A BLOG BY ALAN CHAMBERS

Statement from Alan Chambers Regarding Exodus and Dawson McAllister

Recent events involving youth leader Dawson McAllister, Clear Channel Communications and Exodus International have been spotlighted in numerous blogs and publications over the past few days. While Exodus is no stranger to controversy, we are usually reluctant to make public statements critical of other organizations or leaders, particularly those for whom we have high personal regard. But the very public nature of this situation leaves us no choice but to clarify our feelings and position on the matter.

On Sunday April 11, a 22 year old gay blogger named Greg Kimball called into McAllister’s syndicated radio talk show Dawson McAllister Live, posing as a 16 year old seeking advice about his homosexuality. The show’s representative referred him to Exodus, which was listed on McAllister’s website as a partner. (Other partners on the site include Focus on the Family and Campus Crusade for Christ.) Kimball, apparently outraged that a youth-oriented radio show would refer people to Exodus, went public with his discovery, resulting in a number of communications to Clear Channel demanding they take action.

Clear Channel subsequently informed Dawson that he would need to remove Exodus’ name from his referral list. Citing its non-discriminatory policy, the company defended what many would view as censorship, stating that because of their commitment to diversity, they expect that “listeners who call (Dawson McAllister Live) be treated in a manner consistent with our corporate commitments to diversity.” Left with a choice between losing favor with Clear Channel by maintaining a relationship with Exodus, or maintaining media visibility by severing our ties, he chose the latter. On Thursday April 15 he informed us personally that, while he loves and supports Exodus, our name was now deleted from his partner’s list, and he will no longer refer to us. That decision has been well publicized, requiring a response.

Our esteem for Dawson is not in question here. His achievements are remarkable – <<over 1 million copies of his books and manuals sold; a 15 year broadcasting career; a radio show boasting over 140 stations – and I’ve made no secret of his impact on me.  In 1991 we met in Lakeland, Florida.  I was 19 at the time, and it was through his personal referral that I found Exodus International. Dawson McAllister was the catalyst for my journey, which eventually led me to direct the organization he’s now unwilling to officially associate with. (Could the irony be any more bitter?)

But respect notwithstanding, it’s troubling to see any Christian-led organization allow itself to be guided by the demands of pro-gay advocates. While Exodus is the group being marginalized in this case, it's the freedom to express a traditional viewpoint of sexuality that's really at stake, raising the obvious question: Who's Next? Should all on-air ministries who teach that homosexuality falls short of God’s will expect a knock on the door, demanding they either water it down or close shop? And if that knock comes, is the truth about human sexuality really a negotiable item? Is the definition of marriage and family so small a matter to Christian leaders that they’ll avoid inconvenient truth (or inconvenient relationships) to keep their audience? If so, we wonder what other Biblical truths are up for negotiation when on-air visibility is at stake.

We appreciate the need one group may have to distance itself from another. We’ve made that painful decision ourselves, when we’ve realized that differences in belief or approach were so great that we had no choice but to severe ties with those we could longer in good faith support. So if an associate no longer shares our position on homosexuality, we respect his need to break ties with us. Likewise, if someone shares our viewpoint but objects to the way we implement it, we hope they’ll discuss their concerns with us so we can consider them and, if no agreement can be reached, we wish them the best as they move on.

But according to both Dawson and his CEO (who also spoke with me by phone) this severance had nothing to do with disagreement. The CEO, in fact, assured me they still love Exodus and believe in what we are doing, which bothers me all the more. When organizational relations end due to irreconcilable differences of belief or practice, that makes sense. But when someone publicly dumps you then privately whispers “We still believe in what you’re doing”, isn’t some kind of double-mindedness at play? Both of them also stressed to me their desire to stay on Clear Channel, which is understandable. But at what cost? When a Christian leader is forced to choose between truth and market numbers, should market numbers really be the deciding factor?

Yes, according to Dawson’s CEO, who told me that only 1% of their callers over the past 15 months had phoned in with this issue. "Should we forsake the 99 percent for the 1 percent?" he asked. Had he remembered the parable of the lost sheep, in which a good shepherd left the 99 for the 1, he might have answered his own question. 

And there’s the rub. If Dawson McAllister was a secular, non-Christian leader, his priorities would make sense. But if he serves the One who warned “Woe unto you when all men speak well of you”, and follows in the steps of the Apostle who said, “If I seek the favor of men, I should not be a servant of Jesus Christ”, then his response to pressure from gay activists and Clear Channel is distressing. We earnestly hope it will be the exception, not the rule, when similar pressure is exerted on other visible leaders.

As for us, we’ll continue our commitment to Biblically based truth regarding homosexuality, and to that 1% that is, to us, precious. And on a personal note, I’ll admit that yes, I am sad, yet I am determined.  I'm not giving up or in.  You can count on me, 1%.  I'm for you, and both I and my colleagues at Exodus will continue to tell you the truth about God's never-ending grace and mercy.

To Contact Clear Channel:

Marc Mays, CEO, Clear Channel; Executive Assistant: Carole Adamek, 210-832-3306
Lisa Dollinger, Communications Director, Clear Channel: [email protected]
Ms. Dollinger's Executive Assistant: [email protected]; 210-832-334

When you call or write (OR BOTH), do not simply accept referrals to Premiere Radio--register your concern BOTH places. 

Click here to register your concerns with Dawson, as well.

It's Hard to Hate a President that You Pray For

My wife, kids and I have been praying almost daily for Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia Obama since they became the First Family Elect of the United States.  We had voted for John McCain and, frankly, were very nervous about an Obama presidency.  During the campaigning process I was very vocal about my support for McCain and my opposition to Obama.  This is the United States and I am very thankful for the right to speak my mind freely.  People of every race, creed, color, orientation, political affiliation, and religion should always have that right.  There is no harm in having or expressing an opinion.

 However, infinitely more important than being able to express my opinion as an American is my desire as a Christian to care about people’s hearts above those right or wrong opinions.  And, while I am, as a citizen of the United States, regularly and carefully sharing my thoughts with our elected officials I am far more often simply praying for the people voters have entrusted with leading us.

 I am sure that the concept of hating a president or elected official isn’t too far from many people’s minds these days.  The media has always been very quick to show the stories of those who seem to hate a president.  I hear from people daily who hate President Obama’s policies and trash him all day long for them.  Sometimes, maybe often times, I sense that conservatives, more specifically for the purposes of this article, evangelical conservatives, hate this president’s policies and try to defeat them more than they love the man as their neighbor and pray for his heart.  I know for a fact that if I didn’t pray for Barack Obama and his family daily that I would be guilty of the same thing.  It is my praying for the Obama family that keeps me from sinning against them with a reckless tongue.

 I have written before about Former Governor Jesse Ventura’s comment that religion is a crutch for the weak.  In the case of praying for Barack Obama my faith is more like a brick wall for me.  I am weak and I willingly and gladly admit it.  I am too weak not to pray for the daily strength to overcome the sin of unhealthy criticism.  I am too weak not to pray for the ability to love my fellow man with which I have so many deep disagreements.  I pray because I must.  I pray because I will fail miserably if I don’t.  Having failed far more times than I care to number, I daily choose to succeed.  In this particular case, I am choosing to succeed at loving and praying for a president that I don’t agree with, that I didn’t vote for and for his heart that I do not understand. 

 God loves Barack Obama and his family as much as He loves me and mine and wants them for His own—if they aren’t already.  I cannot judge him because I haven’t walked a step in his shoes let alone a mile.  So, as a citizen I will be proactive in sharing my opinions, but far more often my wife, four-year-old son and daughter and I will bow our heads, quiet our hearts and pray this prayer:

 Dear Jesus, This morning we pray for Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha Obama to come to know you if they don’t already.  We pray that President Obama would become the best Christian president this nation has ever known.  Guide him, protect him and help him to seek you.  We pray for his cabinet and administration and for every decision he will make for our country today.  We trust you, Lord.  Amen.

 

 

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for your courageous leadership over the past 4 years. My family and I are better off today than we were before you became Commander in Chief. It will be our pleasure to affirm your excellent leadership on November 2 when we vote to make you our President once again; I honestly believe that the majority of American voters will do the same.

My purpose in writing today is two fold: one, I want to address a specific question brought up in last night's debate and two, I want to encourage you to meet with me.

First the question. Bob Sheafer asked you and Senator Kerry if you believe homosexuality is a choice. I appreciated your sincere answer and your compassionate call to treat all people with dignity and respect. Everytime you mention homosexual people I believe you honestly care about them and want others to treat them as fellow human beings. The liberal media will never give you any credit for this because simple dignity isn't their desire, a no holds barred sexual revolution is what they are after.

And while I believe you to be sincere and earnest in your desire to serve all people I also think that you could know more about the issues surrounding homosexuality than you do--that is why I think you need to meet me and others like me.

I am, for political and news clip purposes, what others call 'ex-gay'. I prefer to reference myself by what defines me: my faith in Jesus Christ, the fact that I am a husband and expectant father, a loving son, brother and human being, a man. However, in this sex-defined culture I am pigeon holed by many on both sides of the debate by what I used to do.

I was involved in homosexuality for a number of years starting in puberty and extending through about age 20. I had numerous sexual encounters and emotionally volatile relationships, attended a gay church, went to pride rallies and parades, worked on the AIDS quilt, volunteered at AIDS organizations and tried desperately to reconcile my faith with my sexuality. I could not.

When I was still a teenager I was referred to a Christian ministry that helped those struggling with homosexuality. This local ministry was a member of Exodus International, the world's leading outreach to men, women, youth and families affected by unwanted homosexuality. And even though I dabbled for two years after finding out about Exodus, I did faithfully attend meetings, counseling and seek to make a change in my life. Because of my faith in God and His unending grace, change won out.

As I inferred above, I am married today; a benefit not cause of my healing. Since 2001 I have been the President of Exodus International because I believe the world needs to know not only that change is possible, but that hundreds of thousands of men and women have sought and made that change. I lived as a homosexual and the world, especially young people and parents, need to know that it is not a healthy path or the optimal option. Which brings me back to last night's question.

Homosexuality is and isn't a choice. I did not wake up one morning and choose to 'feel' gay. At that time I would have rather died then felt what I felt. However, at a time when I was old enough to make wise decisions I did choose to act on my feelings. For those who say they have no choice, that is not true. We all have a choice to do what is best and with regard to acting on my homosexual feelings and inclinations, I did not choose God's best for me or for society when I chose to act upon them. However, I did finally choose to live beyond those feelings and today I am not a homosexual nor am I tempted to be one.

Mr. President, it is my sincere hope that you will choose to meet me, along with my wife Leslie. In fact, I think it would benefit you to meet the many men, women, youth and families that have been personally affected by this issue. I am sure you both know and regularly meet people actively pursuing a homosexual path--a path that they have every right to walk. However, how often do you meet people that made the very difficult choice to pursue the harder road and more unpopular path in today's society? Please take me up on this and choose to meet someone that has found freedom from homosexuality.

Again, it is my sincere pleasure to support you and to pray for you regularly. I believe you are an honest man and an honorable man. I look forward to being led by you for four more years.

Most Sincerely,

Alan Chambers
407-599-6872

Kerry Supporters Steal Signs, Trash Bush HQ's All Over US: A Sign of What a Kerry/Edwards America Would be Like!

The future of our nation is at stake. We are on the verge of electing the next President of the United States and, of the two viable candidates, I wholeheartedly believe that one represents good and the other, evil.

Of course, all you have to do is look at my blog to see which I think is good. President George W. Bush is one of the most vocally moral Presidents we've had since the early days of our nation when our government officials were overtly and unabashedly Christian! Thank God we are getting back to our roots.

Just as obvious as my choice for President is the evidence that Kerry and the liberal elitists running the Democratic Party are evil to the core.

Case in point, last Tuesday in Orlando protestors from the AFL-CIO (a Demon-rat stronghold) broke into a Bush/Cheney campaign office injuring a volunteer in a violent rampage that ended in their arrest. See Orlando's Local 6 news site for more on this unbelievable story. Also see Moby.com for a rundown of other Bush/Cheney offices ransacked, attacked or targeted by Kerry's goons.

As if rampant lawlessness isn't enough, simple thievery has also become the norm for Kerry and his minions. Yesterday I filed a complaint with the Orlando Police Department after a Bush/Cheney sign was stolen from my yard. What sent me over the edge was that this was the SECOND time in 10 days that a Bush/Cheney sign was stolen from in front of my house.

Now, I concede that the Republican party and it's people are not perfect, however it wasn't aides from the Bush/Quayle Whitehouse that trashed their offices when they turned it over to the Clinton Administration or removed all of the W's from the computer keypads.

I think the good people within the Democratic party--the ones who probably do not realize how evil their current party leaders and policies are--need to rise up and look at what they are about to elect and realize the type of people that have invaded their once respectable political party.

I pray that the people of America come to understand within the next month that their pocket books matter far less than the soul of our great nation. If the people trying hardest to get Kerry elected are common thieves, vigilantes, anti-Christian and anti-creation, then what is our country going to look like when their chosen one takes over?

We are on the verge of much better or catastrophically worse!

Merry Christmas From Alan & Leslie Chambers

Merry Christmas,
Alan & Leslie Chambers