20: Jon Goodwin – Blending Deer Hunting with Spiritual Fatherhood
- Great Outdoors Podcast
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Jon Goodwin is a passionate hunter, pastor, and father who blends his love for the outdoors with a deep Christian faith, sharing both through his role as co-host of the Christian Outdoors Podcast and his Wild Game Freaks platform. Drawn to the woods through summers in Pennsylvania’s Poconos, he embraced hunting in his 20s to bond with his wife’s family, later passing the tradition to his three children. With nearly 80,000 Instagram followers, Jon creates family-friendly hunting content, using it as a ministry tool to share the gospel. As a pastor of 21 years, he prioritizes modeling Jesus for his kids, ensuring they grow in faith while cherishing moments like butchering deer or fishing together, always seeking to glorify God in creation.
TOPICS
Introduction & Early Outdoor Experiences
1:27 - Young Days Outdoors: Jon grew up in town. He visited grandparents in Pennsylvania’s Poconos.
2:01 - Learning to Fish: Jon fished on a private lake. He used a rowboat and canoe.
2:46 - First Firearm Lesson: Jon’s uncle gave him a 12-gauge shotgun. It bruised his shoulder.
Hunting Journey & Family Ties
7:05 - Hunting with In-Laws: Jon started hunting at 21. It bonded him with his wife’s family.
8:13 - First Deer Hunt: Jon’s father-in-law shot a 10-point buck. Jon got a tiny deer.
10:20 - Kids in the Woods: Jon took his son hunting at age four. They lived near woods.
12:15 - Memorable Buck Hunt: Jon’s son predicted a buck’s path. They shared a close encounter.
15:47 - Daughter’s Hunting: Jon’s daughter hunted at 15. She prefers kayaking and running.
Faith & Raising Godly Kids
22:46 - Kids’ Faith Growth: Jon’s kids love church. His daughter leads devotionals.
24:25 - Pastor’s Family Life: Jon’s kids stay faithful despite ministry trials. He shields them from negativity.
27:29 - Prioritizing Family: Jon puts kids above church meetings. He models love for them.
29:12 - Faith in Nature: Jon’s family camps yearly. His son thanked God after a hunt.
32:28 - Bonding Moments: Jon talks life with sons while butchering deer. It’s a safe space.
Christian Outdoors & Sharing the Gospel
40:50 - God in Creation: Jon feels God’s peace outdoors. It’s a place to share faith.
43:05 - Gospel Opportunities: Jon uses hunting to share Jesus. His platform reaches many.
47:09 - Christian Outdoors Podcast: Jon co-hosts with Pete Rogers. He shares weekly devotionals.
51:47 - Social Media Ministry: Jon’s Instagram connects hunters. He promotes clean, Christian content.
56:54 - Faith-Driven Platform: Jon balances fun with ministry. He shares Jesus with followers.
Hunting Goals & Wrap-Up
58:16 - Fishing with Son: Jon and Matthew fish together. They started with a Spider-Man rod.
61:46 - Father’s Role in Faith: Jon says dads must model Jesus. Kids catch more than taught.
66:59 - Eternal Legacy: Jon wants kids to love Christ. Nothing else lasts.
70:04 - Dream Hunts: Jon hopes to hunt elk. Mule deer and moose interest him too.
75:17 - Favorite Bible Verse: Jon picks Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus offers rest to the weary.
Jon Goodwin’s Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildgamefreaks/
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