The first step would be to locate individuals or groups engaged in this area of ministry. This may seem obvious, but as a pastor with over ten years of involvement in this ministry I still find that many churches are either unaware of such ministries or have done nothing to make their existence known to their membership. Consequently, those who need this ministry and those who would like to help have no idea where to turn. A good place to start would be to go to the Exodus Web site at www.exodusinternational.org and click on “Find a ministry.”

Second, do all you can to help make the ministry and its members feel welcome. After attending Living Hope Ministries, the Exodus affiliate in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for several years, a businessman in Dallas was shocked to discover his church had a group for those who struggled with homosexuality. He had been a member there for over ten years and had never heard of the group. Consequently, not only was he left without help in his struggle with homosexuality, the secrecy helped perpetuate the sense of shame that many who struggle with this sin feel.

Third, encourage your church to allow the ministry to participate in mission fairs. Have the director share his vision with the congregation. Set aside a service or a portion of a service for testimonies from those who have learned to walk in victory. Many church members have never heard an ex-gay share his or her story.

Fourth, encourage your church to support these ministries financially. While most evangelical Christians are well aware that this is one of the biggest challenges facing the church today, financial support from churches is almost nonexistent. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the largest and best organized gay communities in the nation. The largest gay church in the world is in Dallas and is currently involved in a multi-million dollar expansion. Conversely, the Exodus-related ministry in this area has minimal funding support from only five churches.

One former ministry director told me how difficult it was to try to reach the gay community. His “office” was a converted supply closet. He was using cast off equipment that had been donated. He received virtually no salary and supported himself and the ministry with a full-time job. Consequently, he was dealing with a high level of frustration and hopelessness.

Most ministries recognize the tremendous challenge of being there to help strugglers who desire to be free. They also recognize the need to do more to help in prevention, to educate the church, and to help a deceived culture see and hear truth that most have never encountered. The lack of resources makes this an overwhelming if not impossible task. If we are to reverse the tide in our world, we must respond to this need.

Bob Stith is the pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob has been involved in Exodus International for over ten years. He has spoken at many churches and Exodus related events. He has also written several articles on the subject of homosexuality and the church. Bob is chairman of the board for Living Hope Ministries, an Exodus-affiliated ministry in Dallas-Fort Worth. Bob and his wife, Del, live in Southlake, Texas.

1. How can the church support those who are coming out of homosexuality?

The first step would be to locate individuals or groups engaged in this area of ministry. This may seem obvious, but as a pastor with over ten years of involvement in this ministry I still find that many churches are either unaware of such ministries or have done nothing to make their existence known to their membership. Consequently, those who need this ministry and those who would like to help have no idea where to turn. A good place to start would be to go to the Exodus Web site at www.exodusinternational.org and click on “Find a ministry.”

Secondly, do all that you can to help make the ministry and its members feel welcome. After attending Living Hope ministries, the Exodus affiliate in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for several years, a businessman in Dallas was shocked to discover his church had a group for those who struggled with homosexuality. He had been a member there for over ten years and had never heard of the group. Consequently, not only was he left without help in his struggles with homosexuality, the secrecy helped perpetuate the sense of shame that many who struggle with this sin feel.

Third, churches should allow the ministry to participate in mission fairs. Have the director share his vision with the congregation. Set aside a service or a portion of a service for testimonies from those who have learned to walk in victory. Many church members have never heard an ex-gay share their story.

Fourth, churches also should support these ministries financially. While most evangelical Christians are well aware that this is one of the biggest challenges facing the church today, financial support from churches is almost non-existent. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the largest and best organized gay communities in the nation. The largest gay church in the world is in Dallas. They are currently involved in a multi-million dollar expansion. Conversely, the only Exodus-related ministry in this area has minimal funding support from only five churches.

Fifth, the local church body should volunteer. While it may take time to work into actual ministry, I’ve yet to find a ministry that is not in need of ordinary tasks such as stuffing envelopes, answering phones, helping with computer maintenance and technology, or helping plan fellowship events. The local church can help them make contacts, find opportunities to speak, and get articles into church newsletters.

Sixth, ask what specific needs they have for which the church can pray and include these requests in prayer lists. Pray specifically for these individual requests and ask God’s protection and provision for that ministry during weekly prayer meetings.

Finally, be a mentor. You may feel that you know nothing about homosexuality and have nothing to offer. But I’ve heard many testimonies of overcomers who have been helped by an “ever-straight” Christian coming alongside and showing genuine love.

Much of the personal struggle against same-sex attractions is about legitimate relationship needs met in sinful ways. Be willing to be vulnerable and you may discover that your struggles aren’t so different. Loneliness, lust, and fear are much the same regardless of the basis for the temptation.

Spend time with those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction. Invite them into your home. Share meals together. Be a friend.

Bob Stith is the pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob has been involved in Exodus International for over ten years. He has spoken at many churches and Exodus related events. He has also written several articles on the subject of homosexuality and the church. Bob is chairman of the board for Living Hope Ministries, an Exodus-affiliated ministry in Dallas-Fort Worth. Bob and his wife, Del, live in Southlake, Texas.