How HA and Exodus Differ

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How HA and Exodus Differ

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The following is not an official statement of either organization, but a summary provided by a Detroit HA board member.

Homosexuals Anonymous Exodus International

Purpose The purpose of both organizations is to assist men and woman who struggle with unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior to experience freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both organizations believe and experience the truth that the power of God can transform men and women so that they shed the old, sinful identity and in its place learn new ways of relating to self and others. The goals of the organizations are identical; their methods are somewhat different and complementary. The Lord has seen fit to work through both efforts.

Primary Methods "Twelve-step" type meetings. Seminars, individual and group counseling, and facilitated group meetings.

Are meetings led by trained counselors? Usually not. Usually.

Are fees charged? Never. Sometimes, but waived in some cases according to ability to pay.

Are meetings open? Yes, always. "Drop ins" are encouraged. Some meetings are open, and others consist of closed groups following a specific curriculum.

Membership Requirements Any individual who struggles with unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior, and who attends a meeting, is considered a member. Membership of affiliates (counseling centers) is subject to oversight by Exodus International. Individual membership of local affiliates is open to all who participate.

Seminars and other resources for family members of homosexuals? Yes. Yes.

Books and Materials Comprehensive book and resource ministry.

Opportunities for involvement by local churches? Yes. Contact nearest chapter. Yes. Contact nearest affiliate.

How are referrals obtained? Ads in local papers, mailings to churches, and coverage by local Christian and secular media. Primary focus of marketing directly to the gay and lesbian community. Seminars, presentations at local churches, tables at Promise Keepers events, and other types of publicity. Primary focus of marketing is the Christian community; Christians are encouraged to witness to homosexuals and direct them to an Exodus seminar or other activity.

When does one organization refer people to the other? H.A. meetings are often the first type of recovery effort experienced by people seeking to step away from the gay and lesbian lifestyle. These people are comfortable with the anonymity associated with H.A. Men and women who seem to require something more than an anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus International affiliates. Men and woman who seem to require something more than an anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus International affiliates. Sometimes the closeness or required participation associated with a seminar series or other Exodus activity can appear to be "too much" for a person struggling with homosexual feelings and behavior. People not "fully committed" sometimes find the HA's "anonymous open meeting" approach to be more accommodating or comfortable, and are referred to a local H.A. chapter.

Are there dual affiliations for local chapters/affiliates? Dual affiliations are discouraged. Not because of a sense of jealousy or political in-fighting, but instead because of the different methodologies and procedures of each effort. A local Exodus International affiliate might help to launch a new local H.A. chapter (or vice versa), but the two organizations seem to operate better if they maintain autonomy from each other.

How is success defined in each organization. In both organizations, "success" is defined in terms of the progress that individuals make in their walk with the Lord and in their submission to His will. Each organization has witnessed men and women gain freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

How have the organizations co-operated? Local chapters and affiliates often:

invite each other to seminars, fundraising events, and other activities;
share tables at Promise Keepers events;
sit on panels for interviews with local and national media;
provide encouragement to each other, and prayer on behalf of each other.

1 December 1995 version. Not a home page. Do not link directly to this page.

	Homosexuals Anonymous	Exodus International
Purpose	The purpose of both organizations is to assist men and woman who struggle with unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior to experience freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both organizations believe and experience the truth that the power of God can transform men and women so that they shed the old, sinful identity and in its place learn new ways of relating to self and others. The goals of the organizations are identical; their methods are somewhat different and complementary. The Lord has seen fit to work through both efforts.
Primary Methods	"Twelve-step" type meetings.	Seminars, individual and group counseling, and facilitated group meetings.
Are meetings led by trained counselors?	Usually not.	Usually.
Are fees charged?	Never.	Sometimes, but waived in some cases according to ability to pay.
Are meetings open?	Yes, always. "Drop ins" are encouraged.	Some meetings are open, and others consist of closed groups following a specific curriculum.
Membership Requirements	Any individual who struggles with unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior, and who attends a meeting, is considered a member.	Membership of affiliates (counseling centers) is subject to oversight by Exodus International. Individual membership of local affiliates is open to all who participate.
Seminars and other resources for family members of homosexuals?	Yes.	Yes.
Books and Materials	Comprehensive book and resource ministry.
Opportunities for involvement by local churches?	Yes. Contact nearest chapter.	Yes. Contact nearest affiliate.
How are referrals obtained?	Ads in local papers, mailings to churches, and coverage by local Christian and secular media. Primary focus of marketing directly to the gay and lesbian community.	Seminars, presentations at local churches, tables at Promise Keepers events, and other types of publicity. Primary focus of marketing is the Christian community; Christians are encouraged to witness to homosexuals and direct them to an Exodus seminar or other activity.
When does one organization refer people to the other?	H.A. meetings are often the first type of recovery effort experienced by people seeking to step away from the gay and lesbian lifestyle. These people are comfortable with the anonymity associated with H.A. Men and women who seem to require something more than an anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus International affiliates.	Men and woman who seem to require something more than an anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus International affiliates. Sometimes the closeness or required participation associated with a seminar series or other Exodus activity can appear to be "too much" for a person struggling with homosexual feelings and behavior. People not "fully committed" sometimes find the HA's "anonymous open meeting" approach to be more accommodating or comfortable, and are referred to a local H.A. chapter.
Are there dual affiliations for local chapters/affiliates?	Dual affiliations are discouraged. Not because of a sense of jealousy or political in-fighting, but instead because of the different methodologies and procedures of each effort. A local Exodus International affiliate might help to launch a new local H.A. chapter (or vice versa), but the two organizations seem to operate better if they maintain autonomy from each other.
How is success defined in each organization.	In both organizations, "success" is defined in terms of the progress that individuals make in their walk with the Lord and in their submission to His will. Each organization has witnessed men and women gain freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
How have the organizations co-operated?	Local chapters and affiliates often: invite each other to seminars, fundraising events, and other activities; share tables at Promise Keepers events; sit on panels for interviews with local and national media; provide encouragement to each other, and prayer on behalf of each other.