Dear Potential ECA Pastor,
Greetings from the Exodus International office! Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Exodus Church Association. We would be delighted to receive your church as an applicant.
Your partnership with Exodus International is essential to our mission to mobilize the Body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality. The Exodus Church Association is a referral network of caring communities sharing a common cause. These churches share a redemptive biblical worldview on the issue of homosexuality and are committed to being safe places of worship for those dealing with unwanted same-sex attractions.
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions given to us by pastors. We hope this will be beneficial in your consideration of membership in the Exodus Church Association.
What does it mean to be an Exodus Church Association Church?
If accepted, your church will appear on our national referral network listed on the Exodus International website. When someone who has been impacted by the issue of homosexuality (struggler, family member, friend) calls the Orlando office looking for local assistance, we will provide them with the closest Exodus Member Ministry, Counselor, and/or Church, depending upon their specific request and need. They will be provided with the contact information you have provided for your church. If they choose, they will make contact with the contact person you have designated.
What is expected once a referral makes contact?
Once a referral connects with your designated contact person, the contact person will be responsible for helping the referral become integrated in your church community. The contact person provides information such as service times, available ministries, counseling opportunities, small group opportunities, and fellowship events. We encourage the contact person to make a personal connection with the referral and help them to embrace the church community.
Is the contact person expected to provide counseling?
No. This is not a requirement for the church contact person. However, we do encourage the contact person to provide ministry and prayer to those who are referred.
Are we expected to have a ministry that is specific to the issue of homosexuality?
No! Please don’t let this hinder you from joining the association. We do not require nor do we expect your church to have a ministry that specifically addresses homosexuality. In fact, our primary concern is that your church is committed to providing foundational discipleship to those who are referred to your church. Many have found freedom from homosexuality by becoming part of life-giving churches committed to raising up mature disciples in Christ. If your church is accepted, you will be provided with information about the closest Exodus Member Ministry and/or Counselor. We recommend that you work in partnership with these ministries in providing ministerial care to referrals. In the event that a Member Ministry and/or Counselor are not within your area, we will provide online resource and phone counseling alternatives.
What is the Pastoral Contact Person?
The pastoral contact person is responsible for providing oversight to the church contact person. In the event that the church contact person is no longer serving in this capacity or a part of your church community, the pastoral contact person is responsible for filling the church contact person position. The pastoral contact person simply serves as the direct representative of the pastoral staff and is contacted only by the Exodus staff and only when necessary.
Will the referral be told what to expect?
Yes. We will make the referral aware of what they can expect from an Exodus Church Association Member. A Referral FAQ sheet will be given to the referral and is provided in this packet.
How do I minister to someone dealing with homosexuality?
The same way you minister to the person dealing with fornication, adultery, gossip, etc. This is not meant to over-simplify; each struggle does have its unique challenges. However, God’s truth applies to all situations and His Word is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The Corinthian Church had within its midst the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers. But 1 Corinthians 6 tells us “such were some of you.” The Church is equipped to minister the truth of His Word to all forms of brokenness.
In addition, as part of your association with Exodus, we will provide discounted access to all of our books, resources, training materials, and conferences. These will be of great assistance in learning the nuances of ministry to those affected by homosexuality.
What are the benefits of joining?
By becoming a member of the Exodus Church Association, your church will be listed as a referral church on the Exodus website. You will also receive promotional materials, newsletters, and information regarding educational opportunities and resources. In addition, your church will eligible for discounts when attending Exodus Freedom Conferences and a 10% discount when ordering resources from Exodus Books. These benefits and the opportunity to be connected with other ministries, counselors, and churches committed to proclaiming freedom from homosexuality is what makes membership worthwhile.
