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Transparency In The Midst of Questions & Persecution

August 31, 2009 By Randy Thomas
Who are you ...

This first appeared on my old blog Everyday Thoughts Collected.  I have done some slight editing and updated for here. *** A supporter of Exodus asks ... I want to be transparent, but I find myself having to battle some false and serious allegations. This causes me to have to end up in defensive mode but unable to prove innocence. How do you handle false damaging attacks? There is a lot that could be said with regard to this but what I always come back to is the example Christ set during his trial which eventually led Him to be tortured and crucified. In that poignant moment you see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Post-gay, Testimonies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Q & A Friday – Witnessing Unconditional Love And Conviction

August 28, 2009 By Randy Thomas

This post originally appeared on my old blog Everyday Thoughts Collected last November. I thought it would be good to bring it back online here. *** One of my fbff's (FaceBook Friends Forever) sent the following ... answer after the jump (edits mine for anonymity purposes.) ... I have a (friend) who is gay who I recently shared the gospel with ... I tried to be as sensitive as possible (just so you know, I did not imply that I assumed he wasn't a believer just because he was gay) and he responded very graciously as well. He says that he already knows what I'm talking about because he … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Friendship, Gay, Homosexuality, Q&A Friday, Support Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Greenbelt Organizers Give Gene Robinson Podium and Reject Post-gay Testimony

August 28, 2009 By Randy Thomas
Greenbelt

From Anglican Mainstream: Phelim McIntyre responds to BBC News item ‘Traditional Anglicans have criticised the UK’s major Christian arts festival for inviting a gay American Bishop to speak.’ The Revd Colin Coward is being economical with the truth. He states that ‘there’s a lot of evidence that trying to make somebody ex-gay doesn’t work’. I speak as an ex-gay who has counselled others who have left the homosexual lifestyle. There are over 40 studies which show that therapy can help people, and the only evidence for harm caused by such therapy are testimonies which have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Anglican, Around the World, Blogs, Church, Culture, Educate, Exodus Blog, Featured, Gay, Homosexuality, Post-gay, Youth & Young Adults Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is the Success Rate? – Guest Post by Brad Sargent

August 27, 2009 By Randy Thomas
Ex-Gays?

I have have always enjoyed Brad.  He has a fantastic mind and a great wit. I think you will find this post informative and very encouraging. So without further ado ... What is Your Success Rate? © 2009 Brad Sargent Used by Permission It’s been about 25 years since I first contacted an Exodus ministry, and 20 years since I attended my first Exodus conference – Philadelphia 1989. Those were the years when conference attendance hadn’t gone beyond about 250 people. (I’m still in touch with some of the people I met back then, and we're still moving forward!) Who would’ve … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Books, Church, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Gay, Guest Post, Homosexuality, Lesbian, Post-gay, Research, Spouses Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

PFOX vs. NEA Court Appeal Decision Results In Mixed Messages

August 26, 2009 By Randy Thomas
gavel

PFOX seems to be happy with the result: August 25, 2009 Contact:  Regina Griggs, Executive Director, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX), 804-453-4737, PFOX@pfox.org Washington, D.C. – In a precedent setting case, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia has ruled that former homosexuals are a protected class that must be recognized under sexual orientation non-discrimination laws.  The Court held that, under the D.C. Human Rights Act, sexual orientation does not require immutable characteristics. “We are gratified … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Culture, Exodus Blog, Featured, Gay, Post-gay, Religious Liberty Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Make Us One – Remix (Video)

August 26, 2009 By Randy Thomas
makeusone

I was messing around with a new video service and the above video was the product.  It is just some random pics from the past couple of years set to one of my favorite Christian songs by Toby Mac. Enjoy! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asides, Conferences, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Friendship, Post-gay Tagged With: , , , ,

Local Ministry + Local Church = Blessings All Around

August 26, 2009 By Randy Thomas
lhm

From the ministry that personally helped me and I used to direct before coming to Exodus, Living Hope: The Power of True Friendship by Olivia My journey with Living Hope Ministry (LHM) began twelve years ago as I was praying for the ministry in my church's intercessory prayer room. During that time I felt God urging me to become actively involved. My initial response was, Abba, you have got to be kidding. He wasn't. I had no idea what I could offer LHM. Nor did I expect the profound impact it would have in my own life. I cherish the people I have met there--they have touched my life in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Friendship, Homosexuality, Online, Post-gay, Sexuality, Support, Youth & Young Adults Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Crickets Chirping

August 25, 2009 By Randy Thomas

hey! Sorry for not posting today.  It's not for want of bloggable material!  We just had a very busy day at the office.  My intention is to get posts up Monday through Friday and I have a rough draft of one for today but want to tighten it up before publishing. So, there it is.  Feel free to let me know in the comments or the "Contact Us" link above of any news tips or topics you would like to see blogged about. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asides, Exodus Blog, Featured

Swing Open/Swing Closed – Poetry Reading on Video

August 24, 2009 By Randy Thomas

Swing Open/Swing Closed from Gateway Church on Vimeo.This is a note to the church, doors open and doors close, don't be a place where the doors close. Stay open, to everyone... always. A poem performed by James Wilson. Air Date: May 3, 2009 Excellent video. While our denominations hash it out, I pray our local churches will remember that while we need to be clear, gracious and truthful about important issues, loving and engaging our neighbors face to face with the Love of Christ is top priority. This poem is an poignant reminder of that high calling. Thanks for the heads up Michelle. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Featured, Friendship Tagged With: , , , , ,

ELCA: A Call For Clarity, Prayerfulness and Truth

August 24, 2009 By Randy Thomas

The Lutherans voted late last Friday to allow the consecration of gay identified and sexually active clergy within the denomination.  I would imagine since the vote came late and right before the weekend, the reaction (online) will pick up today. There are two posts and a question I want to highlight and ask.  One by Mohler, tornado post follow up by Piper and a question from a reader of this blog (most of the content is after the jump.) First, Mohler: The inevitability of the votes to allow the affirmation of homosexual unions and the calling of homosexual ministers is rooted in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bible, Church, Exodus Blog, Gay, Homosexuality, Lutherans, Post-gay Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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