Alan Chambers - My Exodus: Leaving the Slavery of Religion, Loving the Image of God in Everyone

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 wholeheartedly 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 trustworthy, 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 controversial, 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, Northland A 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

ZONDERVAN

My Exodus

Copyright 2015 by Alan Chambers and Leslie Chambers

ePub Edition August 2015: ISBN 978-0-310-34249-6

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Chambers, Alan, 1972

My exodus : from fear to grace / Alan Chambers, with Leslie Chambers.

pages cm

ISBN 978-0-310-34248-9 (softcover)

1. Chambers, Alan, 1972 2. Chambers, Leslie. 3. Church work with gays. 4. Homosexuality Religious aspects Christianity. I. Chambers, Leslie. II. Title.

BR1702.C43 2015

277.3'083092 dc23

[B] 2015022449

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published in association with the literary agency of Legacy, LLC, Winter Park, FL 32789

Cover design: James Hall

Cover photography: Edward Linsmier

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

First printing July 2015

For Isaac and Molly

CONTENTS

by Lisa Ling

Ten years ago, if someone told me that Alan Chambers would ask me to write the foreword for his book, I likely would have reacted with utter disbelief. In fact, the decision to actually agree was not one that was arrived at easily. I havent exactly been shy about the fact that I have been a staunch defender of gay people all of my life. Ive always believed that people are born gay and should be able to live freely without question or condemnation. As such, Alan Chambers is a very controversial man.