Outpost Centers International

Outpost Centers International (abbreviated OCI) is a non-profit umbrella organization for lay ministries supporting the Seventh-day Adventist Church. OCI's headquarters are located in Apison, Tennessee, USA, and it has member ministries on the six continents.

As a Christian organization designed to spread the Gospel, OCI's aim is to work in harmony with the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, and the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. OCI members work with local church leadership, seeking areas to strengthen the church and compliment its mission.

History

The roots of OCI can be traced back to the early 1900s when, with Ellen G. White's influence and support, E.A. Sutherland and P.T. Magan established the Madison School. Then known as self-supporting work , many new institutions sprang up around the world.

By 1982, Warren Wilson - then president of Wildwood Sanitarium and Hospital - realized these independent institutions would benefit by joining together. He envisioned an organization to facilitate the growth of self-supporting work, train and strengthen leaders, give encouragement, and form a network. Thus OCI was established.

OCI's name and calling are derived from a quote by Ellen G. White:

Repeatedly the Lord has instructed us that we are to work the cities from outpost centers. In these cities we are to have houses of worship, as memorials for God, but institutions for the publication of our literature, for the healing of the sick, and for the training of workers [colleges], are to be established outside the cities. Especially is it important that our youth be shielded from the temptations of city life.

Headquarters

The name "OCI" can refer to the headquarters office or the 63 ministries that are members of the organization. The purpose of the office is to link the members together in such a way that each ministry can benefit from both the leaders of OCI and the other member ministries.

The headquarters office also promotes the ministries, organizes annual leadership seminars for its members, and channels funds to the ministries. In addition, the office organizes Mission Extreme and the Educational Assistance Program for young people, and the Missionary Assistance Program for missionaries who are serving outside their home country.

Member Organizations

OCI's members are located in various countries around the world. Member ministries do not pay dues, but they are required to meet a set of criteria and comply with OCI's standards. The ministries are varied, but each one focuses on spreading the Gospel where they are.

The ministries are grouped into five categories: Education, Evangelism, Health Food, Health Services, and Media. Most of the ministries fall into two or more of these categories, and many of them include an agricultural aspect, as well.

OCI Members

OCI Member Map

Each red dot represents one Member Ministry.

See also

• Independent ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

External links

• Outpost Centers International
• Adventist-Laymen Services and Industries
• Seventh-day Adventist Church - Official website
• Ellen G. White Estate
• Search for "Outpost" in the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index (SDAPI)