Dear Friends,
In the early 2010s, Outpost followed God’s lead to create a new support group, which we named Elijah Company. Rather than ministering to those seeking wholeness in their sexuality and identity, this group was designed to minister to the families and friends of strugglers. As the group began, we also embraced those who reached out because their family member or friend had recently “come out” to them as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and they didn’t know what to do.
We chose the name Elijah Company (EC) because it reminds us that those who move in the spirit of Elijah will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, the hearts of children to their fathers, and turn the disobedient to the understanding of righteousness (Malachi 4:6, Luke 1:17 CSB). As I reflected on the life of Elijah, I noticed even more connections for those of us needing the support of a group like EC.
When a loved one announces “I identify as LGBTQ+,” it is easy to feel like Elijah as he flees to Mount Horeb (Sinai) in 1 Kings 19: overwhelmed, confused, defeated, and alone. What happens at Horeb is an encouragement when we find ourselves in that same place emotionally. Starting in verse 9, Scripture recounts how God meets Elijah, listens to the hurts of his heart, and then gives Elijah instructions for the next phase of his calling. Most importantly, though, God answers Elijah’s hurts with the truth of the situation: “Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” (1 Kings 19:18 NLT). What a promise: God will preserve His children!
In this same way, Elijah Company exists at Outpost to encourage and support those seeking to walk faithfully with God while their loved one is struggling or has embraced an LGBTQ+ identity. Additionally, the group provides a space where these family and friends gather to pray for one another and their loved ones. We meet with the God of the universe, who loves each one of us and cares what is on our heart. As we meet with God, we receive truth and instruction so that we may walk in faithfulness. There are practical considerations, to be sure, but the bottom line is always to see what God is teaching each participant and asking them to do next.
Over the past year, more and more of our phone calls and emails come from people who need a place like EC. And churches are reaching out to see how they can provide support to families within their body. In response, we are creating an Elijah Company toolkit: a set of recommended and created resources that any church can use to launch their own group. The kit includes a set of four Bible and book study resources and also a set of 52 guided prayer sheets. The kit will be available to download from the “Resources” page of our website beginning August 5, 2024. The studies and prayer sheets are chosen and designed to facilitate encountering God and being equipped as individuals and a group to walk faithfully alongside a friend or family member who identifies as LGBTQ+.
Our hope and prayer is that this toolkit would encourage and equip local churches to begin a small support group within their own bodies. Our staff is available to help with all aspects of setting up the group, ordering resources, and training facilitators. We are also planning to hold monthly Zoom calls for the facilitators and pastors of new groups to attend for support and encouragement. If you or your church is interested, please contact the office and we can help you get started.
Maybe today you are confused and adrift due to a family member or friend’s decision to “come out.” As God reminded Elijah in 1 Kings 19, “you are not alone!” We at Outpost are here to provide support, encouragement, and resources. Whether you join Elijah Company here with us, or start a group of your own, we pray that you will find a way to encounter God, be equipped with truth, and be strengthened to walk in faithfulness to God and compassion toward your loved one. Amen.
