"Do You Welcome Homosexuals in Your Church?"

As a Pastor you more than likely have (or will have) heard this question - all Christians will. Although the question seems straight forward, the way you answer it speaks volumes to the interviewer in ways you'll only know later and hopefully not in the paper. Suffice to say, I first want you to know that as a believer, you don't need to answer this question. When Jesus knew people were asking questions with the intent of twisting his words, he would respond with another question. Most people asking this question are ready to pounce on your answer, with few exceptions.

Here's how this conversation goes down for most of us:

Bill says: "Do you welcome homosexuals in your church?"

Bob replies: "Well, I suppose."

Bill: "What I mean is: would you allow them to join your Church?"

Bob: "Well, no."

Bill: "Why not!?"

Bob: "Well because homosexuality is wrong."

Bill: "How can you be so judgmental? They were born that way..." Etc.

Bill has an agenda. He wants Bob to say that homosexuality is wrong and then attack Bob for being so judgmental.

WHY?

When Bob says homosexual, what he means by that word is the behavior deemed sin by God's Word. When Bill says homosexual what he is referring to is the person doing the behavior.  Now Bill is going to write an article in the local newspaper about how Pastor Bob hates people who happen to be gay and he'll use the conversation he had with him as evidence. Even if Bob claims to never have said that, most people would hear it Bill's way.

This reality will cause two reactions, which is the purpose of this article. The first is a common knee-jerk reaction I will deem:

BATTON DOWN THE HATCHES

In this reaction we Christians rally together and form allegiances with other like-minded people. We post verses on facebook and twitter and make statements about not being ashamed of traditional marriage. Pastors begin railing on homosexuality and even add the "stance" of traditional marriage to their doctrinal statement. Already, I see this spirit in a recent article by Al Mohler addressing how we're going to handle a SBC Pastor and Church in California that has recently taken a pro-gay "stance". Al Mohler challenges us to decide if this church should be removed from the Southern Baptist Convention. Well, of course they should and, no doubt it will come out that they were kicked out for being pro-gay. But, they will not be booted for being pro-gay, they'll be booted for failing to believe and teach God's Word. That's not how the world will see it.

Consider the second reaction to this supposed "important issue":

NOTHING

What says more to a bully: reacting to them, or ignoring the bully as if he were not there? Look, if churches like this decide to change their view on marriage because they fear man more than God, that's their choice and they will be judged for it. A pastor who decides to avoid the topic of homosexuality, or embrace sin in his teaching is only exhibiting the fruit of disbelief. A church turning pro-gay is a symptom of a bigger problem: Their lampstand will be extinguished and they must now fade into obscurity.

As far as the world of sinners is considered, we must consider the consequences of what we say to certain people. There may be 12 year-old boys or girls in your congregation right now who are struggling with same-sex attraction. Have we considered how making stances or railing on the sin of homosexuality would effect their willingness to be transparent and look for help? Those weak and weary sinners need a Church that teaches the whole counsel of God's Word and exalts the great God of it! That is the kind of Church that a sinner (of any flavor) will find others who were the same and found grace in repentance.

Do you remember what Jesus said on the cross? "Forgive them Father, they know not what they're doing". Forgive who? Jesus was asking God to forgive those same men who twisted His words. It doesn't seem Jesus had a "me against them" motivation. So many Churches are making this homosexual issue an "us against them" battle. Think about that. Us against who?

As believers, our lives are defined by how we relate to others. We ought to be known for many things: our Godly character, behavior, kindness, gentleness, self control, goodness, etc. These are fruits of the Spirit, and you will notice that anti-homosexuality isn't one of them (Gal. 5).

ANTIDOTE

1. Next time someone asks you your stance on homosexuality ask them some questions before answering. Ask them what they mean by "stance" , what do they mean by "homosexuality". Ask them why they're asking it. Are they asking because they are homosexual? Do they want to know the answer or do they want to argue about the answer?

2. Be aware that there may be someone close to you struggling with same-sex attraction. Be sensitive to how you talk about this issue, because coming across "anti-gay" will not translate (in their mind) well.  You are not the person they're going to come to with questions on how to deal with it. You're anti-gay, meaning you're anti-them.

3. Churches have business as usual to attend to. This business is to do exactly what our master Jesus Christ commands by knowing His Word and communing with the Spirit. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. We hope that people trapped by the deceitful and destructive sin of homosexuality will repent and experience true joy in Christ. Therefore, some of us need to pray that our heart for homosexuals and those who approve of their lifestyle changes from an angst mentality, to a 'For' mentality. We're for homosexuals. We're pro-gay people, and we love the LGBTQ community.  We invite them to come and hear of the the one who can wash them clean and empower them to holiness - not traditional marriage, but holiness.

It's not about not being gay; it's about wanting Jesus. When they want Jesus, they'll be willing to give it all up for Him. So let's be like Jesus.