Media Mentions — Exodus International

Jeff Buchanan Responds to Willow Creek Split with Exodus

July 28, 2011 by Chris Stump

One News Now covered the recent story of Willow Creek’s split with Exodus. Jeff Buchanan was interviewed for his response.

Susan DeLay, director of media relations at the mega-church, says Willow Creek ending its relationship with Exodus does not mean it is any less welcoming to people with same-sex attraction, as “Willow Creek has a whole host of ministries for people dealing with these issues. All we’ve changed,” she continues, “is how we’ve gone about inviting them into the church, which is the primary issue here.”

Jeff Buchanan, executive vice president of Exodus International, says his group is disappointed with Willow Creek’s decision.

“To date, we’re still not very clear on the reason why. Our church association is meant to be a referral network of churches that are willing to receive those who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attractions and they’re looking for ministry and for help, and that’s the sole purpose of their association with us,” Buchanan explains. “So, we are still left with questions and a little bit perplexed as to why they have chosen to pull out.”

But even though other churches may be trying to help homosexuals, Buchanan fears Willow Creek’s decision leaves a ministerial hole in the Chicago area.

“I think it will definitely leave some questions regarding those that may be involved with Willow Creek or a part of that congregation as to what are they providing and how are they meeting the needs of these men and women and the families that are affected by this as well,” the Exodus International executive vice president notes.

But his organization is not closing the curtain to homosexuals in the Chicago area, as Exodus International is considering other churches there to join its affiliation.

Tagged with Change, Church, Culture, Exodus International, Fear, Help, Homosexual, Jeff Buchanan, Media, Ministry, Needs, News, Relationship, Sin

Alan Chambers Responds to Split with Willow Creek Community Church

July 26, 2011 by Chris Stump

News of Willow Creek Community Church distancing itself from Exodus has gained much attention recently in the media. Christianity Today covered the story on this separation and interviewed Alan Chambers to get his perspective on the split.

Willow Creek Community Church’s formal relationship with Exodus International has ended.

While the decision to part ways dates back to 2009, news that the South Barrington megachurch had cut ties with Exodus, the world’s largest ministry addressing homosexuality, did not surface until late June.

Scott Vaudrey of the elder response team said in writing that Willow Creek’s decision was not intended as a social or political statement, but rather an indication of “a season of reviewing and clarifying some of our affiliations with outside organizations.”

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus, disagrees. “The choice to end our partnership is definitely something that shines a light on a disappointing trend within parts of the Christian community,” he said, “which is that there are Christians who believe like one another who aren’t willing to stand with one another, simply because they’re afraid of the backlash people will direct their way if they are seen with somebody who might not be politically correct.”

Chambers said he sympathizes with Christian organizations that deal with social, political, and financial backlash, but added, “Biblical truth is unpopular, and when you’re supporting unpopular truth, you are unpopular too; which means, some days, getting upwards of 10,000 phone calls and emails, and it can be overwhelming.”

Willow Creek had been heavily targeted by the group Soulforce, Chambers said, and he believes that the group’s 2008-2009 campaign (which included a meeting with pastor Bill Hybels) led to the disassociation.

Willow Creek had affiliated with Exodus throughout the late 1980s and ’90s as a church partner. Exodus referred Chicago-area people to Willow Creek’s ministries, including the church’s “A Safe Place” and “Someone I Love.” Willow Creek, meanwhile, partnered with Exodus for “equipping events” at the church to help Willow Creek leaders and other local pastors work with those experiencing same-sex attraction. Chambers also spoke at Willow Creek events. Click here for full article.

Tagged with Alan Chambers, Christianity, Christianity Today, Christians, Church, Community, Equip, Exodus International, Homosexuality, Love, Media, Ministry, News, Pastors, Relationship, Sexuality, Soulforce, Support, Truth

Exodus Responds to Driscoll’s Facebook Comment

July 15, 2011 by Exodus International

This week Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA asked his fans on his Facebook page to share stories about the most effeminate worship leader they’ve ever witnessed. The Christian Post covered the story and interviewed Jeff Buchanan for the Exodus perspective:

Exodus International, a worldwide ministry aimed at helping those struggling with homosexuality, says a recentFacebook comment by megachurch Pastor Mark Driscoll fuels the perception of many that Christians are homophobic.

Driscoll is the founding pastor of Seattle-based Mars Hill Church and often posts his thoughts on the cultural news of the day through the use of social media.

In a Facebook post on his page from this week that was later removed, Driscoll asked, “So, what story do you have about the most effeminate anatomically male worship leader you’ve ever personally witnessed?”

Jeff Buchanan, who is the executive vice president of Exodus International, said he is disappointed in Driscoll’s behavior. He said his organization was “greatly concerned about what Driscoll might unintentionally communicate to those who are struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions.”

“Having been a worship leader for a number of years and a man who has left homosexuality, his comment was personal for me,” Buchanan said. “As a leader and a follower of Christ, I believe an apology is appropriate and necessary. It is comments such as this that feed the cultural perception of homophobia in the evangelical community.”

Click here for entire article

Tagged with Exodus In the News, Exodus International, Homosexuality, Identity, Interviews

Alan Chambers, Pastor Bob Stith Respond to Albert Mohler’s Charge of Homophobia in the SBC

June 30, 2011 by Chris Stump

"We've lied about the nature of homosexuality and have practiced what can only be described as a form of homophobia," - Albert Mohler

From the Baptist Press:

Mohler’s comments during the annual meeting came after Lumpkins, the messenger at the annual meeting, asked him about an article that quoted Mohler as saying, “We’ve lied about the nature of homosexuality and have practiced what can only be described as a form of homophobia,” and, “We’ve used the choice language when it is clear that sexual orientation is a deep inner struggle and not merely a matter of choice.” Lumpkins asked Mohler if the comments were his, and Mohler responded by saying the quote was accurate.

Chambers, of Exodus International who struggled with same-sex attractions while growing up, said he was fearful of telling anyone of his battle. Exodus is the nation’s largest Christian organization dedicated to reaching out to homosexuals.

“I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, and I am eternally grateful for what I learned there — the truth that I learned and the biblical foundation that I have,” Chambers said. “But there was no way that I was ever going to tell anybody in my church growing up that I struggled with these things. I am very thankful to say that that has changed [in that church]…. But we’ve still all got to do better.”

Chambers added, “I didn’t make a choice as to how I feel, but I do have a decision to make based upon those feelings.”

Mohler was speaking a “Gospel message” at the annual meeting, Chambers said.

“It’s certainly the same one that Exodus proclaims and shares and takes to the churches,” Chambers said. “I think what he said was spot on. I love that he had the credibility and the ability to share what he shared in a very necessary venue.”

Stith, the SBC’s national strategist for gender issues, said evangelicals “should at least acknowledge that we have not responded well” to the need to reach out to homosexuals. The truth about homosexuality’s sinfulness must be proclaimed, Stith said, but it must be done with compassionate love. There is a great need, he said, to be “proactive and redemptive.”

Tagged with Alan Chambers, Albert Mohler, Baptist, Bob Stith, Church, Compassion, Gospel, Homophobia, Redemptive, SBC, Sexual Orientation, Southern Baptist, Truth

Study Shows Gay, Bisexual Teens More Prone to Risky Behavior

June 22, 2011 by Jeff Buchanan

The CDC has just released a new study showing that gay and bisexual teens are more likely to engage in risk behaviors. This was reported in The Christian Post and the full article can be found on their site.

Gay and bisexual high school students are more likely than their heterosexual peers to use tobacco, alcohol, drugs and violence and to even have suicidal tendencies, a new study by the U.S. government has found.

Anonymous surveys of 156,000 high school students found that gays, lesbians and bisexuals were more likely to engage in unhealthy risk behaviors than heterosexual students, the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

The federal government’s first analysis of teen sexuality and risk behavior of this magnitude, the survey was conducted in six large urban school districts in seven states. The students surveyed were asked about risky behaviors of various kinds, including the use of heroin, throwing up to lose weight, unprotected sex, drunk driving, use of seatbelts and helmets, and possession of a gun.

The CDC report seeks to link the tendency among gay and bisexual teens to engage in risk behaviors to their sense of societal rejection. Click here for full article.

Tagged with Exodus Youth, Gay, Homosexuality, Lesbian, Research, Students, Study, Suicide

An Unfailing and Generous Grace – Letter from Alan Chambers for April 2011

April 13, 2011 by Alan Chambers

Alan Chambers - President, Exodus International

This letter from Alan Chambers appears in both our offline and online newsletters. To receive this letter along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here.

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Dear Friends,

Many of you know that Exodus was prominently featured on the new Oprah Winfrey Network show, Our America with Lisa Ling, in early March. All in all, the piece was what I expected it to be. Secular media is never going to endorse the ministry of Exodus or come close to accurately portraying us, but I felt this piece made some effort to do so, therefore I was moderately pleased. When editing is involved I know that if there is any opportunity to create confusion (a.k.a. “interest”) the producers will capitalize on it. In my interview I gave ample room for “interest” with a statement I made that ended up being the final statement of the show. I said,

“Is there condemnation for those who are in Christ? No there is not.

There are people out there living a Gay Christian life, active Gay Christian life. God’s the one who called them and has their heart. And they are in relationship with him. And do I believe they will be in heaven with me? I do. If they have a relationship with Jesus Christ, they will. We serve that kind of God that says, “Come to me as you are”. His love is unconditional. He wants our heart more than anything else.”

Before you scream, “Amen” or “Heretic”, just keep reading.

I am a believer in the reality of God’s unfathomable grace. It has wrecked me permanently. I have reconciled the fact that I don’t get it even though I’ve got it. Two of the things I know about that grace is that it cannot be dependent on my abilities and it is unfailing in its generosity to all who receive it through their profession of faith in Christ. I cannot, nor do I desire to, tell someone who has “believed” on Jesus that they don’t know Him. I think it is within my scope to judge actions, not hearts. There is a difference.

My comments on Lisa Ling caused uproar among some, maybe even you, who feared I was condoning sin or allowing for someone to be comfortable in their sin and therefore taking Exodus down the new road of ambiguity that is plaguing our churches today. To that end let me point you to my life and this ministry for the definitive answer on what I believe. I think my article last month on identity might have helped, too. My identity is solidly IN Christ. I am not a gay Christian or an ex-gay Christian. I am a Christian period. I am a man. A husband. A father. A son. While still a human with fallible flesh, I have a new heart and am therefore a new creation in Christ Jesus. Because of that I am no longer able to find comfort in sin, though I will be tempted by it until death. As will you.

Grace hasn’t caused me to make peace with sin; it has given me a better reason to hate it and war against it. As a new creation in Christ my life is now defined by my relationship with Him. I am a follower of Christ and choose daily to pursue holiness as a means to honor the love and the grace He has extended to me. My motivation to obey is not birthed out of a desperate, anxious need to perform well, afraid He may disown me, but to please the One who has died for me and forgiven me. This pursuit of holiness is a progressive one and one I certainly don’t do perfectly. But, I know that today I am a far better man, a faithful man, because my focus is not on performance but on cherishing the relationship I have with my Savior and Lord.

I have had an increasing number of gay Christians approach me for “dialogue.” I am glad for this open door, but at the same time I am very cautious because there isn’t any room for more confusion or hurt. I do believe that there are gay-identified people who truly know Christ – ones who are active in the sin of homosexuality and ones who are celibate. However, I also believe there is a tremendous amount of deception in anyone who chooses to define themselves as gay and certainly deception in anyone engaging in deliberate and habitual sin. Neither helps someone fully embrace his or her core identity in Christ or allows Him to be the primary ‘need meeter’ that He died to be. This is what makes Gay Theology so dangerous – it is built on the sand of unsound doctrine that seeks to tickle the ears of those trying to justify their sin. (2 Timothy 4:3) I know this article will trouble varying groups for very different reasons. Some will see me as soft on sin and others as too rigid. I must confess that trying to live up to Christ’s example of being 100% truth and 100% grace is daunting and because of my humanity I realize there is plenty of room for error. So, grace, please.

In a worldwide ministry like Exodus there is a richness of denominational diversity, which means there are doctrinal differences regarding many things, including the eternal security of those who claim Christ. That’s ok. What ultimately binds us together is our belief in Jesus Christ, the inerrancy of His Word and His amazing ability to transform lives. So, please pray with me that those who have recently been exposed to the ministry of Exodus will be brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light!

All for the Kingdom,

Alan Chambers

MORE:

“Our America with Lisa Ling” – Response by Alan Chambers

Tagged with Alan Chambers, Christians, Church, Ex-gay, Exodus International, Faith, Fear, Friends, Gay, Gay Christian, Gay Theology, God, Grace, Heart, Holiness, Homosexual, Homosexuality, Identity, Interviews, Jesus, Lisa Ling, Love, Media, Ministry, News, Oprah, Relationship, Sexuality, Truth

New Season for Randy Thomas at Exodus

April 12, 2011 by Alan Chambers

I am so enjoying the beautiful weather spring has brought to Orlando. Though, we don’t get the radical differences in seasons that many of you experience, I still appreciate the special and unique blessings that each change brings. Our lives in Christ go through seasons as well and I am so glad that He is with us through all of the changes life brings. I am writing to you today, as leaders, to tell you about a new season here at Exodus—one that we are all excited about.

In January, my colleague and dear friend, Randy Thomas, came to me to say that he was sensing a possible transition in regards to his position at Exodus International. He basically told me he was praying about it and was looking for input and direction from those closest to him. As you already know, Randy has strong pastoral, artistic and creative gifts that, while used in his position, have not had an opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential. To Randy’s surprise I concurred with what he was sensing and shared that I had been praying for him and Exodus about changes I believed were coming.

Since then it has become increasingly clear as Randy has prayed and talked with mentors, pastors and close friends that God has been preparing him to serve in exciting areas beyond the borders of Exodus.

As his friend, but also as his brother-in-Christ, I think it is my responsibility to help confirm the gifts I see in him and also encourage and exhort him on a path that enables him to steward those gifts for God’s purposes. In light of that, Randy and I have recently talked and have discussed a transition process that involves Randy stepping into a new part-time position, effective next Tuesday, April 12, as Director of Digital Media and Development. This new assignment will utilize his strong writing and creative skills in expanding our presence on digital and social media platforms and his strong relationships skills in communicating and caring for our givers and supporters.

This new role will also enable Randy to continue to support our ministry, which I know means a great deal to him, while allowing him ample time to pursue his calling and passion in the arts and pastoral care. He has been involved with Exodus, in some form or fashion for about 19 years now. That is a long time and he has been incredibly faithful and loyal to our ministry. He has worked alongside me in some very challenging times and I am SO grateful, as I know you are of his commitment and contribution.

I am excited about this new season for Randy and would encourage you to pray for him as he trusts the Lord and steps out in faith to pursue God’s will. This is a big deal and I know it’s going to be incredible!

Tagged with Change, Encourage, Exodus International, Faith, Friends, God, Joy, Life, Media, Men, Ministry, Pastors, Randy Thomas, Relationship, Sin, Support, Trust, Writing

When Christianity Offends

March 25, 2011 by Jeff Buchanan

Jeff Buchanan contributed an article to Charisma Online, addressing the need for the church to lovingly bring biblical clarity to the challenges and situations facing the world today. However, we are reminded that even though we display compassion and love while speaking truth, we will not always be liked.

Apple’s decision to pull Exodus International’s smartphone application this week has ignited a viral frenzy, created a media firestorm and has generated some challenging points to ponder. Last month, we launched our app, which provides mobile access to resources and information to those struggling with matters related to sexuality and faith. Apple originally approved and gave it 4+ rating, but pulled it when gay activist groups launched a petition to remove the app.

As you can well imagine, Exodus has received an outpouring of responses ranging from support to threats of bodily harm. Everyone from Star Trek’s George Takei to author Jodie Picoult is weighing in and unfortunately, many who vehemently oppose us have bought the activists’ faulty label calling it the “Gay Cure App.” Nothing could be further from the truth. For more than 35 years, Exodus International’s mission has been to help those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction to live a life congruent with biblical teaching. A “cure” for any issue is not within our aim or our ability. We do, however, unapologetically believe that Jesus Christ changes hearts and lives and that the Bible offers life-giving truth about who we are and who we were created to be. (Read More)

Read the entire article to see why the church must not be silent for the sake of religious liberty and free speech.

Tagged with Activism, Charisma, Culture, Free Speech, Jeff Buchanan, Religious Liberty

Debunking the Myths about Exodus and their iPhone Application

March 23, 2011 by Angela Buchanan

During the past week, Exodus International and their iPhone application have been grossly misrepresented. Since we haven’t had the opportunity to adequately correct the errors, we want to expose two primary myths.

Myth #1: Exodus uses hate speech.

Exodus presents a redemptive, biblical worldview on sexuality, which communicates a message of love and acceptance to those that are struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions. Exodus helps people to live their whole life, including their sexuality, in congruence with their faith.

The mission of Exodus, which is front and center on our website, is “Mobilizing the Body of Christ to Minister Grace and Truth to a World impacted by Homosexuality.” As followers of Christ, we are committed to emulating Him in everything. Our primary focus is encouraging and educating the global church NOT ONLY to lovingly communicate the truth of scripture, but also to conduct themselves in ways that would be consistent with the ways of Christ, namely showing love and compassion.

One example, which has been completely neglected by those reporting on the application, is an entire section devoted to Exodus’ adamant opposition to bullying. In alignment with biblical teaching, readers are encouraged to support and befriend anyone being mistreated. Here is a segment of the language used, “Exodus International affirms that gay-identified individuals and those who struggle with same-sex attraction are persons for whom Jesus Christ died and loves equally. Therefore, we strongly oppose bullying, name calling and acts of aggression against any individual or group of individuals for any reason. These actions have no place in our society and we must, instead affirm behavior that validates the personal worth and dignity God bestows upon every human being.” That doesn’t sound like hate to me.

Myth #2: Exodus “cures” people.

Exodus does not claim to cure anyone. That is not within our ability and certainly beyond the ability of our iPhone application, which simply provided mobile access to information available on our website. As complex human beings, sexual attractions develop for many known and unknown reasons and no one chooses those, but as sexual beings, we all make decisions about how to express ourselves. For those who consider the Bible to be life-giving truth, homosexual attractions and the desire to act on them are at odds with the desire to live a life that reflects the Christian faith and often results in moral tension.

Exodus acknowledges that pursuing a relationship with God over these attractions won’t always make the feelings go away. They may stay the same, lessen or possibly shift towards the opposite sex. That’s not the point. The point is to pursue a life beyond attractions, feelings and societal labels that is guided and defined by Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture. And for the record, living with conflicted desires is not the same as living a life dominated by them. Exodus doesn’t believe there is a “cure” for homosexuality, adultery, arrogance, gossip or any other sin. There is, however, Jesus who paid the price for it all when He died on the cross. Then there is the daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, decision to live a life congruent with His teaching.

Our desire was simply to provide information to individuals exploring and looking for answers that are consistent with their own beliefs. Apple already provides hundreds of apps specific to the GLBT community and has made the Gay Christian Network’s podcasts available on its iTunes store. Our hope was to see equality represented on the same platform.

Tagged with Apple, Bible, Black, Church, Community, Compassion, Encourage, Exodus International, Faith, Gay, Gay Christian, Giving, God, Grace, Hate Speech, Homosexual, Homosexuality, Hope, iPhone, Jesus, Life, Redemptive, Relationship, Scriptures, Sexuality, Support, Truth, Worldview

CBN News Reports on Exodus iPhone App

March 15, 2011 by Jeff Buchanan

Heather Sells of CBN News reports on the developing story surrounding the protests against the recently released Exodus smartphone application now available on iTunes. Currently the petition on Change.org has over 5,900 signatures and Apple has taken no action to date. You can help by voicing your support to Apple and by leaving positive feedback as well as a high rating on the iTunes site. We will provide more information as the story develops. Thanks for your support!

Tagged with Activism, Culture, Gay, Gay Activism, Homosexuality, Jeff Buchanan, News, Secularism, Television, Worldview