Church Network - Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Exodus Network Church?

An Exodus Network Church is part of the growing network of churches that have simply expressed a commitment to standing on the truth of Scripture with regard to homosexuality and have a desire to minister to people in their congregations who are impacted by homosexuality.

Network churches agree that homosexual activity goes against God’s design of sexuality. They do not reject individuals with same sex attractions, nor do they encourage people to accept their homosexuality. Instead, Exodus Network Churches are places where people are free to share their struggle and where anyone impacted by homosexuality is welcomed into the community and fellowship of believers in the Church.

Exodus Network Churches need not have special support groups or ministries dealing specifically with homosexuality. All that is required of Exodus Network Churches is that the church stands on the truth of Scripture and be willing to express love to people impacted by homosexuality.   

What are the requirements to be an Exodus Network Church?

Exodus Network Churches must complete an application with Exodus International and meet the following requirements:

1. The Church must express agreement with Exodus’ doctrinal and policy statements.
2. The Church must designate a contact person for this area of ministry, and that contact person and anyone else in the leadership of this ministry must be free from immoral sexual behavior for a minimum of three years.
3. The Church must have a governing body in place.
4. Exodus strongly recommends that a representative of the Church attend the annual Exodus conference at least once every three years.
5. Payment of an optional $50.00 annual membership fee.

Is being an Exodus Network Church going to take a lot of time?

All that is asked of Exodus Network Churches is that they designate a contact person for this area of ministry. The contact person will be the person with whom the national Exodus Offices communicates, but will also be the name given to people who are connected with your church through the Exodus Church Network (although personal contact information will not be released). The contact person will be responsible for sharing information about the church with the referral and helping him or her to connect with the church.

We encourage churches to find people within their church who have a heart for people impacted by homosexuality (including strugglers, friends and families). This ministry need not be demanding on church staff and can be a great opportunity for church members to discover a special place to use their hearts and gifts.

We don’t know much about homosexuality or how to help people struggling with homosexuality. Can we still be a part of the Exodus Church Network?

YES! While specific ministries for people impacted by homosexuality and Christian counselors specializing in sexual issues can and do play a great role in ministry, the local church has amazing healing potential within the basic community of believers assembled there. Exodus believes that the most important healing received comes through the Body of Christ represented in the local church, and in that regard, those impacted by homosexuality can find vital healing in simply being accepted and included in a Christian community.

In order to help the church better understand some of the issues surrounding homosexuality, and to help them better understand the needs of those impacted by homosexuality, Exodus will provide Exodus Network Churches with many important resources, including but not limited to the following:

• A monthly letter containing important and pertinent information regarding homosexuality and ministry;
• Lists of resources and highlights of new or updated resources;
• Connection with existing Exodus Member Ministries in your area;
• Training workshops at the annual Exodus Freedom Conference;
• Periodic special equipping and training materials
• Local mini-conferences and seminars

How can we know that we will be associated with reputable churches and ministries?

The Exodus network is comprised of Member Ministries, Therapist and Churches. The requirements for all network members vary slightly, but every network member must agree with Exodus’ doctrinal and policy statements. Exodus International strives to maintain the integrity, reputation and accountability of all network members.

Are there risks associated with affiliating with Exodus?

Unfortunately, those who hold to the truth of Scripture with regard to homosexuality are sometimes attacked by those who seek to affirm homosexuality. While the risk is minute, it is possible that your church could receive hateful mail, email or publicity with regard to your affiliation with Exodus. It is our prayer that you will see the benefit of ministering to those affected by homosexuality as worth any of the possible risks of retaliation or retribution.

Our Church has an affiliation with an Exodus Member Ministry. How does that impact our inclusion in the Exodus Church Network?

Any church that is affiliated with a member ministry can be automatically included in the Exodus Church Network. Because some people do not desire a specific ministry or a support group, we encourage such churches to be a part of the Exodus Church Network. Being a part of the Church Network will allow the church to minister to those who simply want a church that is true to Scripture, that believes in the life changing power of Christ and that fosters true relationships and real community.

What is the difference between an Exodus Member Ministry and an Exodus Network Church?

Exodus Member Ministries offer specific programs designed to help people overcome homosexuality and to help families impacted by the homosexual struggle of friends or family. These specific programs can include support groups and/or lay counseling for such specific areas as men and women overcoming homosexuality, parents whose child is living homosexually, spouses of those struggling with homosexuality, people impacted by HIV/AIDS, pornography or sexual addiction, and other related areas. While some of these ministries operate under the covering of a church, most are para-church ministries. Many of the leaders of the Exodus Member Ministries have either walked away from homosexuality themselves, or have friends or families involved in homosexuality to some degree.

Because of the sensitive nature of the specific ministry provided by Exodus Member Ministries, Exodus has extensive requirements in place for all Exodus Member Ministries, including guidelines for what types of programs can be offered, the required structure and authority of the Board of Directors, mandatory training and conference attendance and accountability to the Exodus office.

Exodus Network Churches are simply churches deemed by Exodus to be safe and sound places for people struggling with unwanted homosexual feelings, or anyone adversely impacted by homosexuality, to receive truth and grace as they deal with this issue in their lives, and as they pursue the Lord in the midst of their struggle.