If you've spent any time around AHUMC, you probably know our Recovery Pastor Chris Estus—or as he's known on the trail, Bone Spur the Chappalachian. And if you know Chris, you know that he rarely passes up a chance to lace up his boots and go thru-hiking.
This summer, Chris is heading back to the Appalachian Trail to serve the hikers, wanderers, and seekers who make their way along one of America's most beloved long trails. Chris will hike a six-week stint as a commissioned Circuit Chaplain of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. His circuit this summer will be the 271 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania.
This isn't the first time Chris has answered this particular call. In 2021, he hiked the entire 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail over the course of nine months as the AT Chaplain—carrying light and love from Georgia to Maine. His time on the trail is rooted in the same calling that has defined his work at AHUMC for over a decade: meeting people where they are, walking alongside those affected by addiction, and pointing every weary traveler toward divine grace.
Chris has led AHUMC's recovery community efforts since 2011. For six weeks this summer, he'll be on the trail instead of in the room—and we couldn't be more proud!
Please follow his journey on YouTube and join us in praying for safe miles, meaningful encounters, and the kind of good conversations that only happen on the trail.
We'll see you soon, Bone Spur—Hike on!
