Announcement Exodus Support Group House Rules

Lori Jane

Administrator
Buddy
Bible Challenge
Sep 18, 2020
2,206
1,064
113
Central Florida USA
simplychristian.faith
The purpose of the Exodus Support Group is to provide a soft place to land for exJWs, exMormons, exAnyHighControlGroup (ExHCG) person. We want the zoom meeting and discussion areas to be a place where it is safe to share our experiences, to ask those who have been out longer how they have handled certain situations.

While many participating in these groups are people of faith we are not conducting a bible study, nor proselytizing our new beliefs onto others. There are plenty of other forums and zoom meetings for exploring deeper faith questions.

Note: For a list of meeting times see CALENDAR. There are filters you can apply as well. If you have a meeting you want to list please direct message Lori Jane.

These meetings are limited to ExHCG members helping other ExHCG members. Please only invite those that have suffered spiritual abuse. Like AA we are survivors helping survivors. We have a survivor bond. If someone needs outside therapy - that is encouraged and this group should be viewed as a supplement. If you need pastoral care - that can be sought outside of this group.

We do seem to agree that prayer and bible reading are essential to our healing while still maintaining faith. Please consider joining our Bible Reading Challenge (BRC) which comes with a gift license of Dwell.

During meetings and in conversations in related forums and whatsapp groups you will see scriptures shared or perhaps an encouraging spiritual song. We may open or close with a prayer. But the meat of the meetings and conversation should be around our Exodus from our High Control Religion not on controversial faith topics like trinity or non-trinity beliefs etc. We have separate forums here to explore that if you are ready for that.

In addition, we have instituted a "Buddy Program" where those who are new or in need of some one on one connection can do that. It is similar to the AA Program where there is a sponsor and a sponsee that work together to help the sponsee. A Buddy usually checks in with you regularly to see how you are doing. You will have a sense that you are not alone - that someone out there in addition to this group cares about you. Please take advantage of this - there are many willing to help you. And you can have as many buddies as you wish!

During zoom meetings, those who are willing to be buddies will share their email or phone number so you can make initial contact. You can also make contact via this forum. See the Member list of Buddies - click on their names and see their profile. You can direct message them there to request to be a buddy.

So in summary the HOUSE RULES are:
  1. Newbies get the floor - they are made to feel welcome and safe and are encouraged to share as much as they are comfortable
  2. Older ones (those out longer) offer support and share their stories (we may hear each other's stories several times <g>)
  3. We encourage maintaining faith in God and his son but we don't force it nor do we proselytize.
  4. The conversation should not become doctrinal or dogmatic in nature.
  5. If new ones want to know the faith of others they are encouraged to reach out and ask those they have resonated with.
  6. In zoom meetings, use the "raise hand" feature so you can be called on in order.
  7. Use general decorum and conduct yourselves as good humans - don't criticize others, disparage new beliefs etc. including in the chat.
  8. What is shared in the group should remain private. What you see here and hear here - let it stay here!
Happy Healing!

P.S. If you want to be a buddy or moderator please reach out to me at lorijaneusa@gmail.com or via private message here.
P.P.S. If you feel anyone has violated these rules please let me know and I'll work to resolve it.
 

Lori Jane

Administrator
Buddy
Bible Challenge
Sep 18, 2020
2,206
1,064
113
Central Florida USA
simplychristian.faith
Meeting Format
  • 2:05 Prayer
    • Invite new ones to share first
    • Others can share how their week was and concerns about upcoming week
  • 3:25 Close with Prayer (and optional song)
  • 3:30 Exodus meeting officially over
    • anyone can stay on to socialize or talk about whatever they wish
    • this portion will not be moderated

 
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