Exodus Freedom Conference Equips Pastors to Minister to Gays

At a time when same-sex attractions are perhaps making more headlines than ever before, the largest Christian ministry dealing with homosexuality is preparing for its annual conference.

Exodus International will hold its Freedom Conference with a theme “Made for More” on June 27-30 at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn. At the annual event, hundreds of men and women, including parents, students, educators, counselors, pastors and ministry leaders will unite for four days of worship, teaching and ministry. The Exodus Freedom Conference promises biblical answers and hope for anyone impacted by homosexuality.

“Same-sex marriage and related legislative initiatives have been a hot topic in the news and on the Sunday talk shows in recent days. We’ve also seen a small minority of pastors and others in the church speak angry, abusive rhetoric from the pulpit about gay and lesbian people,” says Alan Chambers, president of Exodus. “In the midst of this heated debate, there are people caught in the middle—men and women who long to live differently and need support to do so—and they’re falling through the cracks.”

Chambers explains that Exodus equips churches to come alongside these individuals in their congregations as well as their family members who want to have loving and honest relationships with family members who are struggling or gay-identified.

“Jesus extends compassion to all of us in our humanity. Not one group of people should be singled out, but all of us helped to walk in His persistent and unending grace,” Chambers says. “We were truly ‘made for more’ and we expect many to find hope through the conference in St. Paul at the end of June.”

While Exodus has more than 260 member ministries and churches working directly with those seeking support, the annual event aims to bring people together for encouragement and fellowship. The conference also includes workshops and small-group gatherings offering ministry support to parents, spouses and other family members with struggling or gay-identified loved ones.

For the first time, online-registered guests will have access to the Freedom Conference general session teachings via live streaming and video on demand.