The story behind our name …
One of the common questions we get about the ministry relates to our name, Outrider Ministries for Christ. Usually it’s simply, “Why Outrider?” That word harkens back to cattle drives of the American West. The outrider was the cowboy who went after the strays, the cattle that wandered off from the herd. He kept a watchful eye on each and every one of the animals.
Cowboy Bob Lemen’s website says, “When the outriders had to go after strays that tried to escape in the brush, they were sometimes dubbed ‘brush-poppers’.” It was dirty, tough, and rugged work – not for the faint of heart. While others stayed with the herd, the outrider concerned himself with the ones that drifted away, got lost, and were separated.
The term reminds us of the words spoken by Jesus in Luke 15:4-7, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
C.T. Studd was a British missionary who spent time in China and India before he established Heart of Africa Mission, which later changed its name to Worldwide Evangelization for Christ. He said, “Some wish to live within the sound of church and chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell!”
Like many trailblazing missionaries, C.T. Studd was an outrider. He went beyond the church’s walls, taking the message to those outside the flock. He sought the lost souls of this world and rejoiced when they found the saving grace of Jesus Christ – the Great Shepherd.
There is a piece of work by biker artist David Mann titled “To Hell and Back”, and the image resonates with Outrider’s leadership. A biker with a cross sewn on the back of his leather is headed toward the fires of Hell. His license plate reads 2HLNBK.
Not everyone is willing, gifted, or called to operate in that realm. God has given each of us spiritual gifts, talents, and life experiences that lead to areas of ministry and service. We are rescuers of souls from the gates of Hell.
Another definition for outrider found in Merriam-Webster is “one who escorts or clears the way”. There is a connotation of serving others and providing protection. In that light, Brad also uses his gifts as a writer to support and encourage the body of Christ to live a life deeply rooted in scripture and dedicated to serving others.
As it says in Jude 1:20-23, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
This ministry’s calling is to offer hope to those beyond the church’s doors and minister to a lonely, hurting, and needy world while pulling all we can from Hell’s gates. We also ride alongside the church to encourage her to even greater works.
We are Outrider – come along for the adventure.
If you like and are blessed by the content created by Outrider Ministries for Christ, we encourage you to regularly visit our website while also telling your family and friends about us. Never forget – you are important to us and vital to our success at spreading the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world. May His abounding love, mercy, and grace be upon you.