The Free Range Pastor Update:
The December Tour
2025 marked the 4th year of road managing Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God (BTLOG) tour in December.
My job was simple—make sure everyone had what they needed and knew where to be, so the work could unfold without distraction. My days began early and ended late—coordinating logistics, meals, transportation, schedules, hospitality, and troubleshooting.
This year, I cared for 24 people across 13 shows in 12 cities: artists, crew, an IJM rep., and bus drivers.
Some Historical Background...
In the early 2000's one of our friends invited us to see a new Christmas show at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville, TN.
As far as we can recall it was one of the characters pictured below.
What we do recall was hearing BTLOG for the first time and knowing it needed to be our new Christmas tradition—so we brought it to Huntsville, AL annually.
Over the years, our kids grew up with BTLOG, from diapers to graduation, and it shaped our Advent for years to come.
Fast forward...
In 2022, Christie Bragg asked if I’d be willing to tour manage BTLOG that December.
I had no experience so I immediately said "I'm in!"
Four years later here we are.
Where Free Range Pastoring comes in...
People say road managing is herding cats... I say it's shepherding sheep. It takes prayer, presence, long walks, early mornings and late-night talks, all while anticipating needs before they’re spoken.
My role was an extension of Andrew’s vision of hospitality—creating an environment away from home that feels human, safe, and communal.
This year, a band member told me,
“You’ve been the most consistent pastoral presence in my life for the past three years.”
I laughed, teared up, and thought of the people who make free range pastoring possible.... so Thank You!
If I'm really, honest...
Every December, tour life is exhausting—and exhilarating.
I sleep on the bus.
I’m one of the oldest on tour.
But you know what?
And it's all worth it!
Artists, crew, and audiences alike are weary and longing to hear the call:
Gather round ye children come.
Listen to the old, old story
Of the power of death undone
By an infant born of glory
Son of God, Son of Man
And as we Behold the Lamb of God we answer yes to the liturgical question Is He worthy of
this?
He Is.
The work of The Free Range Pastor is 100% funded by family & friends.
All gifts given in December along with the generosity of monthly supporters allows me to pastor freely without financial encumbrances all year long.
2025 was a full and fruitful year.
We're grateful and Thankful.
THANKS FOR MAKING THIS REAL!
A Special Thanks to Bragg Management
Pictured: Kate Hayes, Audrey Griffith, Sophie Byard, TFRP, Christie Bragg & Mary Eveleen Brown.
Behold the Lamb of God, is a folk-roots retelling of the Christmas story—foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New—performed by an all-star community of musicians and guests.
Want to Watch the Ryman Show?
Just for Fun....
Seeking. Gathering. Tending.
