The Source - A Ministry for Overcomers

"What many people forget… is that it is quite possible (and from a Christian perspective, obligatory) both to judge a behavior or lifestyle as immoral, and yet treat individuals with the respect and dignity which they deserve."

-- Excerpt from the book, Setting the Record Straight, by Larry Burtoft

A Refuge in Peace And Hope

Some members of the Source Ministry after one of the weekly Friday night meetings

Offering a better lifestyle to those who struggle with same-sex issues, the Source Ministry reaches out with the message of Christ's love and forgiveness. Their approach is two-fold. First, the ministry is there to help the unbeliever turn away from the homosexual lifestyle and come to Christ. And second, "it also helps the believer gain victory in Christ and to overcome same sex attractions," says Source Ministry Leader, Karlene Van-Pitterson.

The Source is a unique ministry, offering moral and emotional support in a safe atmosphere to exonerate, witness, and build up those who seek healing and strength from God to fight this powerful spiritual battle. The open group meetings are held every Friday evening for anyone personally wanting triumph over same-sex issues - Rock members, members of other churches, and both the saved and unsaved, male and female.

It's a place where people can share their feelings and freely talk about their issues, without fear of being judged or persecuted. It's also a time of worship and Bible study.

Van-Pitterson stresses that the Source is not a psychological group in which members only focus on their past. The ministry concentrates on the message of Christ and the hope He has for each person's future. All issues are brought to God and instruction and guidance is found in Scripture.

"The group is for people struggling with the lifestyle, but our focus is on Christ," said Van-Pitterson.

Reproof by the Word of God

It is common these days to find many Christian churches either permanently casting out members who admit to struggling with same-sex issues, or are lukewarm by completely overlooking homosexual behavior in order to be more accepting. The Bible teaches that although all Christians are sinners forgiven by God's grace, living in a homosexual relationship constitutes habitual, un-repented sin.

The homosexual lifestyle is specifically condemned by God's Word and is described in Scripture as an unnatural, immoral perversion. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another. Romans 1:26:27

Yet, as an antidote for all sin, there is forgiveness in Christ's love as it is written in the message of the Gospel.

It's All About Forgiveness

The Source Ministry encourages each other to run in such a way as to receive the prize

"The Lord loves all people, including those who struggle with same-sex issues," says Van-Pitterson, "He is willing to forgive and help those who confess their sins and choose to serve and live for Him. In Matthew 11:28 it says, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. And 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

One man who attends The Source Ministry, whose name has been withheld for privacy, says the biggest challenge facing Christians with same-sex issues is the lack of love from the church. "I feel if someone with same-sex issues is coming to God, [the church] should show them the love of God. The Holy Spirit will convict and convert them," he says.

As one struggling with same-sex issues, he has felt animosity from Christians over the years. He believes there should not be a distinction between types of sin. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, declares Romans 3:23.

God forgives and cleanses those who repent and turn away from their sin. It is only through God's grace that the power to live a victorious life full of blessings is made possible. 1 Corinthians 6:13-14 says …Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Van-Pitterson's main desire is for The Source is to help "men and women walk freely in the love of Christ-so that they can overcome their issues and walk in their true identity in Christ."

For more information on how to get involved in The Source, either as a participant or leader, please email Karlene Van-Pitterson at: thesource@therocksandiego.org