belonging. You just need someone to walk with you.” — Bryant Keefe
Faith on the Chairlift: Discipleship in Motion
Alpine Church doesn’t push people toward programs or pressure them into commitments. Instead, it invites them into a journey of spiritual discovery, one hike or chairlift ride at a time. Prayers are whispered under pine branches. Communion is shared at the summit. Discipleship unfolds in snow boots and trail shoes.
This Fresh Expression mirrors the Fresh Expressions journey:
- Listening to the rhythms of outdoor life
- Loving and serving without expectation
- Building community through shared experiences
- Exploring discipleship through conversation and prayer
- Letting church take shape in its own time
As Romans 1:20 reminds us, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” For Alpine Church, creation is not just scenery—it’s sanctuary.
“Early Celtic Christians spoke of two sacred books: Scripture and nature. Alpine Church reads both.”
Your Mountain Is Waiting
Alpine Church reminds us that sacred space can be a trailhead, a ski lodge, or a sunlit clearing. It’s a testament to what can happen when followers of Jesus reimagine church with humility, courage, and creativity.
As Dallas Willard said, “Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.” For the leaders of Alpine Church, that means following Jesus up the mountain—and inviting others to come along for the climb.
So what’s your mountain? Where do people in your community already gather, already listen for meaning, already long for connection?
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Alpine Church
Where is it?
Gunstock Mountain & Lockes Hill (Gilford, NH)
Who is it for?
Alpine Church is for outdoor enthusiasts, seasonal workers, and spiritual seekers who feel closest to God in nature but disconnected from traditional church settings. It offers a welcoming space for those who may be spiritually curious yet hesitant to return to institutional church.
What do they do?
Alpine Church offers outdoor experiential worship services year-round in Gilford, New Hampshire. Services are held at Gunstock Mountain Resort during its operating season and at Lockes Hill during the spring and fall. The church provides a welcoming space for outdoor enthusiasts, seasonal workers, and spiritual seekers who feel closest to God in nature but disconnected from traditional church settings.
Who is the Pioneer?
The leadership team includes Katrina Keefe, Bryant Keefe, David Baker, Melany Bowe, and Tyson Bowe.
Where can I learn more?
