Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

November 2006 Highlights

Homosexuality, a Very Divisive Issue! By Pastors Steven Yeary and Phillip Lee

There are times when difficult choices must be made. Today, many denominations and churches have arrived at a crossroads where their members are demanding a decision regarding the practice of homosexuality not only in their families but in their congregations - and rightfully so. Ignoring the subject doesn't work any longer.

Today, the church appears to be in great peril if not great confusion concerning the subject of homosexuality. In many cases it seems that God's wisdom has been pushed out and now man's wisdom prevails. How is it that the Church is no longer setting standards for society, but has all in many arenas conformed to the standards of the popular culture? No longer light and salt, many of today's churches are struggling to find relevance and be an influence in world systems.

Therefore, we would like to offer a few observations regarding homosexuality and the role of every Christian as it relates to combating any further acceptance of homosexuality as an acceptable behavior or lifestyle with God. Certainly, while we wait for Christ's ultimate rule over everything to be instituted, we live on this earth. Hopefully, while we are here, we work for peace between God and man among humanity. Even though we have this goal, we expect that our efforts will be answered with persecution, with insults, and with slander. We will suffer for doing the right thing, and we will suffer for simply being associated with Jesus. We will suffer for not going along with conventional thought that has reality and truth determined by majority vote. We will suffer for believing truth to be embodied and communicated through a person, Jesus Christ, who has provided a moral compass for navigating through all areas of life.

Unfortunately, the Church has quite a long history of reacting badly (at times not at all), to the issue of homosexuality. It has rejected, condemned and branded the man or woman practicing homosexuality or even struggling with homosexuality as the "worst of sinners." Tragically, many churches and denominations having repented for their harsh treatment of homosexuals have allowed the pendulum to swing to the opposite extreme, that of acceptance of sinner and sin. How is it that many find it so much easier to go either to the right or the left, rather than committing to a time of educating one's self on the subject of homosexuality and contributing time and effort to find a Biblical resolution to this problem?

It is the teaching of the Bible (Scripture) that formed the basis of western law and inspired democratic freedom. The Bible has been a reliable moral compass that has served humanity for thousands of years despite all the attempts to distort it. It is the Bible that teaches the principles of honesty, fidelity, respect for others, respect for property, justice, generosity, peace and encourages men to treat each other with kindness, patience, compassion, and understanding.

The Church must not underestimate itself when it comes to the difficult issue of homosexuality and related issues. The Church holds the only answer there is to this very difficult crisis. While many Christians profess "with God all things are possible," far too many have bought into the tragic propaganda that God probably isn't going to come through on this one.

You and I and every follower of Christ are to be a flavor enhancer and a preservative in this world. Frankly, as you and I and all Christians continue following the teachings of Jesus, and as we pursue good deeds and personal purity, we make this rotting world a much better place to live! However, "if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

There is a significant difference between confrontation and condemnation. Indeed, there are times when confrontation is appropriate - providing it is done the correct way. It is a given fact that many men and women often enter the "so-called gay lifestyle" to find the very things the Church should have in abundance. The Church has or at least should have something the gay community can never have, (agape) love, the blessings of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Doesn't it seem a bit curious to you that, in the Name of Christ, professed followers of Jesus will protest and march against homosexuality but don't organize any protests against: greed, gossip, sex outside of marriage, lying, or self-righteous pride? What gives?

Now, so we are not misunderstood; we believe any form or practice of homosexuality is wrong, but we have a question...

By protesting and marching and writing inflammatory editorials and boycotting businesses that make charitable contributions or are trying to provide equal benefits to their employees...by treating this all as an "Us vs. Them," are we really being effective in making this world a better and more palatable place? We believe all this sinner bashing does is lessen our effectiveness in communicating Christ to a lost culture! All the bashing and insensitive dialog does is communicate the false impression that Christians are unkind, unloving bigots who hypocritically believe they are morally superior, and are selfish and insensitive enough to believe their views of right and wrong should be forced on others.

What does the Bible say about warfare against sin in society? How did Jesus tell us God approached the world lost without Him? "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17). The message of God, through Christ to the world was one of love and forgiveness, not condemnation. Right now, some of you are saying, "Wait a minute. People won't know they need forgiveness, and they won't know until I tell them how lost they are!" Guess what? The Bible say's that is someone else's job. "When the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). Clearly, it is the Holy Spirit's job to convince people they are guilty and need forgiveness. Seems like a different approach between the early Church and today, doesn't it? And yet, the early Church lived in a society that was horribly corrupt with homosexuality being accepted as an alternate lifestyle. However, the New Testament says absolutely nothing about protests, boycotts, confrontations, or petitions against sin in society.

While all of us at His Way Out Ministries believe that we are called to be salt and light and affect the world around us, one major problem for those trying to reach homosexuals is that it is counter-productive to fight those you are attempting to reach. Indeed, a good solid rule of thumb is that all people, regardless of their habit, compulsive behavior, addiction, etc. should have access to hearing the Gospel Message of redemption. Maybe you have noticed - it takes a huge amount of energy and effort to get most people to come to church, but it takes only a moment for a person to feel rejection and vow never to step inside the walls of a church.

Can you imagine the impact the Church would have on society if Christians really practiced what they believed - if they purged themselves (with God's help and strength) of sin and concentrated on being good, decent, kind people? Yes, homosexuality is wrong. But the Bible also teaches that it's wrong to deny justice to the poor, or discriminate against a person because they have a different parentage, or to abuse the environment, or to wage war for the wrong reasons.

There is a place for a follower of Jesus to promote morality in society through the political process. But whether you like it or not, we live in a country that is ruled by the majority of the people. Is there any reason we cannot join in the dialog and advocate our opinion without demonizing those who disagree? That would be the appropriate way to influence the morality of our society - one citizen, respectfully expressing a personal opinion, which is informed by the teachings of Jesus in the Bible.

God wants His Church to "reach" and not just "tell" homosexual people. With God Himself saying He seeks the lost it is only with God's help we understand and discern the difference between love and approval. In closing, we can and must be accepting of the wounded person, but we, the Church, can never accept a theology or a way of life that flies in the face of God's Word. However, we must remember that God has called us to be peace-makers and not inciters.

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

Prayerfully Yours,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Return To Highlights

In Sincere Appreciation...

From the day His Way Out Ministries (HWOM) was birthed by God and ultimately settled in a multitude of hearts, we have operated completely by faith believing God was more than able to provide for His ministry. Certainly, over the years, there have been challenges and as the war on sexual immorality heats up on all fronts, HWOM continues to experience and see more individuals, families and churches of all denominations come our way for encouragement, support, education and ministry than ever before in the thirteen years of our existence.

With our home base of operation remaining in Bakersfield, ministry extensions in Lancaster and Porterville, and an overseas branch ministry in Guyana, South America, HWOM is now in dialog with other individuals and churches with the hope and vision of birthing additional ex-gay ministries wherever God potentially opens a new door of opportunity. Presently, many individuals and families are driving from Santa Clarita, North Hollywood, Lompoc, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Visalia, Mojave, Lake Isabella and other communities to attend our support group meetings.

It is not unusual; due to the numerous email communications we receive from men and women all over the world seeking spiritual guidance regarding homosexuality and related issues, for our email responses and communications to easily absorb two to three hours per day. Individuals seeking guidance and accountability write HWOM from countries such as India, Botswana, Great Britain, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and all over America, just to name a few. We attribute many individuals and families coming our way due to our web site which receives approximately 3,500 visits each month.

While all of us here at HWOM certainly applaud the faithfulness of those driving two to three hours one way to join us for meetings and support, and the wonderfully convenient communication system of computers, it is you who faithfully support HWOM by your prayers, offerings, and monthly financial support that under gird everything that is accomplished in Christ's Name at HWOM. Many, if not most of you, will never know how many lives you have touched by your generosity in giving to God's ministry called His Way Out. Therefore, in this season of Thanksgiving, know that each and every one of us at His Way Out Ministries give thanks for you. Together, we are making a difference. May God richly bless you!

Return To Highlights

Coming Up This Month!

November 4th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times).
On Saturday, November 4th, we will turn our attention to a lesson and discussion titled Accepting Responsibility. The "if / only" statements we think or speak are a very good indication of how much we feel bound by the circumstances in our lives. However, God's Word says that in "all things" He works together for good.

If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality, or you would just like to attend and learn about the complexities of homosexuality...this group is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. Teaching materials are provided.

November 11th - TIME OUT
On Saturday, November 11th we will turn our attention to Reconciliation. We were made male and female; distinct physically and emotionally. God chose our gender. We reflect a part of who He is as we seek to embrace our God-given nature.

TIME OUT is a discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction which meets from 9am to 11am.

November 22nd - 24th
His Way Out Ministries office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

November 25th - TIME OUT
On Saturday, November 25th our discussion and lesson focuses on Temptation. It is not a sin to be tempted. If it were a sin, Jesus would have been considered sinful for being tempted by the devil. But temptation is something we all must face. How we choose to respond to temptation will reveal what we really value.

TIME OUT is a discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction which meets from 9am to 11am.

November 30th - December 1st
RACE AGAINST TIME: 2006 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church Conference at the Saddleback Church Campus, Lake Forest, CA. For more information on the conference and to register, follow this link to Race Against Time.

Return To Highlights

How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
  • Ask your pastor to check out this website.

  • Encourage your pastor to consider hosting a seminar or inviting His Way Out Ministries to speak at your church.

  • Ask your church to consider adding His Way Out Ministries to its missions budget.

  • Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.

  • Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.

  • Give to His Way Out Ministries, either a special one-time gift or on a monthly basis.

  • Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.

Return To Highlights

Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change presents a biblical perspective on the homosexual behavior with honesty and compassion. The 50 minute video contains information on: Can Homosexuals Really Change?, Will the Person Become Heterosexual?, How Long Does Change Take?, Exposing the Roots of Homosexuality, HIV and AIDS, Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change, and much, much more.

This video is an excellent resource for teachers, churches, pastors, support group leaders, or anyone desiring a clear, comprehensive understanding of homosexuality.

The Good News of Jesus Christ and His love, acceptance, and forgiveness, His power to heal and restore has brought hope to many struggling with homosexuality. If you know someone struggling with same-gender attractions Homosexuality and the Reality of Change can help.

Videos are available on VHS or DVD at a cost of $20.00. To order your video...give us a call today.

We recently received, and watched, the video you sent us. It was excellent. We will be sharing it with other people at our church. One part that especially ministered to us was when Pastor Lee said from Philippians 1:6 that God is never going to give up His job of working in our life to conform us to the image of Christ. It helps makes sense of life's trials. Thank you for your ministry...Tom & Catherine

Preview "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov

Return To Highlights

IT'S ABOUT LIFE:
Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
AIDS profoundly impacts one's life whether that person has been infected by it or they are a family member or a friend of someone who has. The social stigmas, fears and especially the "aloneness" associated with AIDS makes it oppressive to live with. "IT'S ABOUT LIFE" is a crucial part of His Way Out Ministries. Because His Way Out Ministries is committed to compassionately communicating God's heart through a caring Christian community, His Way Out Ministries will be a receiving house for non-perishable food items. This will assist those with AIDS to maintain a balanced diet and good nutrition. Two major considerations in food donations for folks with AIDS are speed and ease of preparation. An appetite sometimes doesn't last long and the item has to be readily accessible and speedily prepared for the patient to be able to enjoy it.

We invite churches, companies, ministries, corporations, individuals, and the entire City of Bakersfield to join with us in caring. Offer your support by donating the below listed items.

Canned tuna Canned soups
Canned ravioli Canned pasta products, e.g.Spaghettio's
Hamburger Helper Peanut butter
Hamburger Helper Peanut butter
Jams and jellies Breakfast cereals
Breakfast bars Fruit cocktail
Canned peaches Top Ramen
Cup o' Noodle soups Canned potatoes
Canned corn Macaroni and cheese mixes
Rice 'o Roni type mixes Chili beans
Tomato paste, Tomato sauce Spaghetti sauce
Potted meats Canned stews
Instant potato mixes, e.g., scalloped Instant oatmeal variety packs
Kleenex Paper towels
Toilet paper Popsicles (not frozen)
Instant breakfast drinks Spaghetti

His Way Out Ministries is located at Brimhall Road Assembly of God. Items will be distributed in cooperation with other outreaches in our community. This is a continuous, on-going ministry. For further information, please call 661-589-4262. God Bless You for your giving.

Return To Highlights

His Way Out Ministries Services

  • Consultations
  • Family Support Group
  • Individual Prayer Ministry
  • "Time Out" Discipleship Series
  • Ministry Support Network
  • Speakers available to address Christian groups
  • "Moving On" Advanced/Closed Support Groups
  • "It's About Life" Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS

Return To Highlights

Send a Donation to His Way Out

In your own church, and throughout this entire world, people are in need of God's clarity about their relationships and their sexuality. Participating in the work of H.W.O.M. is one way to acknowledge Christ's healing power for the sexually broken.

Through your financial support or volunteer involvement, you can add your voice to those who are speaking the truth of God with integrity.

His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International.

You can donate using PayPal...

Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)

Copyright © His Way Out Ministries

Return To Highlights

His Way Out Home | Our Mission, Our Position... | I'm Coming Out | Understanding Homosexuality | AIDS Education Guide | Support Groups | Workshops | Recommended Reading | Guyanese Ministry | Testimonies | Newsletter Archive

Web Site Administration