Feeling Stuck? You’re Not Alone.

I know what it feels like to long for something more—to crave deep, authentic connection with God and others but feel stuck in the routines of traditional church settings. For years, I attended programs and services that kept me busy but didn’t empower me. My heart ached for more—for fellowship that was transformative and a space where I could truly encounter the power of God.

In 2006, I was married with four young kids, serving as a lieutenant in the fire department, running a small business, and acting as a leader and council member in my local church. I was living the typical Christian life, but deep down, I had grown bored with the facade of Christianity. I longed to experience the power of God I read about in Scripture and was learning spiritual truths that challenged the theology of the institutional church.

A year earlier, God had given me a vision for a global discipleship network and resource cooperative outside of the traditional church structure. This vision was more about conviction and relationships than creating an entity, more of a movement than a system. It was meant to be a place where truth seekers could walk with God, be united, and be equipped to build a great life. Then God made it clear—it was time to leave.

In obedience, I sold my business, took an early retirement from the fire department after 13 years, and resigned from my leadership role in the church. When I told my pastor and close friend about my decision, he adamantly insisted I hadn’t heard from God and claimed my calling was to stay and help him build his church. Despite his objection, I stayed the course. The following six months were filled with profound experiences with God that forever changed the trajectory of my life.

"Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them." —Jesus

The Fire in the Cabin That Started It All

I had been invited to attend the Herzliya Conference in Israel and meet Israeli business and government leaders, including the Prime Minister. In preparation for our trip, three friends and I decided to go to a cabin in the North Georgia mountains for a night of prayer. When we entered the cabin and I went to drop my bags in my room, I noticed a couple of 6’ walking sticks leaning up against the wall in the corner of the room. Not thinking much about them, I continued upstairs for prayer, where there was some worship music playing and a bottle of wine that had just been opened to take communion.

As we were individually praying, I felt God telling me to go downstairs and grab one of those sticks. I was still fairly young in my faith and often questioned how I heard God’s voice. I wasn’t overly confident that this was God, but I didn’t see how it could have been my thought, so I walked downstairs to grab one of the sticks. As I grabbed it, I asked God, “Now what?” I felt that He was instructing us all to hold onto it while we prayed.

I walked upstairs and awkwardly said, “I don’t know for sure, but I think God wants us to all hold onto this stick while we pray.” They said, “Well, we’re here to pray, so let’s do it!” We all walked to the center of the room and grabbed hold of the stick. As we did, all of a sudden, a fire supernaturally ignited in the cabin’s fireplace! At the exact same time, my friend Gary received a text from a woman who was praying for us on our trip. The text simply said, “The Lord says to expect angelic visitations today.” I was dumbfounded. I knew what was happening was impossible in the natural.

The fire burned for about 10 minutes and then it went out. We sat down on the couch in awe of what just occurred. Gary then said, “Guys, the most important thing for us is to hear the Lord.” At that moment, the fire burst into flames for about 10 seconds and then went out again.

The next morning, I couldn’t shake the possibility that the fire had started naturally. So, before leaving, I investigated. I checked the propane gas line to the fireplace, and it was turned off. I attempted to light it with no success. Then, I turned the gas line on and lit the fire. It immediately burst into flames, looking and feeling the same as the previous night. However, this time, there was a distinct smell of burnt dust, which often appears during the first burn of a stove or fireplace that has sat unused throughout the summer. This smell wasn’t there the night before, and it immediately filled the cabin! At this point, I was certain that what I had experienced was real. That night changed my life, and my faith has grown much stronger since then, leading to many other remarkable experiences over the years.

The Vision for the Outliers: Ekklesia

The word church as written in the New Testament translates from the Greek word ekklesia. Ekklesia is a combination of the Greek words kaleo (to call) and the prefix ek (out), which means "the called-out ones." I call them the Outliers.

The early followers of Christ understood themselves to be an ekklesia—a community called out of the world’s systems to live under God’s rule and reign. This was not about buildings, denominations, or systems but about a group of people united in purpose, conviction, and identity. These were individuals who lived boldly and stood out as beacons of hope, power, and truth in a broken world.

Today, it’s time for “the called-out ones”—the Outliers—to unite and equip themselves to save their families, strengthen their communities, and advance the Kingdom of God. If you’re tired of the division, hypocrisy, and powerless religion of Christianity, there’s good news: the Kingdom of God is still available.

What Was Missing? Koinonia

Outpost Groups meet the deep yearning for koinonia—a Greek word describing close, intimate fellowship marked by shared purpose and mutual encouragement. This is the kind of connection the early church modeled, as seen in Acts 2:42-47:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Koinonia isn’t just about gathering—it’s about doing life together. It’s about being seen, known, and loved for who you truly are. It’s about standing with people who will fight for you, hold you accountable, and remind you of your identity when you forget. This connection doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality.

It wasn’t until I stepped outside the church walls that I began creating my own experiences of true fellowship. One of the most impactful seasons of my life was when a small group of men met regularly at a friend’s guest cabin we called The Encounter Cabin. It was a simple space, with a wood-burning fireplace where we’d stoke the fire for hours, letting its crackle create an atmosphere of warmth and connection. We gathered to pray, worship, and share our lives—free of pretenses or facades.

Those meetings weren’t just meaningful; they were life-changing. In that place, we experienced profound encounters with God’s presence that sustained, encouraged, and united us in ways church groups never had. That time taught me that true fellowship isn’t bound by a building or program—it’s created when people intentionally gather to seek God and grow together.

Outpost Groups were born from this same vision—to provide spaces for authentic, Spirit-led fellowship where God’s presence is tangible and lives are transformed.

What Is an Outpost Group?

Outpost Groups are modern expressions of ekklesia and koinonia, designed to reclaim the simplicity and power of the early church. These groups are not just gatherings—they’re movements where lives are transformed, communities are strengthened, and God’s Kingdom becomes a lived reality.

An Outpost Group begins when two or more people gather intentionally to hear God’s voice and usher in the power of His Kingdom. These Spirit-led gatherings prioritize:

• Hearing God’s Voice: The focus is on knowing God personally, not just learning about Him. Participants seek to hear directly from God rather than merely discussing teachings about Him.

• A Spirit-Led Community: Outpost Groups are safe spaces to exercise faith and experience God’s supernatural power. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, and the Holy Spirit guides the group, fostering deeper connection and growth.

• Experiencing God’s Presence: The emphasis is on encountering God’s power in the moment—for clarity, refreshing, and a deeper relationship with Him—rather than engaging in surface-level conversation or casual fellowship.

• Authentic Fellowship: Building trust and vulnerability within the group to create meaningful relationships rooted in shared purpose.

• Supernatural Empowerment: Encouraging participants to walk in Kingdom authority, demonstrating God’s power in their lives and communities.

• Autonomy and Movement: These groups operate independently of institutional oversight, allowing for organic growth and Spirit-led flexibility. This freedom fosters dynamic responses to God’s leading.

Outpost Groups embody the essence of God’s Kingdom—unity, power, and purpose—creating spaces for believers to thrive and make a lasting impact.

Spectators vs. Players

Christians are often spectators in the game of faith. They sit in the stands, wearing their jerseys, cheering for their team, but they never step onto the field. They love quoting scripture, posting inspirational memes, and wearing crosses around their necks, but when it comes to living out the Kingdom, they’re not in the game.

Players, on the other hand, are the disciples—people who take risks, step out in faith, and actively build the Kingdom. Church culture is filled with spectators, but Jesus chose players. He didn’t waste time trying to convert the fan club into champions; instead, He called a few to walk closely with Him, showing them exactly how to win.

If you’re going to live in the fullness of God’s purpose for your life, you can’t remain a spectator. You must step onto the field, even if it means standing out or being misunderstood.

Why Now Is the Time for Truth Seekers

The world is increasingly fragmented, with people searching for meaning and connection in the face of division and uncertainty. This is the moment for truth seekers to unite, equipped with the mind of Christ, the heart of the Father, and the power of the Spirit. Outpost Groups provide the foundation to:

• Develop spiritual clarity and discernment

• Strengthen faith through shared purpose

• Walk in the supernatural power and authority of the Kingdom

As the early church demonstrated, God’s Kingdom thrives when believers come together with glad and sincere hearts, sharing resources and lifting one another up. Now more than ever, the world needs communities that embody this transformative fellowship.

How to Start an Outpost Group

Starting an Outpost Group is simple:

1. Gather Two or More People: Find others who share a hunger to experience God and grow in faith.

2. Commit to Regular Meetings: Set aside intentional time to come together, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

3. Prioritize Hearing God’s Voice: Make space in your gatherings for prayer, listening, and discerning God’s guidance.

4. Cultivate Vulnerability: Foster an environment of trust where everyone feels free to share and grow.

5. Stay Spirit-Led: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your time together, ensuring flexibility and authenticity.

6. Engage in Real Fellowship: Share meals, pray together, and support one another practically and spiritually.

Why Start One Today?

Outpost Groups are more than a gathering—they are a movement to reclaim what religion has often lost: genuine fellowship, transformational power, and the experience of God’s Kingdom here and now. They’re where believers come together to:

• Live boldly

• Think differently

• Embrace the lifestyle of the Kingdom

Take Action Today

If you’re ready to move beyond the routines of religion and step into a lifestyle of bold faith, Outpost Groups are for you. Gather two or more people, commit to regular meetings, and watch how God moves in your midst. It’s time to unite as the ekklesia, embodying the koinonia we were made for.

Visit The Outlier Brand to start an Outpost Group and access resources for your journey.

Be Pure. Stay Savage. Live Boldly.