Since the mid 1970s, there has been growing effectiveness in ex-gay ministry, and to a significant degree, the better-known Exodus ministries operate in a similar manner. Common ministry structures may have emerged, but the "ideal" ministry has not yet been developed; it probably never will be. This is still a relatively new area of ministry, so all of us are still learning. There are areas of need that no ministry is yet covering adequately.

In starting a ministry, you may assume that your ministry is going to be just like one of the other Exodus member ministries such as Choices (Singapore), Regeneration (United States), or Different (The Netherlands). That may be what you aspire to but that may not be the wisest plan or God's wish for your ministry, at least not at the outset. Although we should certainly benefit from the experience and wisdom of those who have gone before us, it is unlikely that your ministry will be identical to any other one. God may want to take advantage of special gifts you have. He may want you to be a pioneer in some facet of ministry. So you will need to determine what the focus of your particular ministry will be as it gets underway.

rayerfully consider the following:
 
Who are you going to be ministering to? This may be clear to you at the outset, or as you give it some thought, you may see an area of need that is not being adequately addressed by other ministries.

Most ministries start out ministering to whoever comes along, and in a city in which there is no other ex-gay ministry, circumstances may dictate that you minister to all whose lives have been touched by homosexuality. But you may sense that it would be best to specialize.

Some of the groups you might want to focus on would be:

1. Men, women, or both.
2. Married men, married women, couples.
3. Friends and family members.
4. Those still in the gay community.
5. Members of your denomination.
6. People with HIV/AIDS.
7. Churches -- providing education.