About Chris Ulery
Chris' Bio
Chris Ulery is an evangelist with a driving passion to raise a generation of true God lovers that live to touch God's heart. A former youth pastor and outreach director, Chris now travels as an itinerant minister. Chris was born into a pastor's family and began developing a passion for the Lord at an early age. As a young boy he would climb onto the fireplace steps and "preach" to anyone that would listen. By the time he was 12 he was playing drums for his church's praise and worship team and began leading worship as a young teenager.
After Chris graduated high school he began producing his father's television show "The Burning Heart" and then later went on to become a promotions producer for the Victory Television Network. While working for VTN Chris received the call to ministry. So he enrolled in a worship/evangelism school located in Nashville, TN where he was taught and trained by some of the nation's foremost ministry leaders such as Lou Engle, Rick Pino, and Scott Macleod. It was during this time in Nashville that country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs prophesied that Chris was to be "a communicator for the Kingdom of God." Chris began to receive invitations to minister around Nashville and after graduating felt led to return home to head up the outreach department of his hometown church. As outreach director Chris led teams into prisons, care centers, nursing homes, parks, and to the homeless on the streets. While in this position Chris was often given the pulpit to minister and began to develop a passion for preaching.
Then in late 2008 Chris was asked to go on tour with CCM music group NewFire. This eventually connected Chris with the opportunity to also begin touring for the chart-topping, Dove Award-winning music group FFH in early 2009. This led to a whirlwind season for Chris of TV performances, radio, and traveling coast to coast performing live for audiences of thousands. (Learn more about this under the worship ministry section of the events page) As Chris' travels continued to take him into churches all across the nation he felt led to pursue a speaking ministry and enrolled in world-renowned Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, OK. Chris graduated RBTC in 2013 (along with his now wife), received his ministry credentials, and became a member of the Rhema Ministerial Association International. After graduation Chris accepted the pastorate for Genesis youth, the student ministry of Legacy Family Church, where attendance multiplied more than tenfold under his leadership in under two years. Shortly after Chris took over the leadership of "Pulse", the Friday night outreach of the young adult ministry of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, OK, one of the largest young adult ministries in the nation.
Now Chris and Jessica enjoy traveling for Divine Romance Ministries inspiring others to live to touch God's heart, and helping them understand our profound impact on the emotional heart of God.
Speaking Ministry
What we do
Chris and Jessica Ulery speak at churches, conferences, and events all across the nation, and are known for their way of inspiring a deeper love for Christ, and for helping others understand the emotional heart of God. Their passion is to awaken our generation to the divine romance we were created for and to encourage others to embrace and revel in the invitation to intimacy that has been extended to us by our bridegroom God. You will learn about the bridal paradigm woven throughout the old and new testaments and will be challenged to plunge to new depths in your personal relationship with Christ.
Use the playlist below to watch sermons by Chris and Jessica Ulery, or visit the resources page for 30+ hours of free teaching podcasts and videos!
Worship Ministry
A heart of worship
Born into a family with a rich musical heritage Chris Ulery discovered his passion for music at an early age. By the time he was 12 years old he had already joined his church's worship team, and by the time he was a young teenager had won multiple contests and awards for his musical abilities. After gigging all through high school Chris moved to Nashville, TN and enrolled in a three month extensive training course for musicians seeking to enter the Christian music industry. After completing the course Chris began his first full-time gig as a drummer for the then new radio band called NewFire. As NewFire began to tour with other nationally recognized artists and groups doors quickly began to open for Chris in the music industry.
Then in 2009, Chris Ulery set sail with the chart-topping, Dove Award winning music group FFH (Far From Home) as their bassist. The band has sold over 2 million albums and garnered eight no. 1 hits, multiple Dove awards, a Billboard Music Award nomination, placement in national ad campaigns for Coca Cola and IBM, and 15 top 20 hits. Most importantly, FFH saw over 14,000 confirmed salvations in their concerts, which often featured a time of worship. During his years with the band, Chris Ulery traveled coast to coast performing live for audiences of thousands, as well as performing live on radio, and on numerous national and international Christian television networks.
Since his time touring for CCM artists FFH and Newfire, Chris Ulery has gone on to perform with other nationally recognized artists (you can see a full list in the tabs below) sometimes leading worship for large internationally televised events with well-known speakers and leaders, and other times for a handful of people in a local congregation. Whether it is dozens or thousands the goal is always the same: to put a smile on the face of the lover of our soul and to experience a deep connection with Him through worship. Today Chris owns his own music production company called Zion Beatz and continues to serve on his home church's worship team at Victory Church in Tulsa, OK. If you are interested in bringing Chris and his team to lead worship for your event please fill out the ministry request form on this page.
Untamed
A retreat for guys
In a worldly system that is constantly trying to control, trap, manipulate and inhibit you it is imperative that you find the courage to swim upstream and be a change-agent to those around you. While at the this guys retreat you’ll learn to shake off the fear of man, the fear of inadequacy and failure, and the fear of the enemy to live UNTAMED for God!
This retreat is hosted at New Life Ranch in Oklahoma (which offers it's own range of activities from archery to kayaking and everything in-between). If Oklahoma is too far of a trip for your group then Chris will gladly come to you and conduct the camp as a lock-in at your youth center or a seminar at your church, depending on which scenario best fits your needs. Chris wants to make "Untamed" accessible to all youth ministries regardless of size or budget. Therefore, he doesn't ask for an honorarium, but simply asks that you cover his travel expenses to get to you.
You will discover the courage to break the world's system at "Untamed"! Book your group now! Dates can be set custom to your groups needs
Click any tab below to learn more!
Free Activities
One of the best things about having a retreat at New Life Ranch is that there is a lot to do. More than that, there is a lot to do there that you can't do anywhere else! Here is a list of some of the things guests have the opportunity to experience while on one of our retreats hosted at New Life Ranch.
The following activities are available year round and don't require any scheduling.
Outdoor Activities
- Canoeing
- Flicker
- Fishing (Bring your own gear!)
- Disc Golf
- Horseshoes
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking (Bring your own bike and helmet!)
- Tether Ball
- Hiking
- Sand Volleyball
- Softball
- Tennis
- Carpetball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Soccer
- Smash Ball
Indoor Activities
- Basketball
- Foosball
- Ping Pong
- Volleyball
- Floor Hockey
- Dodgeball
- Gym Games
- Bowling
- Board Games
- Pop-a-Shot Basketball
Scheduled Attractions
These attractions must be scheduled in advance of your retreat. The sooner you are able to communicate your needs for these activities to us the better we will be able to serve you during your stay.
Waterfront (Open May-September)
The Waterfront is the center of swimming activities at NLR. With a blob, two slides, a trolley, and the rings there are great activities for everyone! The Waterfront is generally open from May to September. There must be a lifeguard present to use the Waterfront. NLR will provide a lifeguard. Please let us know at least two weeks before your retreat when you will want the Waterfront open.
Patmos Challenge Course (Click to see prices)
Take a ride down our 400ft zipline, experience a crazy swing on the Screamer, test your nerves on the Pamper pole, or try one of our other 8 high elements over on the island known as Patmos. We also offer Team Building sessions for groups which uses the Low and High Ropes courses as well as prop initiatives. Please let us know at least two weeks in advance of your retreat if you would like to use Patmos or schedule Team Building. Find out more about the elements on Patmos.
Campfires
Campfires are a great way to have a unique experience for your group. They can be used for breakout sessions after chapel, or as a way to hang out in a unique environment. We can provide everything you need for s’mores ($.50 per person). If you want to bring your own s’mores you can. We’ll still provide roasting sticks. Let us know when you will need campfires in advance of your retreat so we can have them ready.
Archery Tag ($100/hr- Up to 20 people at a time can participate)
One part tag, one part dodgeball, this activity is sure to be a group favorite! Players are split into two teams, then work together to eliminate all the players on the other team. Please let us know in advance of your retreat if you would like to participate archery tag so we can provide a trained staff member to supervise the activity.
Pool (Open May-September)
The Pool is a great place to hang out! With a 2 huge slides, water basketball and volleyball, there are great activities for everyone! The Pool is generally open from mid-May to Labor Day. There must be a lifeguard present to use the pool. NLR will provide a lifeguard. Please let us know at least two weeks before your retreat when you will want the pool open.
Trail Rides ($15 per person)
NLR’s horseback trail rides are a great way for participants 3rd grade and older to experience riding horses and see some of our beautiful 1000 acres of woods and fields. Trail rides have an additional fee and must be scheduled in advance of your retreat at NLR. Find out more about Trail Rides.
Pony Rides (Free with scheduled Trail Rides)
Pony rides are a great way for young children (under the age of 8) to experience riding horses. Pony rides are done in our barn with experienced wranglers to ensure a safe and controlled environment. Pony rides must be scheduled in advance of your retreat so we can make sure that we have enough horses and staff to serve you well. Pony rides are free if you schedule Trail Rides, otherwise they are $25 per hour.
Target Sports
Test your marksmanship on our Riflery Range ($50 per hour- Up to 12 participants per hour), try to hit the bulls eye at the Archery Range ($30 per hour- up to 12 participants per hour), and follow the clay pigeon on our Skeet Shooting Range ($50 per hour- up to 12 participants per hour). Please let us know in advance of your retreat if you would like to participate in any of the target sports so we can provide a trained staff member to supervise the activity.
Laser Tag ($150/hr- Up to 20 people at a time can participate)
Grab a laser gun, join a team, come up with a strategy, win the round! We have indoor and outdoor courses, and play a variety of games such as Capture the Flag, Convoy, Free for All, and Survivor. Please let us know in advance of your retreat if you would like to participate laser tag so we can provide a trained staff member to supervise the activity.
The Gym
This air-conditioned gym is perfect for big group games like dodgeball and floor hockey, or a late-night game of basketball. The gym can also be split in two to accomodate different games on each side. There are also 6 adjustable basketball goals.
The Gym cannot be reserved, however, we will be glad to work with you to coordinate your schedule with other group’s needs.
The Kangaroo Cage
Located next to the Sport Court, the Kangaroo Cage jump pillow is great fun for everyone!
The Kangaroo Cage cannot be reserved, however, we will be glad to work with you to coordinate your schedule with other group’s needs.
Flint Field
Going, going, gone! Step up to the plate and harness your inner major leaguer on our wiffle ball field. Whether you are playing a nine inning game or just trying to hit one over the fence in a Homerun Derby, we are sure you will have a "blast" at Flint Field!
Flint Field cannot be reserved, however, we will be glad to work with you to coordinate your schedule with other group’s needs.
Canteen & Pavilion
The Canteen is our snack and souvenir shop. Snacks ranging from peanuts to ice cream are available, as well as NLR t-shirts, hats, and other merchandise. We take cash, checks and Visa or Master Card in the canteen.
NLR staff will run the Canteen. The Canteen is generally open 2pm-4pm. Please let us know in advance of your retreat if there are additional times you would like the Canteen open.
The Sport Court
The Sport Court is our open air pavilion. It is ideal for meetings or recreation. The Sport Court has two basketball goals, and has restrooms close by. There are lights if you would like to use the Sport Court for night time activities.
The Sport Court cannot be reserved, however, we will be glad to work with you to coordinate your schedule with other group’s needs.
Ballfield, Tennis, Volleyball
Think of the Ball Field as a blank canvas. Use your imagination as you plan group games and activities that need a wide open space. A sand volleyball court and tennis courts are close by. All of these spaces are great for free time activities, or for structured group times.
If you would like to use any of these facilities please let us know so we can coordinate with other group’s needs.
The Outdoor Chapel
The Outdoor Chapel is a unique place to meet outside in God’s creation. It has benches and a small stage (there is no power available, so plan to be unplugged.) When planning your schedule be sure and consider when it gets dark! Several miles of trails can be used to complement your program as well.
If you would like to use the Outdoor Chapel please let us know so we can coordinate with other group’s needs.
The Dining Hall
The Dining Hall seats up to 320 people, and is equipped with a PA system and CD player. All meals in the Dining Hall are all-you-can eat, and don’t worry about the cleanup, we will take care of it!
Normal meal times are 8:00 for breakfast, 12:00 for lunch, and 5:30 for dinner.
Canoes and Kayaks
Canoes and Kayaks are a great activity for any group!
You can set the times when you want your groups to use the boats. It has to be light outside and everybody must wear a lifejacket. We do recommend having an adult available to monitor any boating activities.
Patmos Challenge Course
Feel free to venture across the bridge and over Flint Creek to the Island of Patmos and the unique challenges that are found over there on both our High and Low Ropes Courses. Patmos is also the name of the island that the apostle John exiled to. It was there that he experienced many trials and tribulations, but it was also where he heard the direct word of God. It is our hope that all who enter Patmos will have a similar experience; you will be extremely challenged, but you will also hear from God and learn and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Schedule some time for your group to come over and be challenged or just come on over and enjoy the atmosphere as other groups enjoy the course.
The Kristen Kindred Memorial Prayer Chapel
If you need to pray, read, study or sit quietly the Prayer Chapel is a great place.. The Prayer Chapel is located right on the edge of camp, it has a peaceful view of Flint Creek, and you can sit outside or inside.
The Prayer Chapel is open 24 hours a day. We ask that you and your participants respect the Prayer Chapel as a quiet space for anyone to use for prayer and study.
The Game Room
This is not your ordinary Game Room. Sure, there are classics like ping-pong and foosball, but we also have Pop-a-Shot Basketball and 2 bowling lanes!
The Game Room cannot be reserved. However, we will be glad to work with you to coordinate your schedule with other group’s needs.
Friday:
- 6:30 PM: Check-in
- 7:30 PM: Orientation
- 8:00 PM: Ministry Session 1
- 9:30 PM: Free time (see activities)
- 10:45 PM: Group activity
- 12:00 AM: Lights out
Saturday:
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Team building and scheduled activities
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Free time (see activities)
- 4:00 PM: Group activity
- 5:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Ministry Session 2
- 8:30 PM: Night activity
- 10:45 PM: Group activity
- 12:00 AM: Lights out
Sunday:
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Ministry Session 3
- 10:30 AM: Depart
Saddle Inn is located near the center of camp. It consists of 1 building with 2 cabins. Each cabin has 2 queens, 10 twins, and 2 couches which can be converted to twin beds to increase the sleeping capacity. Each cabin can be split into 2 smaller units with a dedicated restroom if needed.
If your group is larger than 32 people then extra cabins will be rented at no extra cost to you! We can accommodate any size group.
- Bed Style: Bunk Beds
- Beds Per Cabin: 16
- Individual Bedding: 14 twin, 2 queen
- Individual Capacity: 32 (16 per cabin)
- Sinks: 4 per cabin
- Showers: 2 per cabin
- Toilets: 2 per cabin
New Life Ranch (where the retreat is hosted) is located four miles west of Siloam Springs, AR, and three miles north of Highway 412. You can locate the Ranch by looking for the blue signs that point north and say “New Life Ranch.”Download a map(pdf).
The Chase Weekend
Outreach
Having led street ministry outreach departments for over a decade, Chris and Jessica Ulery often team up with churches to help train or launch new outreach initiatives into their respective communities. Through these outreach endeavors Chris and Jessica have seen multiple thousands of people personally ministered to through one-on-one encounters outside the four walls of the church! Thousands have been fed or had their practical needs met, and hundreds have received salvation or experienced miraculous healing! Equally important, hundreds of church volunteers have been empowered to preach the gospel, pray for the sick, and bless those in need. For many volunteers it was their first time to experience God moving through them to save or heal someone else, a feeling that instantly becomes addicting.
Often times churches feel the urgent need to increase their local evangelistic efforts, yet don't know where to begin or need help gaining momentum. The Chase Weekend provides exactly that. Through outreach themed services the congregation is trained and inspired to pursue the harvest, with the weekend culminating in an opportunity to put what they've learned into practice via a church-wide outreach! It gets the churches name out into the community in a positive way, it trains and provides opportunity for your members live out their Christianity in a life-changing way, and it fulfills the great commission. What are you waiting for? Fill out the ministry request form on this page to get started!
Testimonials
Paul Daugherty
Read More
Scott Macleod
Read More
Mark Kresge
Read More
Jeromy Deibler
Read More
Tracy Shelton
Read More