The End of Exodus International
Last Wednesday, the Board of Directors of Exodus International reached a decision after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture. Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality is closing its doors after three-plus decades of ministry. While I was compiling a list of important articles for you to read, concerning this sad news, my Inbox rang. My friend Bob Kellemen had already compiled a list of five at his RPM Ministries blog. So, with Bob’s permission, I am passing on his list plus one from WORLD magazine.
Exodus International: Another Reason We Must Trust Sacred Theology over Man-Made Theory – Jeremy Lelek writes, “As counselors, when our efforts are primarily aimed at symptom relief or perfect or right conduct then we are completely missing the mark, and likely hurting those we serve. We inadvertently create a system of redemption that is centered in experiential management of sin rather than the full and complete work of Jesus Christ. It is here I believe the promises offered by Exodus International went awry.”
Back to Egypt for Exodus International? – Denny Burk writes, “What was once a leading evangelical ministry to those struggling with homosexuality has now become defunct. This is in no small part due to the influence of its charismatic president, Alan Chambers, whose views have led the organization into a theological cul de sac.”
After Exodus – Christianity Today has compiled “snippet” quotes from leading Evangelicals who have responded to the closure of Exodus International.
Exodus International Closes – Baptist Press interviews leading Southern Baptists.
Response to Announced Closure of Exodus International – A new group—Restored Hope Network—filed this press release.
The Exodus of Exodus International – Jamie Dean of WORLD Magazine writes, “Exodus International—a Christian ministry that aimed to help people struggling with homosexuality—announced Wednesday it would close after nearly 40 years of operation. A statement on the group’s website said board members believed the organization had grown too judgmental. The leaders plan to launch a new organization under a new name.”
As we minister God’s grace and truth to those who battle same-sex attraction let us never forget the life-transforming power and hope found in Jesus Christ: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:11).
