What is an Exodus Church Association Member?
An Exodus Church Association Member is part of a growing network of churches that have expressed a commitment to stand on the truth of Scripture with regard to homosexuality and have a desire to minister to people in their congregations who are impacted by homosexuality. Association churches agree that homosexual activity goes against God’s design of sexuality. They do not reject individuals with same-sex attractions, nor do they encourage people to accept their homosexuality. Instead, Exodus Association Churches are places where people are free to share their struggle and where anyone impacted by homosexuality is welcomed into the fellowship of believers in the Church. Exodus Church Association Members need not have special support groups or ministries dealing specifically with homosexuality. All that is required of Association Members is that the church stands on the truth of Scripture and is willing to express love to people impacted by homosexuality.
What are the requirements for the Exodus Church Association?
Exodus Church Association Applicants must complete an application with Exodus International and meet the following requirements:
- The Church must express agreement with Exodus’ doctrinal and policy statements.
- The Church must designate a church contact person and a pastoral contact for this area of ministry, and that contact person and anyone else in the leadership of this ministry must be free from immoral sexual behavior for a minimum of three years.
- Church Contact Person – this person serves as a liaison between Exodus and the ECA church. They are responsible for assisting the referral to become familiar with church structure, ministry, and opportunities.
- Pastoral Contact – this person is a member of the church pastoral team and is responsible for overseeing the church contact person. The pastoral contact will reassign the contact person position if necessary. They will serve as the first point of contact should the contact person position become vacant.
- The Church must have a governing body in place.
- The Church must have been in existence for at least two years.
- Exodus strongly recommends that a representative of the Church attend the annual Exodus International Freedom Conference at least once every three years.
- ECA Members are required to pay an annual $50 administration fee.
What are the benefits of the Exodus Church Association?
1. ECA Members will be listed as an Exodus Church Association referral church on the Exodus website and promotional materials.
2. ECA Members will receive Exodus promotional materials, newsletters, and information regarding educational opportunities and resources.
3. ECA Members are eligible for a discount for Exodus Regional Conferences and Exodus International Freedom Conferences.
4. ECA Members are eligible for a 10% discount when ordering resources from Exodus Books.
5. Association members are eligible to participate in Exodus councils or task forces.
6. Connection with existing Exodus Member Ministries in your area
7. Periodic special equipping and training materials
8. Local mini-conferences and seminars (when made available)
Is being an Exodus Church Association Member going to take a lot of time?
All that is asked of ECA Churches is that they designate a contact person for this area of ministry. The contact person will be the person with whom the national Exodus Office communicates, but will also be the name given to people who are referred to your church (although personal contact information will not be released). The contact person will be responsible for sharing information about the church with the referral and helping him or her to connect with the church.
We encourage churches to find people within their church who have a heart for people impacted by homosexuality (including strugglers, friends and families). This ministry need not be demanding on church staff and can be a great opportunity for church members to discover a special place to use their hearts and gifts.
We don’t know much about homosexuality or how to help people struggling with homosexuality. Can we still be a part of the Exodus Church Association?
YES! While specific ministries for people impacted by homosexuality and Christian counselors specializing in sexual issues can and do play a great role in ministry, the local church has amazing healing potential within the basic community of believers assembled there. Exodus believes in the healing power that comes through the Body of Christ and is represented in the local church. We firmly believe those impacted by homosexuality can find vital healing in simply being accepted and included in a Christian community.
In order to help the church better understand some of the issues surrounding homosexuality, and to help them better understand the needs of those impacted by homosexuality, Exodus will provide ECA Churches with many important resources, including but not limited to the following:
- A monthly letter containing important and pertinent information regarding homosexuality and ministry
- Lists of resources and highlights of new or updated resources
- Connection with existing Exodus Member Ministries in your area
- Training workshops at the annual Exodus International Freedom Conference
- Periodic special equipping and training materials
- Local mini-conferences and seminars (when made available)
How can we know that we will be associated with reputable churches and ministries?
The Exodus network is comprised of Member Ministries, Therapists and Churches. The requirements for all network members vary slightly, but every network member must agree with Exodus’ doctrinal and policy statements. Exodus International strives to maintain the integrity, reputation and accountability of all network members.
Are there risks associated with affiliating with Exodus?
Unfortunately, those who seek to affirm homosexuality sometimes attack those who hold to the truth of Scripture, with regard to homosexuality. While the risk is minute, it is possible that your church could receive hateful mail, email or publicity with regard to your affiliation with Exodus. It is our prayer that you will see the benefit of ministering to those affected by homosexuality as worth any of the possible risks of retaliation or retribution.
Our Church has an affiliation with an Exodus Member Ministry. How does that impact our inclusion in the Exodus Church Association?
Any church that is affiliated with a member ministry can be automatically included in the Exodus Church Association. Because some people do not desire to have a specific ministry or a support group, we encourage such churches to be a part of the Exodus Church Association. Being a part of the Church Association will allow the church to minister to those who simply want a church that is true to Scripture, that believes in the life changing power of Christ and that fosters true relationships and real community.
What is the difference between an Exodus Member Ministry and an Exodus Church Association Church?
Exodus Member Ministries offer specific programs designed to help people overcome homosexuality and to help families impacted by the homosexual struggle of friends or family. These specific programs can include support groups and/or lay counseling for such specific areas as men and women overcoming homosexuality, parents whose child is living homosexually, spouses of those struggling with homosexuality, people impacted by HIV/AIDS, pornography or sexual addiction, and other related areas. While some of these ministries operate under the covering of a church, most are para-church ministries. Many of the leaders of the Exodus Member Ministries have either walked away from homosexuality themselves, or have friends or families involved in homosexuality to some degree.
Because of the sensitive nature of the specific ministry provided by Exodus Member Ministries, Exodus has extensive requirements in place for all Exodus Member Ministries, including guidelines for what types of programs can be offered, the required structure and authority of the Board of Directors, mandatory training and conference attendance and accountability to the Exodus office.
Exodus Association Churches are simply churches deemed by Exodus to be safe and sound places for people struggling with unwanted homosexual feelings, or anyone adversely impacted by homosexuality, to receive truth and grace as they deal with this issue in their lives, and as they pursue the Lord in the midst of their struggle.
