What Can Your Church Do?

* Develop a “safe atmosphere. Do an unbiased evaluation of your church. Does it provide a “safe” environment for someone who struggles with same sex attractions? Do parents and friends of strugglers feel safe to share their concerns? Seek an atmosphere in which both strugglers and their family members will feel free to reach out for help without fear of rejection or ridicule.
* Find a solid Exodus related ministry in your area and develop a relationship. Invite them to share their stories in a service. If there are no existing resources for same sex strugglers, begin to educate yourself and your church to provide something.
* Be a friend. At the 2003 Exodus conference Dr. Neil Whitehead discussed the question “What is the most helpful thing in decreasing same sex attraction?”. Two different surveys came up with the same answer - mentoring. This is basic Christian discipleship.
* Learn to identify. Be honest about struggles you’ve had with strongholds in your life or in your marriage. The fruit of our sins may be different but the roots are the same.
* Be informed and educated. Get all the facts. Be prepared to wisely and compassionately speak the truth.
* Encourage your church and local association to familiarize themselves with the report of the Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals which was presented to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Phoenix in 2003.