The story of 423 Communities
It all started
in the prayer
room…
423 Communities is a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people step out of hiding and helping churches become places of wise, lasting care.
Fully known. Fully loved. Never alone.
That is the heart of the 423 community.
01
A small beginning
in Portland.
In 2009, about 25 men gathered in a prayer room at Solid Rock Church in Portland, Oregon. They came honestly and hopefully, looking for freedom from sexual brokenness and a way to stop carrying their stories alone.
As the need became clearer, that first gathering grew into two communities—one for men and one for women. What began simply was already becoming a faithful response to a need the local church could no longer ignore.
02
Need became invitation.
As people found hope and families began to heal, pastors and leaders from other churches started asking for help. We listened, walked alongside them, and began sharing what we were learning.
Memories became tools. Participants became leaders. A local community became a pathway other churches could carry into their own congregations.
What began as a local response became a shared resource for the church.
03
Witnesses became leaders.
Our leadership model is still home-grown. The people who first entered a community looking for help are formed, trained, and supported to walk with others on the same road.
They know the ache of hiding. They know the hope of being fully known and fully loved. And they carry that hope into their churches and communities because someone once walked with them.
Our impact together
in recovery
provided
trained
served
reached
impacted
04
A local story with global reach.
God has taken what started in one local church and allowed it to serve churches, communities, and ministries far beyond Portland. Today, 423 Communities equips leaders with church-ready pathways for men and women facing unwanted sexual behavior, wives healing from betrayal trauma, teens and young adults, parents, and congregations seeking a wiser response.
Through partnerships with ministries including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 423 resources are helping those on the front lines of care carry Christ-centered hope across cultures, languages, and nations.
Explore church equipping
Our shared convictions
What holds
us together
These convictions shape every community we form and every leader we train.
Read the Lausanne Covenant-
01
Rooted in Scripture
We believe the Bible is true and sufficient for lasting transformation.
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02
Informed by interpersonal neurobiology
We understand how relationships shape healing and pursue connection that restores.
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03
Clinically informed and trauma-aware
We incorporate proven clinical wisdom so care is safe, wise, and effective.
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04
Practiced in confidential, gender-specific community
We create accountable spaces where honesty is welcomed and growth is protected.
“423 has been the single most effective tool for sexual healing in our church, bar none.” John Mark Comer
Your story can become
part of a larger story of hope.
Whether you need care, lead a church or ministry, or want to help carry this mission forward, there is a place for you in the work.