Introduction

BetterDays

What is the work?
BetterDays exists for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ in her Gospel mission. We do to this by providing support and encouragement to the church’s pastors and leaders.

Like all believers, those who lead are called to glorify God and enjoy God forever in every aspect of their lives. The unique setting in which they work, however, presents them with inherent risks and challenges which complicate this calling. BetterDays seeks to meet these leaders amidst these challenges while calling them into the life they were meant to live in Christ Jesus.

We accomplish this mission in our program, Go Outside. This program entails personal care, three-day retreats as well as week-long adventures in wilderness settings.

Who are we?
Founder and director,Chad Karger, is a teacher at heart. After graduating with a Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling in 1995, his local church ministry included pastoral care counseling with a wide range of individuals. It was during this time, too, that Chad and his wife, Meeka, frequently led week-long wilderness-based retreats where people were challenged in mind, body, and spirit with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The early vision for BetterDays dates back to early 1990s. At its simplest level, it was born out of a desire to find and create settings that were conducive to experienced-based-learning about God and the work of Jesus Christ. As avid outdoors people, Chad and Meeka couldn’t think of a better place to learn about who God was and what God was doing than in the wilds of His creation!

The work that Chad was doing alongside of his local church ministry was eventually the impetus for incorporating BetterDays in 2002. By that time, much of the work he was involved in was focused on the spiritual and emotional health of those who were leading in the Kingdom of God, especially the local church. In 2006 he resigned from his pastoral position at Ecclesia church in Houston to work full time for BetterDays in this effort.

What’s in a name?
Jesus’ redemptive mission culminating on the cross makes better days a reality now and in the future. Creation has been rescued from the bondage of sin. Reconciled to God all of creation, including humanity, has the possibility of hope; the hope of living in God’s design. God has shaped our human hearts for worship, relationship, and stewardship. Sin imprisons our humanity into idolatry, individualism, and consumerism. Though we find temporary satisfaction in these indulgences, by God’s grace we quickly find that sin is bondage. The redemptive work of Jesus on the cross leads us, along with all of creation, outside of these prison walls into the life we were made to live for the glory of God! Here come better days!

While executive coaching illustrates a growing demand, our efforts are of a different kind. The care and support BetterDays provides is rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ. Whether executives in the marketplace or pastors in the pulpit, we seek to serve individuals who are leading the church. That involves a wide range of people doing various kinds of jobs in equally diverse settings.

In order to accomplish our mission, we need partners who will pray, spread the word, and contribute financially. Each of these contributions is critical to the mission at hand. While significant for the individual leader and for the organization, your investment supports the Kingdom of God in this world.

Thanks for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you!