Ex-Gay Group Releases Guide on Handling Homosexuals in Church
"To most heterosexual Christians, the idea of being attracted to your own sex is mystifying. Unimaginable. Not natural," starts a new book released by Exodus International, a major ex-gay ministry.
Exodus came out with its first book, God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door, this week to help evangelical churches and individuals practically demonstrate compassion to gay men and women.
The comprehensive guide written by Exodus President Alan Chambers and the ministry staff, addresses the behavioral complexities and roots of homosexuality; how to deal with the topic and the hurting individuals affected by it; the fear and ignorance within the church; how to lead gay men and women to Christ; and how to mentor repentant homosexuals in the church. It also offers tips on what "not to do when reaching out to gays."
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"Many of us are here today because someone in the church had the courage to demonstrate the loving, uncompromising truth of the Gospel," said Chambers, a former homosexual, in a released statement. "It is our great hope that countless more will reach out to the gay men and women in their lives who might otherwise be ignored."
Several notable authors and speakers such as Coral Ridge Ministries Founder Dr. D. James Kennedy and Christian recording artist Sheila Walsh endorsed the new book.
"Myth 1: Homosexuality is the worst of all sins," reads a subtopic in the book. "Myth 2: Homosexuality is a choice," the book later continues.
"I haven't ever met anyone who woke up one morning and simply decided, out of life's great big buffet, to be gay," Chambers wrote. "Homosexuality is a multicausal in that there are numerous factors and issues that over the course of years cause someone to develop same-sex attractions."
The new book is released as a multi-site church, LifeChurch.tv, launched a website for people, mainly people who attend the 18,000-member church in multiple locations, to confess their secrets. And many have revealed struggles with homosexuality and same-sex attractions as they are loyally attending church each week. Some writings requested prayers, some declared a path away from homosexuality and toward healing, and others admitted to continuing a homosexual lifestyle.
Addressing churches, Chambers wrote, "...we shouldn't let [fighting homosexuality] become more important than praying for the souls of the lost and hurting.
"Our number one goal as Christians should always be to love souls."
