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Homosexuality and The Church
By Pastor Phillip Lee
Why has the issue of homosexuality been so divisive to the Church?
How does God want The Church to see gay people?
Who should we welcome into the Church?
Where can I find the Scriptures on homosexuality?
What sends ex-gay men and women back into the old lifestyle?
What do ex-gay people want to tell the Church?
For quite some time now, The Church has been under pressure to offer a response to the above questions. What will local churches do as homosexuality becomes increasingly accepted by our culture and as those who oppose it are vilified? The great debate about homosexuality - at least as far as evangelicals are concerned - is ultimately not about sexuality. It's about biblical authority. Will we place ourselves under the Word of God and affirm what it teaches, no matter how imperfectly we may live up to what it says?
Those who wish to redefine sexual ethics so that "gay is okay" are all around us. We know them, we may be friends with them, we may see them at the family reunion or work with them every day. Today, more than ever, The Church must take a courageous and intelligent stand on this vital issue and thus bring a halt to the moral erosion that exists within The Church today. Today, The Church would do well to remember regarding the crisis of homosexuality - "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).
Much of the debate that has surfaced today regarding homosexuality has resulted due to the approaches of homosexual advocates in their usage of interpreting the Scriptures. In fact, the current raging debate is really about the interpretation and use of Scripture. Clearly, the true crisis The Church faces today is not about homosexuality but the Authority of Scripture.
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 others 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. God wants His Church to "reach" and not just "tell" homosexual people. Certainly, we can and we must be accepting of any and all wounded persons, but we, The Church, can never accept a theology or a way of life that flies in the face of God's Word.
On Saturday, March 6, 2010, His Way Out Ministries begins a Teaching Module titled Homosexuality and The Church. All Teaching Modules will be facilitated at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield, CA from 9:00am to 11:00am. There is no fee for the series and teaching materials will be provided. All of us at His Way Out Ministries hope you will make plans to join us as we endeavor to raise awareness, educate, and encourage the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with same-gender attraction. (Full details are below.)
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers...we remain truly grateful. His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Your Financial Support Really Does Help
Help Us Help Others
Our web site continues to receive approximately 5,000 visits per month. We attribute many of the visits due to our Newsletter content being posted to our web site each month. Very often, we receive emails and calls from around the world with individuals, families and churches expressing their appreciation for our focus of ministry. Our email conversations with individuals, families and churches in Bakersfield, throughout America and overseas in places such as South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia continue to absorb about 3-4 hours per day. Youth and family referrals remain at an all-time high. All of us at His Way Out Ministries truly covet your prayers. You make it possible for His Way Out Ministries to reach around the world with a message of hope in Christ Jesus. Today, the need remains great but too often the resources are few. We desperately need you to help us in this effort. Will you join us by sending a donation today?
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Or send a check to:
His Way Out Ministries, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
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His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International.
Other ways you can help:
- Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.
- Ask your pastor to check out our website.
- Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.
- 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.
- Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.
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Parent Support Group
March 1, 2010
Co-facilitated by Craig and Karen Fulwyler, our Parent Support Group will meet at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 S. Chester Ave. in Bakersfield, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Our Parent Support Group helps parents understand and face the complexities of emotions, actions and questions that all parents have upon learning of a child's homosexuality.
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Video Series
Philip Lee Live Interview
His Way Out Ministries has opened His Way Out Vimeo Channel with an in-depth interview with Pastor Phillip Lee filmed on location at Television Jamaica.
His Way Out Vimeo Channel
The program, Religious HardTalk, is a hard-hitting, controversial and thought provoking series by renowned journalist Ian Boyne. Religious HardTalk delves into matters concerning the Church and religion with diverse guests in no holds barred, incisive discussions, debates and interviews.
Check it out today!
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For Wives Only!
Hope for Wives When Sexual Impurity Hits a Marriage
March 6th - Please consider joining this group where you can experience support in a safe environment with biblical guidance, prayer and encouragement for your healing journey. Facilitated by Ginny Mitchell, For Wives Only meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am. Meetings are held at the His Way Out Ministries office.
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What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
Free 36min MP3
Listen online to a presentation by Pastor Phillip Lee to the congregation of Parkside Church on the subject What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? You can Listen Online to the 6.2 MB, 36min, MP3 at this link.
Give it a few moments to begin downloading and it will play. Windows 95/98 users make sure your Windows Media Player (or other MP3 software) is up to date. Right-click and choose "Save Target As..." to save it on your computer. (If Internet Explorer attempts to save as .mpga you can change it to an .mp3 file type.) You can then play it later or copy it to any MP3 portable player.
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His Way Out Teaching Modules
Begining March 6, 2010
On March 6th, Pastor Phillip Lee will begin a teaching series titled Homosexuality and the Church. The series is designed to educate and equip the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality. Addressing such topics as: How does God want us to see gay people? Why has the issue of homosexuality been so divisive to the Church? Who should we welcome into the Church? What do ex-gay people want to tell the Church? Beginning March 6th, meetings will continue on March 13th, and 20th with the series conclusion on March 27th. Each meeting will be held at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield from 9:00am to 11:00am. Teaching materials will be provided and there is no fee for the series. To register your attendance or for more information, please contact the His Way Out Ministries office at (661) 321-9551 or email us.
Teaching Module Schedule
Homosexuality and the Church - March, 6, 13, 20, 27
- Why has the issue of homosexuality been so divisive to the Church?
- How does God want us to see gay people?
- Who should we welcome into the Church?
- Where can I find the Scriptures on homosexuality?
- What sends an ex-gay person back into the old lifestyle?
- What do ex-gay people want to tell the Church?
Now, It's Personal! - May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5
- How do I as a parent, a pastor, a friend, a Christian, respond to an individual confessing
they are gay?
- What do we know about homosexuality?
- Is homosexuality inborn?
- Is there a difference between acceptance and approval?
- As a parent, how do I go on after learning of my child's homosexuality?
- My husband is gay. Do I stay in the marriage?
- What are the most common pro-gay arguments?
- Where do we go from here?
Reaching Gay Youth - July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14
- So, what does a friendship with a "gay youth" look like?
- "I can change? How long is this going to take?"
- How do I begin a dialog with a gay youth?
- "What if people think I'm gay?"
- Want to connect with a youth? Be authentic.
Understanding Homosexuality - September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16
- Can homosexuals really change?
- How do I combat pro-gay arguments?
- How long does change take?
- Is there any scientific evidence to support the practice of homosexuality?
- Will the person become heterosexual?
- What are the root causes of homosexuality?
Sexual Purity? November 6, 13, 20
- Why is maintaining sexual purity so vital to the life of a Christian?
- What constitutes sexual immorality?
- How can a Christian walk in purity when temptation seems to be around every corner?
- Sexual purity? Shouldn't that be one way to recognize a Christian today?
All His Way Out Ministries "Teaching Modules" are designed and dedicated to raising awareness, educating and encouraging the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality. As well, offering encouragement and support to individual strugglers, families and churches impacted by homosexuality. All Teaching Modules will be facilitated at Chester Avenue Community Church in Bakersfield, CA.
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Now on DVD and VHS Tape
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
"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
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change presents a biblical perspective on homosexual behavior with honesty and compassion. This 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.
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Videos are available on DVD and VHS for only $19.95.
Use the Menu on the left to order using PayPal
or call us at 661-321-9551
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Check out the trailer on Vimeo!
If you have a slow internet connection, try the link below:
Reality of Change - Small Video
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov (will open in a new window or tab)
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Love Won Out Conference
March 6, San Diego, CA
At the Love Won Out Conference, you'll hear from nationally known experts who have firsthand experience with the seldom-told side of the homosexual issue. You'll be equipped to minister in truth and compassion to a loved one who deals with same-gender attractions, respond to misinformation in our culture and defend biblical beliefs with grace and understanding. The Love Won Out Conference will be held on Saturday, March 6th at the Skyline Church in San Diego, CA. For more information about the Conference, please visit the event web page.
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PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays)
Adds HWOM Vimeo Channel
PFOX, a national non-profit organization that supports families, advocates for the ex-gay community, and educates the public on sexual orientation, has added our Vimeo Channel to their blog. All of us at His Way Out Ministries are very grateful for the ministry partnership with PFOX as we continue to eliminate negative perceptions and discrimination against former homosexuals.
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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 |
| 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 in The Haberfelde Building in downtown Bakersfield, California; 1412 17th Street, Suite 313. 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) 321-9551. God Bless You for your giving.
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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
His Way Out Ministries is a referral ministry of Exodus International and continues to enjoy a strong ministry partnership with Exodus Global Alliance partnering with EGA in the development of ex-gay ministry in the Caribbean.
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