homosexuality outreach
homosexuality outreach
outstretched arms
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Release MinistryBeginning with Prayer
New Hope Church's homosexual outreach ministry began in 1997 when a small group of prayer warriors were compelled to pray for loved ones struggling with homosexuality and wanted to seek God's direction for our involvement regarding this issue.

outreach & education

In 1998, Eagle's Wings Ministries, a local Exodus referral ministry, was invited to NHC to present a seminar entitled, "Understanding Homosexuality." Encouraged by the large turnout, a task force was formed.

Our primary focus was on educating the church family, doing so by:

  • Training our Stephen Ministers in dealing with homosexual issues.
  • Offering educational presentations to Family Fellowships.
  • Hosting a booth at the church Health Fair.

Gradually we got involved in outreach:

  • Delivering encouragement baskets to AIDS patients
  • Initiating the Focus Group, Outstretched Arms, a support group for those struggling with a friend or loved one's homosexual lifestyle.

In 2002/2003, we facilitated our own "Homosexuality: Fact vs. Fiction" seminar, as well as the "Raising a Gender Secure Child" seminar. In 2004, we partnered with the Minnesota Family Institute to present the S.O.S. (Save Our Students) seminar to equip parents to fight the pro-gay agenda being taught in schools. In 2005, we presented to our high school and Fusion groups.

release ministry today

We have grown into an identity with a clear mission. Our passion is to extend encouragement in Christ with healing, love and education for those who struggle with sexual identity and for their loved ones as well. As we have been connected with more and more individuals and families who have experienced the pain and destruction that accompany the homosexual lifestyle, we have found a deepened excitement to see Christ release people from the deception of homosexuality. In 2005, we took on the name "Release," signifying what Christ presented as His foundational purpose in ministry: to free captives, heal the sick and release the oppressed (Luke 4:18). We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to many through this ministry.

While every one of us needs that freedom offered by Christ, those caught in the trap of homosexuality need it in unique ways. This lifestyle often brings with it the bondage of addictions, deceptive thinking, disease and many insecurities that create an internal prison for these individuals. In Release, our goal is to create a safe place for those seeking Christ’s transforming and healing freedom. We look forward to seeing how Christ will free many through the Release ministry!

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." –Luke 4:18

For your reference and convenience, the NHC website contains many links to external websites and files whose content may or may not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of New Hope Church. Our effort is to include only content that helps lead individuals to God’s truth. To report links which may be inappropriate, thank you for notifying site support.

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