Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Restored Hope Network practice 'conversion therapy', Reparative Therapy, transformational ministry, or talk therapy?  

Neither Restored Hope Network--nor her members or affiliates--practice 'conversion therapy.' Conversion therapy is an ideological term used by the LGBTQ activist community and their supporters who seek to link compassionate spiritual care and talk therapy with horrible, clearly disreputable practices.

It is a propaganda phrase to vilify any who would want to offer kind care for those who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction or unwanted gender confusion.  To learn more about how kind care is portrayed as evil, check out the strategies included in "After the Ball" by Kirk & Madsen and learn about these propaganda techniques--name calling, transfer, card stacking, bandwagon, and demonizing (to portray as threatening or evil). 

Reparative Therapy is a very specific genre of help that was created by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, Sr and is a trademarked term by Joseph Nicolosi, Jr. It was never a theologically based therapy, nor was it intended to be. To be considered a reparative therapist, one would have to be certified and trained by Dr. Nicolosi, Sr. who passed away in early 2017. Dr. Nicolosi supported the rights of men and women who wanted to leave homosexuality. 

Transformational Ministry

Instead, Restored Hope members and affiliates share with those who seek help the transformational, life-changing experience of submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord; provide one-on-one, small group and large group laity and pastoral care, phone support, online support, discipleship care, and professional counseling (synonyms: talk therapy, change allowing counseling).

Counseling is defined by general practice and utilizes mainstream counseling methods to achieve the client's goals. Generally speaking, counseling is the process of assisting and guiding clients to resolve personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties. Often this includes the encouragement to examine parts of their lives that they may have found difficult or impossible to face before. Exploration of early childhood experiences is important to understand why an individual reacts or responds in certain ways to given situations. 

Restored Hope Network and affiliates do not use: coercion, shaming, nudity, pornography, promiscuity, aversion or abusive 'techniques'. 

There are many differing views on the topic of homosexuality and Christianity. Where does Restored Hope fit? 

A link to understand five basic views on homosexuality and Christianity created by Dr. Linda Seiler of ReStory Ministries, which is one of Restored Hope Network's Minstry Members can be found here.

From Dr. Seiler's illustration, essentially the five streams are:

1. Condemnation. "God condemns all gay people as beyond redemption."

2. Affirmation. "God affirms gay partnerships/marriage." (Otherwise called Side A for Affirmation)

3. Accommodation. "Accommodates a “celibate gay Christian” identity as a unique cross to bear." (sometimes called Side B)

4. Mortification. "Mortify (kill) sin by renouncing gay identity and repenting of homoerotic behavior."

5. Transformation. "Mortification + address wounds in the soul that may contribute to sexual brokenness."

What are Restored Hope's theological beliefs?

We have our official doctrinal statement under “About Us” on our website entitled “What We Believe.” It is details the basics of the Christian faith and biblical view of human sexuality.

Restored Hope board of directors was glad to sign the Nashville Statement on Biblical sexuality.

Our network is a member of the National Religious Broadcasters, Evangelical Council for Financial AccountabilityAmerican Association of Christian Counselors, and a few others.

What is the Restored Hope Network?

We are a coalition of Christian ministries, pastors, and counselors in the US committed to serving those seeking Christ-centered answers for sexual and relational problems. Many of our members and affiliates have national and international extended relationships as well.

What is Restored Hope’s mission statement?

Restored Hope is a membership-governed inter-denominational Christian network dedicated to restoring hope to those broken by sexual and relational sin especially those impacted by homosexuality. We proclaim that Jesus Christ has life-changing power for all who submit to Christ as Lord; we also seek to equip the church to impart that transformation.

Who can join Restored Hope Network?

The voting membership of RHN is composed of member ministries. Those applying for membership must submit an application to be considered for membership. The application is available by request from info@restoredhopenetwork.org. Membership must be approved by the unanimous vote of the Restored Hope Network Board of Directors and renewed each year.

Pastors, professional Counselors, and Spiritual Mentors may also apply to join Restored Hope Network as non-voting members. The process is similar to applying as a member ministry--you can obtain an application from info@restoredhopenetwork.org and submit it through mail or email. Affiliation for pastors and counselors also require the unanimous vote of the RHN Board.

How did Restored Hope Network form? 

After following Jesus' exhortation (Matthew 18:15-20) and confronting the errant leadership of the Exodus International North American office, Restored Hope Network was created by those who had addressed the problems and been rebuffed by the USA Exodus CEO Alan Chambers and its Board of Directors, whose oversight was limited to an annual 1/2 day prior to the Exodus Annual conference. Chambers tossed away the God given mission of helping individuals align their lives with their faith. As a result, former Exodus leaders and several of the founders of Exodus picked up the mission and continued to serve through this new network, Restored Hope Network. 

Restored Hope was birthed by voting on the name on May 1st, 2012, incorporated in July of 2012, and held its inaugural conference in September of 2012. During that conference, the leaders elected the first 7 board of directors, ratified the bylaws, mission, and theological statement. The theological statement had been crafted by theologian Robert A. J. Gagnon (world renowned on this topic and now at Houston Baptist University). 

The summer 2012 Forming Committee was Anne Edward (Paulk), Andrew & Annette Comiskey (Desert Stream Ministries), Frank Worthen (New Hope Ministries), Dr. Robert Gagnon (Houston Baptist University), David Kyle Foster (Mastering Life Ministries), Stephen Black (First Stone Ministries), and Michael Newman (Christian Coalition for Reconciliation).

In January of 2013, the Board of Directors hired Anne Paulk to the first executive staff/board member position based in Portland, Oregon. In July, 2018, the headquarters relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

How can I get to know more about Restored Hope Network?

  • Find us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube
  • Contact our office - info@restoredhopenetwork.org or (719) 598-0659.
  • Check out the local ministry, counselor, and pastoral affiliates here
  • Attend our annual HOPE conference held in different locations each year.