Exodus: Live Out Loud

Exodus Student Ministries Releases New DVD

Exodus' Student Ministry department is proud to announce the release of "Truth & Tolerance," our first DVD resource made especially for youth and young adult ministries.

This DVD, hosted by Scott Davis, Director of Exodus Student Ministries, brings the truth to life through the testimonies of four people who struggled with homosexuality as teens. The video is centered around a 25-minute segment which will address such topics as:

How should we respond to friends who struggle with homosexual feelings?
What is homosexuality really all about?
What does God really say?
Can people really change?

 

The video also includes a lesson on Biblical perspectives taught by Scott Davis, as well as the uninterrupted testimonies of Michelle Robinson and Mike Ensley. Sure to profoundly impact young people's hearts and minds on the issue of sexuality, this resource is a must-have for any student ministry.

Click here to purchase.

Click here to download the free video discussion guide.

"God's Grace..." Book Signing in Orlando this Weekend

Orlando, FL- This Saturday, March 19 at Long's Christian Book and Music Store, Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, will sign copies of his book, God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your World. Stop by the store between 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to receive a personalized inscription from one of the nation's leading speakers on the topic of homosexuality. 

Alan Chambers leads the largest evangelical organization dealing with the issue of homosexuality in the world today. His personal story as a teen and young adult who struggled with and overcame unwanted same-sex attraction has inspired thousands. He has been interviewed by media outlets across the country including TIME magazine, Newsweek, ABC's 20/20, Good Morning America and CNN. 

Long's Christian Book and Music Store is located at 1610 Edgewater Drive, just off of Insterstate 4. More information about the store can be obtained at: www.longschristian.com.

What if I'm Still Struggling?

There are many powerful stories out there about men and women whom God has delivered from the gay lifestyle. It touches the heart and certainly glorifies God when we see these people getting married and leading godly lives free of homosexuality, but in all honesty, what about the rest of us who deal with this issue and haven’t come to our “happy ending” yet? What about those of us who continue to struggle with same-sex attraction (SSA), even after choosing to follow Christ? We’re caught in a sort of identity limbo, unsure whether we can or even should hope to experience heterosexual desire, get married and start a family someday.

If you’re like me, all those testimonies from now-married “ex-gays” and those who have been “supernaturally delivered” from their struggle can be more of a frustration than an encouragement. Who can give men like us practical, understanding guidance? In the midst of an ongoing battle, how ought we to think about ourselves, our struggles, our future and our God?

As a single guy who continues to experience h same-sex attractions, these questions matter a heck of a lot to me. The world around me would say, “You’re still gay and nothing can change it! Accepting it is the only hing that will make you happy.” But, my faith in God’s Word—as well as my conviction and my personal experience—tell me otherwise.

The transformation many of us desire is a complete 180-degree turnaround of our sexual attractions; a transformation of our feelings. And let’s be honest, we often hope or expect that this change should occur without much of our own effort or sacrifice. But the Bible tells us that our metamorphosis as Christians happens a different way:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (emphasis added)

Read the rest >>

 

New Study Points to Environmental Factors in Sexual Attraction

Warren Throckmorton on BP News:

Mark Twain said once: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." If environmental factors in sexual preference could talk, they might say the same thing. For sure, social or family factors in influencing sexual attractions have been written off by numerous scholars and media members. However, a new Danish study may prompt a fresh evaluation of the role of social factors in sexual orientation.

The study, published in the October 2006 issue of Archives of Sexual Behavior, authored by Danish epidemiologist Morten Frisch and statistician Anders Hviid, reports the analysis of data from more than two million men and women. It is the first study to examine an entire group of homosexuals for environmental factors in their decisions to "marry" homosexually. The research suggests a link between environmental factors such as geographic birthplace and family relationships and the probability of "marrying" a same-sex partner. The massive study also finds that the number of brothers and sisters affects the probability of marrying heterosexually. This finding questions a recent, widely touted Canadian study of birth order that found the number of older brothers increased the probably of homosexuality in men.

Read the whole article >>

New York Times and World Magazine Quote Exodus President

         

Reporters with The New York Times and World magazine recently interviewed Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, about evangelicals, faith and homosexuality.

Church denominations and Christians around the world continue to grapple with the difficult and often-confusing topic of homosexuality. As the largest Christian outreach ministry dealing with this issue, Exodus remains dedicated to equipping the evangelical church with a compassionate, biblical response.

"It is our great hope that the global church will take advantage of the opportunity to reaffirm the compassionate truth of the Gospel so that more individuals can experience the freedom Jesus Christ offers," said Chambers.

Alan Chambers has recently authored the book God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door — a guide to helping evangelicals reach out to hurting individuals in the gay community.

 

In The Coloradoan

I did this interview right before Thanksgiving.

Here are my quotes in the article Altered Orientation by Kelli Lackett

 

... Randy Thomas said mainstream mental health organizations fail to acknowledge that people who have changed their homosexual desires exist.

Thomas is membership director of Exodus International, a network of ministries promoting “freedom from homosexuality” through Christian faith. In his 20s, he identified himself as a gay man, but in the past 14 years, he says his identity and desires have changed.

He spent time at an Exodus ministry in Texas and is predominantly attracted to women and has a girlfriend of 4½ months.

“Today (same-sex desire) is like an annoying fly. I can easily dispel temptation,” he said.

“The APA can say what they need to say, but the reality is change is possible and it’s happening every day,” Thomas said. “Our right to self-determination should be respected. ...

Kelli asked good questions and I appreciate the balance she put into the article.

Activist Uses YouTube to Spin Interview and Ignores Parental Rights

I have been made the subject of a YouTube video. 

The activist, someone I actually like when he is using his talents toward other non-destructive purposes, is upset that I said on the Adam Carolla Show, twice, that we respect a person's right to self determination regarding what they want to do with their same sex attraction.  One of Exodus' Member Ministries, Love In Action (LIA) (one of the oldest ministries out of the close to 150 agencies who work with us) allows parents to enter their underage teenage children into their residential program.  This activist features quotes from a two young men who were made, by their parents, to go to the program.  Oddly enough, the video doesn't make a point that this was the parent's decision by their own initiative.  He also highlights Jerry Falwell (who spoke at our conference in 2005).  Falwell was quoted, according to a gay website, that he agrees it is ok for parents to make such a decision for their children.

Where this video fails is that it tries to make LIA's policy, an autonomous ministry incorporated as their own organization, as somehow a huge policy issue for Exodus and the other 149 or so agencies and churches we work with.  He mentions that LIA is one of the oldest ministries, but conveniently leaves out that their program for young people is relatively new.   The video also fails because it completely ignores parental rights afforded to the parent's by the state.  It further fails because it assumes that teenagers can't think for themselves as obviously displayed by the young man in the video who came out of the program to determine he was going to pursue his identity centered around homosexuality.  Plus, there are many others who have been helped by Love In Action.  Exodus and Love In Action didn't go out and force anyone into their program.  In the very few cases of people entering the program against their will (only two highlighted and I am not aware of any others) the parents came to Love In Action and entered their underage children...which they have a right to do according to law. 

And, on an important technical issue also not clarified in the video, I don't represent Love In Action or Jerry Falwell, I represent myself and Exodus.  I highly respect these other ministries.  Even so, neither have asked me to represent them.

This video is an attack against me by fusing multiple issues into sensational soundbytes.  Typical, and while visual (with great music in the background), not a very creative attack...except for the music.  What I said is completely accurate to Exodus' thirty year position on self-determination.

We do respect a person's right to self-determination.  Perhaps the maker of the video should be attacking state defined parental rights and the expression of religious liberties within that context ... instead of me. For some reason this person doesn't want to dig into the subject on that level and would rather attack me personally by reducing this personal and complex issue to name-calling (i.e. "liar".)

By the way, Tennessee, the state that was investigating Love In Action (LIA) dropped it's investigation after Love In Action sued them for religious discrimination.  The state, fully aware of LIA's activities and policies, upheld LIA's right to operate as a faith based organization and settled with them out of court.  The state even paid for Love In Action's court fees that resulted from their investigation.

Come Out!

From Alan Chambers' blog:

I am thankful for the climate of openness that has been created by those in the gay community who have and do advocate being honest over living in secrecy with regards to one's sexuality.  Lest you misunderstand me, I am not saying that I believe people should identify as gay or lesbian or that either labels are congruent with biblical standards.  However, I do firmly believe that the gay community has upstaged the Christian community on the moral value of honesty where "coming out" is concerned.

I did an interview this morning with a major Christian magazine and made the comment, "It is time for the leaders within the Christian community who are struggling with any type of sexual, chemical or emotional temptation to be honest about that." The reporter responded by asking, "What if the pastor is struggling with something that is taboo, like homosexuality?"

In my opinion there shouldn't be anything that we can't talk about or confess in church and among other believers.  A pastor who struggles with unwanted same-sex attractions shouldn't be shamed by us into secrecy.  Neither should such a pastor fall prey to that shame and decide to be secretive.  Where there is no honesty sin thrives!

Read the rest of this post >>

Exodus President to Discuss New Book on Christian Broadcasting Network

Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, will be a guest this Friday on the Christian Broadcasting Network's Newswatch, hosted by Lee Webb. Chambers will discuss his new book God's Grace & the Homosexual Next Door. This new resource is a comprehensive guide to dealing with the often-confusing topic of homosexuality as well practical ways the church can reach hurting individuals affected by this issue. Information on local CBN Newswatch listings

Read an excerpt from God's Grace & the Homosexual Next Door

PFOX Flier Creates Controversy at a Maryland High School

From the local NBC affiliate--

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- A flier from a group called Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX, has started a controversy in Silver Spring.The flier was handed out during homeroom to students at Montgomery Blair High School . . . Gay students at the high school said the group behind it is homophobic.

The school said it had no choice but to pass it out. PFOX says it reaches out to gay teens offering unconditional love and support to homosexuals who want to become straight. Promoting a way out of a gay lifestyle, the nonprofit group offers to expose teenagers to "ex-gay" people.

"What we're saying is that, if you have unwanted same-sex attraction -- and there is a difference -- then there are alternatives, and homosexual feelings can be overcome," said Regina Griggs of PFOX.

The one-page handout taken home by hundreds and thrown out by others created a firestorm on campus.

Administrators, faculty and students quickly blasted the group as an anti-gay, homophobic organization.PFOX claims it is a resource for students.

Read the rest of this article >>

As a formerly gay-identified individual, I am familiar with the one-sided viewpoint of sexuality that's prevalent in the public school system. In high school, I was encouraged to embrace homosexuality not only by my peers, but also by members of the faculty who promoted that belief through their classroom teachings, and even in personal conversations with me.

In the beginning of my struggle, I didn't want to be gay; I wanted my life to be in harmony with my faith, and I wanted to accept myself as another one of the guys. Unfortunately, I never heard anything about the thousands of people who are living free of their once life-dominating same-sex attractions. I know my teens and early twenties would have been vastly different if I had just heard the truth a little sooner.

While those like the staff and faculty of this particular school, who believe change isn't possible, are entitled to have and express their opinions, they should not be entitled to silence those of others. Claiming to be against discrimination, they willfully seek to discriminate against any viewpoint that doesn't agree with their own. They negate not only faith, but the lives and stories of those of us who have experienced change. Worse yet, they seek exclusive rights to propogate their views on sexuality to a captive audience of young people.

I commend PFOX for speaking the truth despite the names and accusations hurled at them. I pray that their work--and ours--will continue to be protected, and will cause the message of freedom to reach the minds and hearts of struggling people sooner, to spare them the grief of a lifestyle that doesn't offer what they're looking for.