Love Won Out Conference
February 25, 2006

By Jim Day

 

    Each year, thousands are faced with the pain of learning about a gay loved one and feel there is nowhere to turn for answers. However, since 1998, Love Won Out, a ministry of Focus on the Family, has been reaching out to those caught up in the homosexual lifestyle as well as their friends, families and loved ones with a message of hope and salvation.

    Focus has been passionately concerned about the prevalence of misinformation (as well as outright lies) flooding our culture regarding homosexuality. To combat this flood of misinformation, Focus’ Christ-centered Love Won Out conferences provide a factual and comprehensive overview designed to enlighten, empower and educate participants on the complex issues surrounding this issue. Their objective is to equip families, church and youth leaders, educators, counselors, policy-makers and the gay community with the truth about homosexuality.

    On Saturday, February 25th, Focus on the Family will bring its Love Won Out conference to St. Louis making this event their 37th presentation. First Evangelical Free Church, 1375 Carman Rd., in Manchester, MO will be hosting the conference which will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m.

    Locally there will be two notable outreach ministries to the homosexual community; Pure Heart Ministries, led by Rev. Jim Venice (636) 679-6815, and FirstLight, led by Luke Brouwer (314) 749-4937. Both ministries are recognized by the most well known outreach, which is Exodus International.

 

Speakers

    Those who will be speaking at the conference include: Dr. Nancy Heche.  As a single parent who experienced the international media rush during her daughter Anne Heche’s highly visible relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, and a widow who endured her husband’s diagnosis of and subsequent death from AIDS, Nancy brings a spiritual focus to the effects of homosexuality in a family. She holds a doctorate degree in pastoral counseling and has a private practice in psychotherapy specializing in communication and relationship issues with families, couples and singles. Her college courses and church seminars are highly valued for their compassionate and practical approach to some of the sensitive and painful issues of life.

    Dr. Dick Carpenter. As a veteran and award-winning teacher, principal, public policy analyst and college professor, Dr. Carpenter brings a wealth of wisdom and skill to bear on his work with Love Won Out. He writes and speaks frequently on legislative and cultural issues in both popular media outlets and in academic venues. Dr. Carpenter currently serves as assistant professor of educational leadership in a major research university system.

    Joe Dallas. Joe is the program director of Genesis Counseling in Tustin, CA. He currently directs a monthly five-day men’s retreat on sexual purity titled, “Every Mans’Battle.” Joe is the author of several books, including the recently released When Homosexuality Hits Home. He has served as President of Exodus International and has spoken around the world on the issue of homosexuality. Joe has been a part of Love Won Out since its beginning in 1998.  

    Melissa Fryrear. As the Gender Issues Analyst for Focus on the Family, Melissa is actively involved in public speaking, writing and educating the church and society on homosexuality. She has also shared her story with national and international audiences. Within Exodus International, Melissa serves as a regional representative, and prior to joining Focus, she served as executive director of an Exodus Member Ministry in KY. Melissa holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.

    Mike Haley. Mike offers tremendous insight into the causes and recovery of the homosexual condition. He has an undergraduate degree in Christian education from Biola University and is pursuing a masters in counseling. Currently, Mike is director of the Homosexuality and Gender department for Focus on the Family's Public Policy division and also serves as chairman of the board of Exodus International. He is the author of the recently published book 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality.

    Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. Dr. Nicolosi is the president and principal research investigator for the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH). He is the author of several books, including Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality, Healing Homosexuality: Case Stories of Reparative Therapy, and A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality (co-authored with his wife, Linda). Dr. Nicolosi is the Clinical Director of the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Encino, CA, where he specializes in the treatment of men with unwanted homosexuality. He is a licensed psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association.

    Alan Chambers. Alan left homosexuality in 1991 and is now the President of Exodus International, the largest resource and referral organization dealing with homosexuality in the world today. An accomplished speaker and writer, Alan has appeared in media venues such as: ABC’S 20/20 and Nightline, MSNBC’s Buchanan and Press and is a regular contributor on Janet Parshall’s America. He has also written for the Southern Baptist Convention, Charisma Magazine and the Orlando Sentinel.

    Dr. Bill Maier. Dr. Maier is Focus on the Family's vice president and psychologist in residence. A child and family psychologist, Maier hosts the national Weekend Magazine radio program and the Family Minute with Dr. Bill Maier. He is a frequent guest host for the daily Focus on the Family radio program and Focus on the Family Commentary and serves as a media spokesperson for Focus on a variety of family-related issues. Dr. Maier received his masters and doctoral degrees from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. He is a regular contributor to Focus on the Family Magazine and is co-author of the new book Marriage on Trial: The Case Against Same-Sex Marriage and Parenting (InterVarsity Press).

 

The Conference

    Whether you are an educator, parent, concerned citizen or even a gay activist, this conference will inform, inspire and offer the hope of salvation from the homosexual lifestyle. The following is a description of the general sessions and break out sessions which will be presented.

 

General Sessions

 

The Condition of Male Homosexuality (Dr. Joseph Nicolosi)

    The media and others have misrepresented male homosexuality as a pre-determined, biological condition.  This session examines the true nature of how male homosexuality develops, and it outlines the family dynamics that can lead to the development of same-sex desires.

    The Condition of Female Homosexuality (Melissa Fryrear)

    The root causes of lesbianism will be presented from a developmental perspective, focusing on relational deficits, identity formation issues and the effects of abuse.  The heart of lesbianism, emotional dependency, will be highlighted and defined.  The dynamics of lesbian relationships will be described as a woman’s search for various aspects of self and types of love.

    Why is What They're Teaching so Dangerous? (Dr. Dick Carpenter)

    The goal of gay activists is to "overhaul" America with the message that homosexuality is normal and healthy.  Popular television shows and elementary school classrooms are the breeding ground for a dramatic shift in how sexuality is portrayed.  This multi-media presentation poignantly reveals the motives behind gay activist's influential impact on western culture.

    Personal Testimonies (Melissa Fryrear, Dr. Nancy Heche, Mike Haley)

    You will hear from both men and women who have been affected by homosexualiy and how Christ has intervened in their healing process.  You’ll also hear the story of a parent and spouse

who learned how to deal with this in their family.  Their stories are encouraging reminders that God is still in the business of changing lives.

    How Should We Respond? (Joe Dallas)

    As a fitting end for the Love Won Out conference, our speaker exhorts the Christian church to passionately reach out to those within the gay community without compromising its stand on biblical truth.

 

Breakout Sessions

 

    Responding to Pro-Gay Theology (Joe Dallas)

    This session takes a powerful, straightforward look at the growing acceptance of homosexuality in the evangelical community.  This speaker provides a clear biblical response to understanding pro-gay theology's beliefs and finding the crucial balance between conviction and compassion in communicating with those who have embraced pro-gay theology.

    Top Ten Questions Loved Ones Ask (Joe Dallas)

    Throughout the history of Love Won Out, we’ve learned that the same questions arise at each conference.  We will tackle the ten most frequently asked questions received from loved ones affected by another’s struggle with homosexuality.

    Someone I Love is Gay – What Should I Do? (Melissa Fryrear)

    Hearing the words "I'm gay" from a son or daughter, spouse or close friend is often followed by a deafening silence.  This session will address key issues families need to face to "move forward," including loving without compromising, what to tell children, how to witness to gay friends and how to be a positive influence in the life of your loved one.

    Hope for Those Who Struggle (Alan Chambers)

    Choosing to leave homosexuality is a difficult process.  However, there are tens of thousands of men and women who have successfully done just that.  This breakout session is specifically for those battling unwanted same-sex attractions who are looking for practical tools and resources, a place to ask questions and some encouragement while on the journey. 

    Straight Thinking on Gay Marriage (Dr. Bill Maier)

    Gay marriage is a reality in the U.S. -- now how do we as Christians make a convincing, compassionate case for why that's not in the best interest of society and our children?  This session will equip attendees with the facts and strategies they need to effectively argue for the benefits of traditional marriage to their friends, co-workers and legislators.

    Practical Tips for Reaching Out (Alan Chambers, Mike Haley)

    Have you ever wondered what to say to someone who comes to you for help with confusion about homosexual feelings?  You’ll hear how one man’s experience provides practical tools to enable a pastor, mentor or caregiver to come alongside a struggling individual.

    Teaching Captivity: Addressing the Pro-Gay Agenda in Your School (Dr. Dick Carpenter)

    The gay agenda is encroaching on public school classrooms across the nation.  Parents, teachers and administrators often find themselves at a loss in countering this onslaught. This session outlines action steps in confronting gay-affirmative curriculum and how to counter anti-family activism in your schools.

    Ten Things to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say (Dr. Nancy Heche)

    This session will elaborate on the testimonies shared today with practical suggestions for family and friends as well as the church on what to do when you first hear the words, “I’m gay.”  This speaker offers experience and encouragement to those who have been directly affected by homosexuality in their families - including spouses, parents and children.

    Prevention of Male Homosexuality (Dr. Joseph Nicolosi)

    Contrary to the popular myth that homosexuality is genetic, same-sex attraction is a preventable and treatable condition.  This class offers practical tools in directing children toward a healthy heterosexual identity, and imparts insight into what parents can do to safeguard their children from those who would tell them otherwise.

    Questions and Answers on Lesbianism (Melissa Fryrear)

    This session will answer your questions on the numerous and varied aspects of female homosexuality.  Drawing from years of experience-both personal and professional-basic questions to the most difficult questions will be answered.

 

    For more information regarding Love Won Out visit their web site at www.lovewonout.com. Those interested in attending the February 25th conference should call 1-800-232-6459 or sign-up online at www.lovewonout.com as soon as possible.