My Exodus: From Fear to Grace

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In sharing his own story of being a committed believer who struggled with same sex attraction early in his life, author, husband, and father Alan Chambers will help you understand the issues from the inside. And as the former president of the largest ex-gay ministry, Alan knows all the arguments, the concerns, the scriptures, and the heartaches.

My Exodus encourages us to look for and affirm the image of God in everyone. Its a reminder that God is still at work and deeply loves his creation. And its a book for everyone who wants to be welcoming and loving to all people without compromising their faith or their biblical theology.

Through personal and powerful stories and opening the scriptures, you will come to understand how to love all people and positively engage our culture in the red hot conversations and topics surrounding LGBT and the Church

Ultimately, My Exodus equips us all to be better and do better in God-honoring ways. By embracing the idea of loving well because we want to and not because we have to, we will find hope for ourselves, for the Church, and for our world.

Reviews

Contrary to popular belief, Christians do not need another book on sexuality. We have enough jeremiads, enough diatribes, enough proclamations, enough sharp-edged screeds. Thankfully, My Exodus is not just another book on homosexuality. Alan Chambers embraces the messiness of sexuality matters and reminds readers that God loves everyone equally regardless of their sexual orientation or practices. In a time when many Christians are opting for easy answers, Chambers focuses instead on raising difficult questions and empowering readers to face them with grace. My Exodus is part memoir and part gut check, but whole- heartedly hopeful. If youre struggling with how to live well or love well, you cant afford not to read this book. * Jonathan Merritt, author, Jesus Is Better Than You Imagined; senior columnist, Religion News Service *
In an atmosphere of anger, hatred, and division, Alan Chambers is a voice of love, authenticity, sanity, and truth. My Exodus is a book that should be read by all who want to know a better way. Alan Chambers smells like Jesus. * Steve Brown, seminary professor, broadcaster, author, and founder of Key Life Network *
Alan Chambers well-publicized exodus from Exodus International has a backstory that needs to be heard. People on all sides of the LGBTQ issue will benefit from seeing the storys protagonists humanized rather than stigmatized, and this account, beautifully told, does so with grace and honesty. * Brian D. McLaren, author/activist, brianmclaren.net *
Exodus International promised to change gay to straight, but instead found itself changed from a large, influential organization to one with shuttered doors. President Alan Chambers advocated orientation change in both his personal and professional lives, and instead found himself changed as a man and as a leader: keeping his vows to his wife and children, directing courageous organizational change, and experiencing and proclaiming Jesus love. At first glance, My Exodus seems like a story of deep and often painful change, but read it more closely, or read it a second time, and youll see that the really true things have stayed the same. Gods changeless love and boundless grace were the true promise, not orientation change. Alan describes how truth, grace, love, and mercy have proven solid and trust- worthy, even through profound organizational and personal challenges. The time is ripe--- overripe --- for truth-telling about reparative therapy and about the sincere spiritual lives of gay Christians. This book tells that truth. * Jenell Paris, professor of anthropology, Messiah College; author, The End of Sexual Identity *
Who is spotless in this world except the Lamb of God Who extends the unmerited favor of grace to all mankind but the Lord Read this honest, open, personal, and loving work and see how the God of love meets us at every point of our need and restores us by his grace as we walk through the temptations and potholes of life. * Rev. Dr. Thelma Wells, CEO, That a Girl and Friends Speakers Agency and Enrichment Tours *
My Exodus is one of those rare books that I could not put down until I finished it. While it will certainly be contro- versial, I promise it is not dull! Alan and Leslie share their journey with amazing vulnerability and honesty. Five stars! * Clark Whitten, pastor, Grace Church; author, Pure Grace *
My Exodus is beautifully written. You will laugh and cry, but most of all you will encounter an extraordinary grace. Thank you, Alan and Leslie, for allowing us into those vulnerable places. * Debra Hirsch, author, Untamed and Redeeming Sex *
The Bible says that the truth that you know will set you free, and this is what happened for Alan Chambers when he was challenged by a young gay man in the Exodus International ministry who knew that heterosexual marriage would never be a solution for his life. My Exodus is a story of courage, truth, and integrity as Alan Chambers, the final president of Exodus International, closes the doors of the organization, along with its premise of change, and embarks on a whole new adventure with his wife, Leslie, of love, grace, acceptance, and inclusion. * Rev. Sandra Turnbull, pastor, The Glory Center; author, Gods Gay Agenda *
You dont know what you think you know about an issue until you know someone deeply affected by the issue. This book, written by two people I deeply respect, is not only delightful and intriguing but profoundly insightful. * Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor, NorthlandA Church Distributed, Orlando *
Grateful for the honesty and bravery that Alan and Leslie willingly share in their story. Im hopeful their book sheds light and brings hope to many who are confused and hurting, especially in the Christian community. Like the Chambers, Ive also found new freedom in loving everyone and seeing the image of God in all of humanity. * Kim Hill, Grammy-nominated, Dove- Award-winning recording artist *
Alan and Leslie have written a quick read with high value. If youre curious about the closing of Exodus International, because of Alans vulnerability youll learn how the decision was made. Decide for yourself whether it is something to blame him for or credit him with. But this book is about so much more. Your hope and confidence will increase if youre willing to think about some of Alans statements that may surprise and even challenge you. Alans most important contribution might be in the area of identity. My Exodus is a powerful reminder that knowing who we really are is transforming and energizing. Authenticity is a beautiful thing, and Alans example might just move you to examine your own life. You will benefit from Alans humbling and vulnerable slice-of-life illustrations. Read this book now. * Kathy Koch, president and founder, Celebrate Kids, Inc., www.DrKathyKoch.com *

Author Bio

Alan proposed to Leslie on their first date while both were working for major league baseball great Orel Hershiser and his family. They married in January 1998 and began a very public journey living their faith and sharing their lives. During their 16 + years of marriage the Chambers have been featured on every major (and minor) media outlet in the world related to Alan's personal story as a Christian with same-sex attractions, their unlikely union, and his work. Alan and Leslie now consult and speak in very large and small venues to wide varieties of people including university settings, large organizations and corporations, mega churches, and to individuals with no titles over coffee. Their goal is to reduce fear, establish trust, and inspire hope on both sides of a growing divide for the sake of the Gospel and our cultural common good. Having authored 2 books, Alan is currently working on his 3rd with Leslie. They also write at AlanChambers.org. The Chambers spend the best part of their lives with 8 and 9 year olds, Molly and Isaac in their hometown, historic Winter Park, Florida.