Day of Truth 2010

The Day of Truth was started six years ago by the Alliance Defense fund to affirm every student’s constitutional right to free speech and to provide an opportunity to have an honest conversation about sexuality.

Exodus International believes that every human being is a person for whom Jesus Christ died, is of immeasurable, intrinsic worth and should be treated with respect and dignity.  Exodus and Day of Truth strongly opposes bullying, name-calling and acts of aggression against any individual or group of individuals for any reason. It is goal of Day of Truth for students to have an honest conversation about relationships, sexuality, and faith.

Relationships

We believe all individuals are created in the image of God and are to be loved and respected.  We believe dialogue and conversation is helpful in discussing conflicting viewpoints.  We believe all voices should be heard.

Sexuality

We believe sexuality is a precious gift from god and as such, we should look to Him and what He says in His Word, the Bible, to determine how to steward it.  We believe that God created our sexuality to be expressed between a man and a woman married to one another. 

Faith

Our faith in Jesus Christ requires that we model our lives after His.  We intend to exhibit the compassion of Christ in the words we speak and in our actions.

Find out more about Day of Truth and how you can be involved (Click Here)!

International Freedom Conference

Once a year, Exodus hosts the largest Christian conference on homosexuality. Over 900 individuals, including men, women, parents, students, educators, counselors, pastor, and ministry leaders unite together for four powerful days of worship, teaching, and ministry. The Exodus Freedom Conference offers biblical answers and hope for anyone impacted by homosexuality. This life-changing conference will bring encouragement and direction to those conflicted by their personal pursuit of God in the midst of their struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions.  This special event features times of worship, powerful teaching from experts, and real stories of changed lives.  Also included in this conference are specific workshops and small group gatherings offering ministry support to parents, spouses, and other family members with struggling or gay-identified loved ones. Exodus invites and encourages all pastors, ministry leaders and members in the Body of Christ, who are grappling with how to respond with grace and truth to this very controversial topic, to attend.  We desire to see you equipped to provide ministry support to people within your local Church and community.

Moving Forward is the theme for the 2010 Exodus International Freedom Conference

This is an historic conference for Exodus – the 35th Anniversary of the first conference. As those first pioneers, we are committed to speaking a message of grace and truth to those impacted by homosexuality. We choose to honor the past by faithfully continuing their work, despite obstacles and challenges. We rejoice, that by the grace of God, we are moving forward in our efforts to help individuals in their pursuit of freedom through our member ministries, professional counselors and church association members. We are moving forward in pursuing our mission to mobilize the Body of Christ to minister to many in their congregations and in their local communities.

As individuals, we believe moving forward will encourage and inspire you to continue your pursuit of wholeness and freedom. We believe God will minister to you personally through the teaching, the powerful stories of transformation, the insightful workshops, specific ministry groups and fellowship times with other attendees. Most importantly, we pray you will be drawn to move forward in following Christ on the path He has prepared for you.

Moving Forward is a statement of faith, based on our knowledge of God and relationship with Him.

We pray you will join us.

Click here to find out more!

Exodus Announces Ministry Merger to Help Mainline Denominations Address Biblical Sexuality

Wheaton, IL- Amid the division currently taking place in multiple denominations over the issue of homosexuality, three ministries aimed at helping the global Christian church effectively address the topic of biblical sexuality announced a groundbreaking merger at a press conference today.

One by One, an outreach equipping the Presbyterian and Reformed faith communities to compassionately and effectively address biblical sexuality and Transforming Congregations, a likeminded ministry to The United Methodist Church announced plans to merge with Exodus International. Exodus is currently the world’s largest Christian outreach to those dealing with same-sex attraction. The merger was announced at the site of its 34th annual Freedom conference where hundreds from around the nation and the world are gathered on the campus of Wheaton College to gain insight on matters surrounding faith and sexuality.

Together, these ministries will form a new division under the leadership of Exodus that will equip leaders within both evangelical and mainline churches worldwide to break the polarizing debate over homosexuality through an approach that is both biblically orthodox and truly compassionate. This merger will work to enhance current efforts to equip churches through the Exodus Church Association, an interdenominational network of more than 120 churches helping those dealing with same-sex attraction to live a life that reflects the Christian faith.

Speakers at the press conference included representatives of the three ministries as well as founding Board Member of Exodus International, now current Board Member of Transforming Congregations Ron Dennis and Bob Stith, the Southern Baptist Convention’s National Strategist for Gender Issues.

“The compassionate truth of the Gospel is still the hope of the world today,” said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International and author of two books God’s Grace & the Homosexual Next Door and the newly released Leaving Homosexuality. “Together, we hope to advance a new era in the global Christian church that is defined by God’s truth as well as His heart for hurting individuals experiencing confusion and conflict about their sexuality.”

New Book Offers Practical, Authentic Insight on Leaving Homosexuality

Orlando, FL- A new book, released by Harvest House Publishers today, offers practical advice and honest information on the process of leaving a gay life to pursue one that reflects the Christian faith. Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, the world’s largest ministry to those personally dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction, has written his second book Leaving Homosexuality: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Looking for a Way Out.

Chambers says the book marks a departure from the ambiguity of the “change is possible” message and details what kind of change is possible for someone struggling with unwanted homosexual feelings. Leaving Homosexuality clarifies expectations and tackles complicated questions with candor and pragmatism. Chambers shares insight from his own life on how to build authentic community, how to process and experience healing from unforgiveness and overcome the power of sexual addiction.

“This book is an honest look at what it means to painfully surrender your life to Jesus Christ and experience real transformation,” said Chambers. “While the road has not been easy, I’ve experienced joy and satisfaction that I never knew was possible. My hope is that this book encourages others living beyond homosexuality with the hope that this journey can yield unexpected promise and blessing.”

Chambers’ first book, God’s Grace & the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your World was published in 2007 and details how individuals and churches can become a haven for homosexuals seeking freedom from same-sex attraction.

Cross Power Ministries Releases New Promotional Video

Cross Power Ministries (CPM) is a ministry of Stonegate Fellowship Church (Stonegate) in Midland, Texas.  Pastor and Director, Mike Goeke, has just released a new promotional video for Cross Power Ministries.  Each year, Cross Power hosts an international conference for couples whose marriage has been impacted by homosexuality.  To view the video, click here.  To find out more about Cross Power Ministries go to www.crosspowerministries.com.

Prop 8 Traumatic Stress Disorder

The verdict is in. The California Supreme Court has ruled and the voter’s voice on marriage has been preserved, at least, for the moment. I must confess, though, that while I’m relieved, I’m a bit fatigued. Watching Miss USA contender Carrie Prejean assaulted for stating her views on marriage has been brutal. Hearing actor Sean Penn admonish supporters of the California law, Proposition 8, at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony to “sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes” was ugly. Reading about how Proposition 8 opponents were circulating Google maps detailing the locations of Proposition 8 supporters’ homes to harass them was insidious.

I’m sure I’m not alone. Many Christians may be hesitant, if not completely resistant, to engage the culture on issues that contradict their values and beliefs the next time around. But we must ask ourselves – as the church, what should our response be? The answer for me comes in looking back at how the early church responded to similar opposition. They were committed to stand for what they knew to be truth, even if it meant the ultimate sacrifice. Many were sent to their death in the jaws of wild beasts in front of a coliseum of eager spectators. Today rather than facing the lions, the church now faces the merciless jaws of litigation. Instead of an audience of robed spectators, there is now a virtual coliseum of media correspondents, magazines and talk shows ready to voice their particular perspective on the events. The attitude against the church is the same but the venue for persecution has been modernized. As a result many churches have gone underground on this issue of homosexuality and are fearful to engage the topic at any level. Some believe there is too much to risk and besides; gay marriage will eventually be federally legalized so why fight it?

But wait a minute. Who is the real victim in this scenario? Is it really the church?

Click here for entire article in Charisma Magazine

Pastor & Ministry Leader Training Event – Palos Heights, IL

Event: Pastor & Ministry Leader Training Event

Speakers: Jeff Buchanan

Date: June 11, 2009

Time: 9:00AM – 1:30PM

Location: Life Church of Chicagoland

Address: 6600 West 127th Street - Palos Heights, Ilinois  60463

Web Address: www.lifeinchicago.org

Registration:  Click here to register!

With over 30 years of experience in providing ministry support for those dealing with unwanted homosexuality, Exodus International will be addressing Homosexuality and the Church at different area wide Pastor and Ministry Leader Training Events.

We believe that it’s time to be made One for the church! God is giving His people a new opportunity to respond to the issue of homosexuality with Biblical Truth and Compassion.

If you are a Pastor, Ministry Leader, Seminary Student, Educator, or Counselor we hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to become better equipped in reaching out to individuals impacted by homosexuality in your community by joining us at one of these training events.

Pastor & Ministry Leader Training Event – St Charles, IL

Event: Pastor & Ministry Leader Training Event

Speakers: Jeff Buchanan

Date: June 10, 2009

Location: Christ Community Church

Address: 37W100 Bolcum Road, St. Charles, IL 60175

Web Address: www.ccclife.org

Registration:  Click here to register!

With over 30 years of experience in providing ministry support for those dealing with unwanted homosexuality, Exodus International will be addressing Homosexuality and the Church at different area wide Pastor and Ministry Leader Training Events.

We believe that it’s time to be made One for the church! God is giving His people a new opportunity to respond to the issue of homosexuality with Biblical Truth and Compassion.

If you are a Pastor, Ministry Leader, Seminary Student, Educator, or Counselor we hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to become better equipped in reaching out to individuals impacted by homosexuality in your community by joining us at one of these training events.

ECN is now ECA!

We are pleased to announce that the Exodus Church Network is now the Exodus Church Association! By definition, an association is a group of persons banded together for a specific purpose.  This is heart of the Exodus Church Association:  Caring Communities sharing a Common Cause.

Homosexuality is one of the most challenging issues facing the Christian church today, but also one of the greatest opportunities we have to share the bold love and compassionate truth of Jesus Christ.  Our goal is to empower pastors to meet this challenge so that those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions will find the freedom so many have experienced first-hand.  In the future, the ECA will be developing resources specifically designed to meet the needs of pastors and ministry leaders to help meet this goal.

By becoming a member of the Exodus Church Association, ECA churches will be listed as a referral church on the Exodus websites.  They will also receive promotional materials, newsletters, and information regarding educational opportunities and resources.  In addition, they will be eligible for discounts when attending Exodus Freedom Conferences and a 10% discount on resources from Exodus Books.

If you would like an informational packet describing the Exodus Church Association, as well as an application, just click here to download.

NEW WEBSITE

As the issue of homosexuality continues to be a topic of contention within many church denominations, Exodus International is launching a new website as a new resource for pastors wanting to respond to this issue with biblical truth and Christ-like compassion.

The website features relevant news impacting the church, resources for pastors, a speaker’s bureau and in-depth articles that address tough questions many pastors face about homosexuality. The website is an extension of the Exodus Church Association – a national association of more than 120 churches helping those dealing with same-sex attraction to live a life that reflects the Christian faith.

2009 International Freedom Conference

The 2009 International Freedom Conference will be held in Wheaton, IL from July 14th through the 18th. If you’ve never attended an Exodus International Freedom Conference, it is the largest gathering in the world for those struggling with or impacted by homosexuality.

For 34 years now, Exodus Freedom Conferences continue to serve as a life changing event for individuals seeking real answers, hope, and freedom.  Every year, approximately a thousand people gather together for a week packed with incredible worship, teaching, life stories, and ministry support.  The International Freedom Conference attendees include men, women, parents, spouses, and students (ages 18 – 25) from all over the world, including a growing number of pastors, counselors, and other ministry leaders who are committed to becoming better equipped in ministering grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality.

Each day of the conference includes talks and testimonies given by the world’s leading experts on homosexuality. Over 50 workshops provide opportunities to address the specific family, personal, and ministry issues you’re facing. Many social times and small groups are also available for learning from each other.

Special tracks include:

• xScape - daily programs for college-age and younger
• Parents Hospitality – encouragement for parents and families
• ExodusMen- evening times for men who struggle
• Women’s Oasis – evening times for women who struggle
• Steadfast – a special one-day program and evening times for married couples

Exodus Freedom Conferences are amazing places to find real answers, hope, direction, and purpose.  We hope that you are able to join us as we experience together all that the Lord has for us.  Each year promises to be a unique experience as we journey together toward wholeness and holiness.

Click here for more information and to register!




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