Dear friends,
In the early months of 1976, a small group of believers working at a local Christian crisis hotline started seeing a pattern. Men and women experiencing feelings of attraction to members of their same sex were seeking ways to not act on those feelings, in order to pursue God’s plan for their sexual identity. That fall, a new ministry was formed as men and women started meeting together for mutual support and encouragement. These gatherings were styled after other well-known addiction recovery programs, and the ministry was named “Outpost.”
An outpost is a place on the outskirts of a territory. It is a place of advance warning, watching for those who would try to enter the kingdom in order to do harm. The outpost can send word ahead to the kingdom with specific instructions on how to prepare and what to expect from those trying to invade. Secondly, it is a place of first welcome for those who are coming to be a part of the kingdom. Those stationed at the outpost can provide a warm introduction to newcomers, offering shelter, comfort, and guidance as needed. Finally, an outpost is a place of last resort for those wandering at the edges, who are questioning whether or not they truly belong in the kingdom at all. The outpost is the place where they can ask their questions without fear, and be reminded of their true citizenship. The outpost and its people offer a place to rest and reflect, with the hope of restoring these wanderers to full participation in the kingdom.
Many of those coming to Outpost over the years have felt like they are on the outskirts: of church, family, culture, society, God’s will, etc. What many have found at Outpost is hope and healing in a safe community. They have discovered that they can be fully known, even in their sexual and relational brokenness. We are a place where people can come to belong as they are restored, and then, be sent forth as a blessing to others. The methods and manner of providing safe community, hope, and healing has certainly changed over the years. But even through the many locations, directors, challenges, and celebrations, our heart has remained consistent. We believe that hurting people can find hope, healing, and restoration through encounter with the living God.
In 2016, Outpost became part of the Twin Cities Justice House of Prayer, in order to bring this message of hope and healing to a wider audience. This merger also provided more opportunities for people seeking wholeness in their sexual identity to spend time with God. A house of prayer, or prayer room, is simply a place to love and encounter God in order to be transformed more into Christ’s likeness. We believe intimacy with God through worship and intercession based on His Word is essential to the furthering of our healing and fuels our ministry to others. As we grow in our submission to Jesus Christ, we also grow in friendship with and love for Him. It is in relationship with Jesus that we are healed and transformed, through the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
For 50 years now, Outpost has been providing support, encouragement, teaching, and prayer ministry for individuals, families, and churches impacted by LGBTQ+ issues and other forms of sexual and relational brokenness. We praise God for His faithfulness to us as a ministry and as individuals experiencing healing in our own lives. We pray that God will continue to guide and direct the ministry into the next 50 years, so that many more men and women will experience the true freedom and abundant life promised by Jesus during His earthly ministry (John 10:10).
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the culture’s insistence on affirming every expression of love and identity, we are here for you. If you are confused about your own attractions or your connection to your body, we are here for you. If you are wondering how to talk with your friends and family about God’s design for us as men and women, we are here for you. We can walk with you as you seek God’s love and truth for your particular situation. You do not need to do this alone.
We love to partner with God in the work of redemption, healing, and restoration. As we mark the completion of 50 years, we look forward with expectancy for what God will do next. We invite you to join us.
