Theology Matters

A Publication of Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Vol 17 No 1 • Jan/Feb 2011

Homosexuality and the Church:

Moving Through and Beyond the Debate
By W. P. Campbell

The topic of homosexuality is impacting our to holiness. But we have not as clearly articulated the
congregations and our denomination perhaps more than rest of the Gospel, the love of a Savior who leaves
any other social concern. It is the centerpiece of our ninety-nine sheep behind to pursue the one. We have
debates and a motivating force behind major issues that failed to adequately explain how we will show God’s
have been handed to us for vote from the 2010 General love to gays and lesbians without bending our beliefs.
Assembly. By understanding this subject matter better, Might it even be said that until we learn how to show at
we will be more prepared for upcoming discussions and least as much grace and understanding as has been
debates, and we can improve our ministries. shown by liberals to this sector of our society that our
words will continue to ring hollow for those who engage
us in the debate?
I. Background
Stepping close to the microphone, I looked at people on
Our Biggest Failure both sides of the ideological spectrum and spoke from my
I was next in line to testify at the 2010 General heart: “I love you—all of you.” The crowd became
Assembly’s Committee on Civil Unions and Christian silent. “Let me remind you,” I continued, “that love, real
Marriage. The woman who was speaking in front of the love, encourages standards for healthy living. If you are
packed committee room was putting the finishing touches a parent, and you really love your child, you provide
on her emotionally-charged appeal to be more loving guidelines for his or her behavior.” I then attempted to
toward gays and lesbians, to welcome them into our explain in the simplest terms what I believe is a
churches, and to support gay marriage. Christlike response to homosexuality for the church.
Time didn’t allow me to bring clarity to my message as I
As I walked toward the podium, I mentally trashed my hope to do in the following pages. We truly can show
preplanned talking points. This woman had accentuated compassion without compromise. This article is my
the weakness in logic often found in Evangelical attempt to put feet on this concept for our ministries and
arguments against homosexuality. For more than three words to this concept for upcoming debates.
decades we have stated and restated the Scriptural call
Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Page 1
Why This Issue Won’t Go Away with churches in 40 countries on six continents.2 Many
A life-long Presbyterian recently said, “The normal who call themselves gay-Christians, however, wish to
process for decision-making and policy setting in our remain a part of the established denominations in which
denomination has been to vote on an issue, consider it they grew up.
settled, and to move on to the next issue. When it comes
to homosexuality, however, we vote on an issue, consider Their pain and their wish to be loved has been heard and
it settled, and then are forced to vote on it again and felt by liberal Christians who champion their cause with
again and again.” arguments based on justice and kindness, all bolstered by
heart-rending stories of the rejection of gays and lesbians
It has been more than three decades since the General by the traditional church. Conservative believers have
Assembly offered what seemed to be, at the time, the offered counter points more from the head than from the
final word on this subject through its 1978 Authoritative heart, more from doctrine than from experience. Over the
Interpretation. Then nearly fifteen years ago, the General years, liberals and conservatives have talked around each
Assembly attempted to settle the issue once again by other and talked about each other more easily than they
adding an amendment to our Book of Order affirming the have talked to each other about possible resolution.
church’s historical stand on the subject (G-6.0106b).
Still, the topic of homosexuality became part of our votes
as efforts to soften and then strip G-6.0106b from the What Conservative and Liberal Christians
Book of Order were defeated soundly in 1997 and 2001 Both Need To Understand
by votes in the presbyteries yielding 65.9% and 72.7% The great divide between theologically conservative and
majorities, respectively. liberal Christians can be closed through the person of
Jesus Christ. The liberal cause of love and the
Those who thought the issue would lie down and die conservative focus on truth are united in our God, who is
were not aware of the growing national momentum that by nature love and truth embodied (1 John 4:8, John
has been driving the gay-rights movement. A relentless 14:6). Our Lord extended a hand of love to the outcasts
push by gay-rights activists for acceptance and in his society. I believe that if Jesus walked the earth
recognition since the days of the 1969 Stonewall Riots today, he would minister to gays and lesbians. And of
has successfully influenced nearly every sector of our course he is alive today, in us, wanting us to have the
society and has long been seeking major inroads into the humility to follow him as he shows us how to put both
church.1 Relentless and determined, it has managed to spectrums of the Christian faith together.
fling the door wide open in many mainline
denominations. Great awakenings throughout history have been marked
by a coming together of biblical preaching and social
The gay-rights movement has given rise to the “gay- concern. Great division and decline, however, mark a
Christian” movement and “gay-Christian theology.” church that becomes polarized by debating factions.
What has amazed me most about this “new” theology is Most of us today are tired of the battle. The question is,
that no matter how clearly and soundly it has been how much more disagreement and decline must we
refuted by orthodox theologians through the years, it experience before we will come together in a manner that
continues to be promoted as though not a word of God will honor? We must lay hold of God’s untarnished
reasoned response has been given. With each new crop truth and unbridled love with a holy tenacity.
of incoming pastors, pro-gay theologians rehash the same
old arguments and fewer and fewer people know that Both sides of the debate over homosexuality have their
answers have already been given and more and more weak points. We conservatives have supported our
people suppose there really is no solid refutation of these biblical proof texts while doing little to lighten the
new ways of interpreting the Bible. Defenders of historic burden for people who experience unwanted sexual
approaches to biblical interpretation become weary and attractions. I know. I have been arguing the points for
turn their efforts to more fruitful venues of study while twenty years. Over the same period of time, I have also
the “gay-Christian” movement gains a wider hearing and counseled people who experience same-sex attractions.
more adherents. But until recently, I have done little to help my own
church members understand that gays and lesbians need
One of the primary motivational forces behind the “gay- to be loved if they are to be healed. They need to know
Christian” movement is the gay and lesbian’s pursuit of we care about them before they will let us guide them.
love and acceptance. Some homosexuals grew up in a Truth devoid of compassion can be sharp and damaging.
traditional Christian church, experienced rejection, and
established churches of their own. The Metropolitan Liberals have done a better job than we have at listening
Community Church, for example, is now a denomination to gays and lesbians and seeking to heal their pain. But

Page 2 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

they have too often jettisoned the plain teachings of develop grief and divorce recovery groups, but how
Scripture in favor of cultural norms. Love devoid of many of our churches have recovery groups for deeper
biblical standards can be soft and deceptive. issues of sexual brokenness? Some churches have finally
recognized the need to develop ministry for the rampant
Together, liberals and conservatives have tried to force problem of sexual addiction among heterosexuals. Few,
solutions through votes and polity. Such an approach however, offer ministry for those who struggle with
tends to foster splits on both ends of the theological unwanted same-sex attractions. When it comes to
spectrum, leaving many behind in the broad middle training our people about sexual brokenness, we back
where truth easily loses its sharpness and love often away.
becomes lifeless. If moving the masses toward a
compromised center is the right solution, would not the What many Christians don’t realize is that people who
moderates in our denomination have led us out of the experience same-sex attractions are all around us. One
desert and into Canaan’s rest years ago? The survey found that 60% to 70% of Christians have an
compromise of our convictions is not a way to true acquaintance with someone who experiences homosexual
peace. Our Lord never approved of a lukewarm church attractions.3 Perhaps half of those who wrestle with this
(Revelation 4:15-16). He calls us to step out of our issue are married to someone of the opposite sex, but
comfort zones and to establish his kingdom. When it still, they struggle.4 Singles and teens experiencing same-
comes to homosexuality, for example, his radical love sex attractions are looking for guidance. Many of these
and his unbending truth will call us together into people would call their same-sex attractions “unwanted.”
ministries that can change lives. They do not wish to be labeled by their sexuality. They
search for a safe, supportive environment in which they
can open their hearts and share their stories with friends
When Christ Reigns In Our Churches who are willing to walk beside them and support them on
In the process of researching and writing Turning the journey of growth and obedience to God’s standards
Controversy into Church Ministry, I surveyed numerous for sexuality.
churches in America and in other countries. It was an
amazing journey. The two realizations that most
impacted me were: Recognizing The Need
Perhaps we avoid and overlook ministry to homosexuals
1. How incredibly few churches have established a because this issue stands on the frontlines of a raging
ministry for people who struggle with unwanted same- cultural battle over values and worldviews. We have
sex attractions. It would be safe to say that only a seen the looks of pain, angst, and confusion in our church
fraction of one percent of churches have done so. We can members’ eyes, and we don’t want to push them to draw
imagine many reasons for this phenomenon, not the least battle lines and to take sides. By our silence on this issue,
of which are the controversy and confusion that surround we make the statement that there is no need for such a
this topic. ministry.

2. Churches that have actually established such ministry, A more reasonable and proper approach for addressing
however, are typically quite healthy and effective in issues of sexuality in our churches is to remind our
ministries of all kinds. The idea that “we can’t engage in members that we are each called to live in holiness, and
ministry for homosexuals or it will divide and damage that sexual brokenness of all kinds can no longer be
our church” is simply not true. It is our fears that tell us ignored. We must offer ministry to help all kinds of
so, but not the Scriptures, nor the Spirit of God. people find guidance and healing. Such ministry begins
through listening and learning. We need to listen to
people on a deeper level and to learn more broadly and
II. Ministry deeply by doing appropriate study and research.

The Ministry We Overlook

We provide ministry to address nearly every area of The Barriers We Must Overcome
human need, from clothing the homeless to Christian Our own lack of understanding about homosexuality is
aerobics. We find the Gospel relevant for nearly every one of the largest barriers we must overcome before
area of life, from how to raise kids to how to raise offering ministry to people who experience unwanted
money. Many of our churches have support groups for same-sex attractions. For example:
those in recovery from alcoholism. How many Christians
are aware of Homosexuals Anonymous, however, even 1. We must be careful, when thinking and talking about
though it is also an international organization? We the moral implications of homosexuality, to separate a

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person’s attractions from his or her actions. In the Greek, choice a person makes must both be recognized as poor
we find pronouncements about those who embrace their depictions of reality.
sinful thoughts and who engage in homosexual behavior.

2. We wrongly think that all homosexuals are the same. Clarity and Complexity About “Change”
We see the loudest and most brazen gay activists on our Perhaps the most significant spiritual and psychological
television sets and fear they might soon be marching factor beneath the surface of debates about
down the aisles of our churches if we address the subject homosexuality is that of “change.” Is it possible for a
openly. Yet the majority of gays and lesbians are quiet homosexual to become a heterosexual, for example?
members of our society. Some attend our churches, often Many of us, noting that even scientists and psychologists
keeping their struggles to themselves. And there are don’t agree on this issue, wonder, “If the professionals
thousands of former gays and lesbians around the can’t seem to come to agreement about this issue, how
country who can testify that it was through a can we hope to do so?” We can at least move in this
compassionate presentation of the truth and through the direction by thinking more clearly, logically, and
support of good counselors and mentors that they found biblically about “change.” Note that:
freedom from their past lives.
1. We need to recognize that there are different levels of
3. We mistakenly assume that even bringing up the word “change.” When alcoholics stop drinking, get into
“homosexuality” will bring division within our support groups, and pull their lives together, we say they
congregations. After all, is this not an emotional topic have changed. In the same way, if a person who once
that connects to wounds within ourselves and others? If lived a gay lifestyle turns away from that way of living
Sally Green’s husband left her for a gay partner, will not and chooses to live in holiness for the Lord, is that not
Sally naturally have a strong negative reaction when the change? Even those who have bought into the argument
topic of homosexuality is broached from the pulpit or in that gays and lesbians cannot shed their same-sex
the classroom? The answer to such questions depends on affinities must admit that a switch from active
how we address the topic. Not to address it at all, homosexual behavior to one of abstinence is in itself a
however, is an admission of defeat in the war of values significant change.
that rages around us. Is it not the call of the church to
heal wounds and to minister grace? Yes, this is when the 2. We may have convoluted perspectives about how
church is truly acting like the church. change might occur for a person experiencing sexual
brokenness. We conservative Christians seem to suggest
4. Misunderstandings abound regarding the causes of that change will happen best if we simply point out what
same-sex attractions. Many of our problems would is sinful. But we forget that if we only focus on behavior
diminish if we would simply cease to oversimplify this and not the deeper issues of the heart, we create an
topic and acknowledge it to be as complex as it really is. environment in which the person attempting to overcome
Homosexuality is caused by a multiplicity of factors. unwanted same-sex attractions feels trapped,
Even the American Psychiatric Association recognizes overwhelmed, shamed, and rejected. It is the Spirit of
this truth. A person may have a predisposition toward God, combined with the love of God, that draws a person
homosexuality from birth. Predisposition, however, does to a place where the deep work of change can occur. And
not dictate a lifestyle. When such predisposition is such change takes time.
coupled with influences in life, such as possible abuse, or
detachment from parents, or a host of other possibilities, 3. Much misunderstanding has arisen based on people’s
that person may find that his or her sexual attractions limited exposure to those who experience same-sex
develop toward the same sex. In most cases, the attractions. Some of us may have only been close to gays
environmental factors go back to pre-puberty years and or lesbians who have sought but not found change.
hence the only sexual attractions many gay people have Others personally know former gays who are living in
ever known are homosexual, causing such persons to holiness and who do not find their identity in their
honestly believe they were born that way. A study of sexuality. Many of these post-gay persons can, in fact,
human sexual development does not render such a clear testify that their homosexual attractions have not only
and simple verdict, however. diminished, but have been replaced by heterosexual
attractions. Which of these stories have you heard? If
When we allow for the complexity of cause to surface, your experiences are lopsided, your perspectives about
no longer can the extreme arguments be embraced from the complicated issue of change may be as well.
either the right or the left around this topic. Arguments
that all homosexuals were simply born that way and the 4. Perhaps the most significant misunderstanding related
notion that same-sex attraction is always a conscious to the potential change of sexual orientation is the notion

Page 4 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

held by some that if we only have enough faith, change against them. It is always right and rewarding to stand
on even the deepest level will come quickly, completely, for the truth in love.
and easily for the repentant person. Yet it has been my
experience that deep internal change for people
experiencing homosexual attractions may take years. 3. Defending Truth In Love:
Many who have overcome such attractions first lived in The mandate Paul gave Jude to “contend earnestly for
holiness before God for up to a decade before they were the faith” (Jude 1:3) is just as relevant today. When
suddenly surprised to find their predominate attractions challenging and correcting others, however, let us
to be heterosexual. Is it any wonder that the Metropolitan remember to speak with humility and gentleness
Community Church has many gays and lesbians who (Galatians 3:1, 6:1). We are called to speak the truth in
grew up in traditional congregations but who eventually love (Ephesians 4:15), for love alone will cover our
drifted away? Testimonies fill the halls of these gay- corporate shortcomings and sins (1 Peter 4:8).
affirming churches about their experiences in more
traditional congregations where they were told they The following points of defense center around Using
simply needed to “repent,” and their homosexual Logic, Upholding Marriage, and Defending Scripture.
attractions would surely disappear. Consider in each category how we can speak truthfully
while demonstrating the kind of love that will help our
5. Some Christians have abandoned their sense of moral words to be heard.
discernment around this topic. In a youth group, if some
declare themselves to be homosexual, or bisexual, for
example, the mentality may be, “just let them live it A. Using Logic
out—they are different from us.” But why then not
encourage all of the youth to live out their sexual 1. Argument Made: The church is filled with broken
fantasies and desires? Christians have no right to ignore and sinful people. How can we elevate one sin above all
the clarion call to holiness for our sexuality that others?
dominates the pages of Scripture.
Response: We should not highlight any one form of
How then do we discuss and debate this topic in a sexual brokenness as being worse than others. The truth
manner that honors God and can help people who are is that many heterosexuals are engaged in adultery,
looking for the truth? promiscuity, or the viewing of pornography. These
problems are not only found in society, but in our
churches. How could it be otherwise, if we are making
III. The Defense and Debate Christlike efforts to minister to people at their point of
need? But the solution is not to give blessing to every
1. Our Tone: form of sexual sin, but rather to show love toward those
Think about Jesus as he is described in the Gospels. How trapped in sin and to help them follow the standards
did he treat the outcasts and the rejected people of his given to us by our Lord.
society? People who experience sexual brokenness are
often rejected by today’s society. When speaking about The primary reason that this one issue, homosexuality,
homosexuality, our tone should be loving, and our words has been debated over and over and apparently “singled
articulate and reasonable. We have Scripture and logic out” from other sins is that the progressive elements in
on our side—let us use them well and not engage in the our denomination keep pushing it forward for debate and
escalation of emotions that can easily dominate debates vote. And it is the one area of sexual sin that some are
over such difficult issues. seeking to redefine as acceptable in the sight of God.

Love Covers: We agree that we must be careful to help

2. Our Perspective: people who experience sexual brokenness of any kind to
God is in the business of establishing his kingdom and no know that we do not see ourselves as better than they.
matter how things fall out politically during this season Rather, we are all together in this struggle to honor God.
of denominational voting, God’s purposes will be We each have our areas of weakness. We are all sinners
advanced. Remember that when Christ returns he will be without hope except in God’s sovereign mercy.
“ashamed” of any of us who were ashamed of him and
his words, and therefore not willing to stand for the truth
(Mark 8:38). There will be eternal rewards for people 2. Argument Made: The real problem for people who
like Jeremiah who spoke God’s Word and refused to are against homosexuality is prejudice. People need to
compromise their integrity even when the crowd was get over their fears and to let go of their bigotry.

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Response: It is true that there are people inside and heterosexual singles in the country than the total number
outside of the church who are uncomfortable when of gays and lesbians, and each group must exercise
around homosexuals. When such insecurity is turned to restraint. Many singles may never find a mate, and some
meanness and bullying, that is wrong. Our first concern Christians who experience same-sex attractions may
as Christians should be to please God, however, and not never overcome their inner proclivities. Both groups have
to bend to the pressures of society to endorse lifestyles Christ’s example and the aid of the Spirit of God. With
that the Bible calls sinful. Those who truly respect God God’s help and the support of the Christian community,
will obey His Word, even when it seems “politically we can each be faithful to God’s standards for sexuality.
incorrect” to do so (Isaiah 66:2).
Love Covers: Untold numbers of people in our society
Love Covers: Nevertheless, if any of us is and even in our churches experience sexual brokenness.
uncomfortable when around gays or lesbians to the True Christian communities should provide a safe place
extent that our inhibitions block an expression of genuine for the hurting and rejected to find acceptance and
love for them, we need to repent. We are called to love healing. We need each other.
all people and to reach out to everyone with the Gospel
of Christ.
B. Upholding Marriage

3. Argument Made: But I believe gays and lesbians 1. Argument Made: Marriage is a right that must not be
are “made that way” by God. Homosexuality is genetic. denied to anyone.
Why would God make people one way, and tell them to
behave in another way? Response: When we begin to redefine marriage based
on majority opinion and people’s demands for rights, will
Response: Science has at best shown only a possible not groups other than homosexuals be provided a
weak linkage between genetics and homosexuality. Even platform for gaining their “rights” as well? Consider the
if such a linkage were one day to be proven, such a growing demand for polyamorous marriage, for example.
linkage would only influence a person’s sexual The July 2009 issue of Newsweek claims there are half a
inclinations. Genetics do not dictate behavior. Studies million households in the United States today comprised
demonstrate that other potential influences on a person’s of “ethical nonmonogamous” adults, who are each
sexual behavior may be dysfunction in one’s family of engaged in intimate relationships with more than one
origin, abuse, and other factors that do not involve person, with the mutual consent of everyone involved.5
genetics. We believe therefore that genes do not inhibit In 2006, over fifteen hundred gay, lesbian,
either homosexuals or heterosexuals from obeying God transgendered, and bisexual activists, authors, attorneys,
and from living according to biblical standards. We are actors, film-makers, educators, and community leaders,
all born with desires and inclinations that, if followed, called for the rights of multiple sex partners.6
may violate God’s standards for holiness. We do not
have the “right” to do what feels natural when our Love Covers: Marriage is first and foremost a sacred
feelings or attractions lead us into sin. covenant, established by God and blessed by our Lord
Jesus Christ. The church which is the Body of Christ
Love Covers: We acknowledge that the challenges must uphold God’s standards.
faced by Christians experiencing same-sex attractions
can be very difficult. Furthermore, we have a great deal
of sympathy for people who are influenced by genetic or 2. Argument Made: Whether or not we accept gay
prenatal conditions leading to sexual anomalies such as marriage as a right, our churches will be required to
sexually ambiguous organs. These are not the cases support gay marriage as more and more states approve it.
about which we are debating, however.
Response: There are many things the world allows that
Christians are commanded by God to avoid. Many
4. Argument Made: How can you deny fulfillment to pastors, for example, have chosen not to perform a
people who are different than you? It is unfair. wedding uniting a Christian with a non-Christian.

Response: It is no more unfair that the Scriptures Love Covers: Our hope is that through prayerful
require Christians who experience same-sex attractions consideration about such difficult issues, our
to refrain from acting on their attractions than it is unfair denomination will become a positive influence, taking a
that the same Bible requires Christian heterosexual constructive leadership role for our country rather than
singles to refrain from sexual activity. There are far more

Page 6 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

being led down the road of compromise by each new set Love Covers: Thus the whole of the Bible not only
of cultural mores. affirms God’s love, but also God’s truth. Where we have
failed on either side of the equation, we must repent.

3. Argument Made: By sanctioning marriage for gay

couples, we can help them to engage in faithful, lifelong, 2. Argument Made: Christ said nothing about
monogamous relationships to promote their wellbeing homosexuality—why should we?
and safety.
Response: The idea that our Lord’s silence about any
Response: If two people have a problem with lying or particular sexual sin is an endorsement of such sin is
stealing, does putting them together in a life-long illogical. Christ didn’t speak against incest, but we agree
relationship in which they support each other’s habits that incest is wrong. By his affirmation of marriage
suddenly make them faithful? We must define (Matthew 19:4), our Lord made public statement against
faithfulness by the standards of Scripture, not those of not only incest, but against adultery, fornication,
our culture. homosexuality, and every form of sexual activity that
deviates from God’s clearly stated plan in Scripture.
And regarding wellbeing and safety, anyone who takes
time to read unbiased sites and articles on the internet Love Covers: It is time to agree that we will follow
about the medical consequences of homoerotic sex will Scripture’s clear teachings about sexuality.
quickly learn that such sex, even in monogamous
relationships, can be very harmful to the body (even if
we ignore AIDS as a concern). These concerns are 3. Argument Made: The Old Testament prohibitions
greatest for males, and approximately two-thirds of against homosexuality are antiquated, and have lost their
homosexuals are men. God designed males and females relevance for today much as have ancient dietary and
both physically and emotionally as complementary pairs ceremonial laws from the Old Testament.
to make a whole.
Response: Not every law or practice in the Old
Love Covers: It is sad that our denomination has been Testament was destined by God to be carried forth into
so long embroiled in a debate about issues of sexual the era of modern Christianity. Timeless principles, like
brokenness on a surface level that we have not engaged those contained in the Ten Commandments, on the other
in serious conversation about the long-term and deeper hand, are binding on every generation. They reflect the
consequences that may be experienced if we decide to unchanging nature of God. The laws in Leviticus 18 to
follow the pathway of our culture. Love does not sidestep 20, where homosexuality is specifically prohibited,
truth. Honest conversation is one of the first steps we contain a mixture of timeless and temporal principles.
must take to position ourselves to help those who Some of the sins listed in the Levitical holiness code
experience sexual brokenness of all types, that we might were labeled “abominations” and the prescription for
help them to find healing. violations of them was death. Most of the sins listed in
this category are still considered egregious today,
ranging from incest to adultery and homosexuality.
C: Defending Scripture: Guidelines in the same Levitical texts for how to dress
and how to sow one’s field and other lesser matters,
1. Argument Made: The biblical argument against however, were not called “abominations.” Nor was the
gays and lesbians is based on only six or seven passages. punishment for violating their guidelines as severe.
The whole of Scripture, however, overrides those texts
with a call to love those who are different from us. Thus the Levitical texts on sexuality reflect the clear
moral standards of the New Testament. Jesus and the rest
Response: The whole of the Bible affirms God’s plan of the NT clearly state that the ceremonial laws are
that sex is to be preserved for marriage between a man fulfilled in Christ and therefore no longer practiced by
and a woman for life. This affirmation is woven like a the church. The moral law, including sexual behavior, is
golden thread throughout Scripture, from the creation reiterated in the New Testament by Jesus and Paul.
account, which was affirmed by Christ, to the imagery of
Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church. The several Love Covers: We confess that some Christians have
passages that specifically prohibit homosexual behavior used the Levitical word “abomination” in an
are an interwoven thread in the fabric of God’s clear and inappropriate manner. It was used in Leviticus to speak
unchanging revelation. against all types of sexual brokenness, not just against
one type. Furthermore, the word itself, in the Hebrew,

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gives a sense of God’s desire for sinners to turn back to Bible to interpret itself, and we should not ignore the
righteousness. May this compassionate heart of God plain and obvious meanings of a text. Consider the three
always undergird our words as we discuss this difficult arguments given:
topic.
a. Pederasty was between males. But in Romans 1, Paul
condemns not only male-to-male sex, but also female-to-
4. Argument Made: The destruction of Sodom and female sex (Romans 1:27), which is in itself sufficient
Gomorrah in Genesis 19 was precipitated by a violation evidence that Paul was not limiting his prohibition of
of ancient hospitality customs and had nothing to do with homosexual activity to pederasty.
homosexuality.
b. If Paul was only condemning homosexual practice
Response: A plain reading of the Genesis 19 account when it was tied to idolatry and to temple prostitution,
and biblical references to it make clear that regardless of how should we view his prohibitions in the same passage
what hospitality customs may have been violated in of more than twenty other sins of the flesh and heart (vs.
Sodom, God judged that city also for sexual perversions 29-32)? Consistency of argument would suggest that
(Jeremiah 23:14, Isaiah 3:9, Ezekiel 16:48–50, Luke each of these listed destructive patterns of behavior
17:28-29, 2 Peter 2:6-7, 10, and Jude 1:7). Thus Genesis (greed, murder, strife, deceit, gossip, etc.) may be
19 is a declaration of God’s coming judgment, not only acceptable by God as long as they are not linked to
for homosexuality, but for all kinds of sin. idolatry and temple worship—an argument no Christian
would dare to make.
Love Covers: Thankfully, the Sodom account is also a
story of the grace and salvation of our God for Lot and c. The notion that in Romans 1 Paul was contrasting
his family, and for all who turn to the Lord in repentance. “true” homosexuals from those who were not “by
We praise God that his mercy, grace, forgiveness, and nature” truly gay, cannot be supported by the context nor
life-changing power is available for every person—for by the Greek words used. Paul’s reference to the created
those engaged in adultery, fornication, or homoerotic order and his choice of Greek words (arsenes and
sex, as well as for the greedy and for those who cannot theleias, which emphasized maleness and femaleness)
control their anger. His grace reaches out to each of us make clear that the “unnatural” behavior here
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11). condemned was sexual activity between any two people
of the same gender.

5. Argument Made: The Romans 1 text describes Love Covers: Paul’s warning about idolatry is a
something very different from the monogamous and warning for each of us. It is easy to worship tangible
faithful relationships experienced between consenting things rather than to keep our hearts set on undistracted
gay adults in our society. There are at least three worship of the invisible, Almighty God. Such worship
possibilities for what Paul was actually describing: should impact the whole of our lives and each of our
churches. One of the idols in our society today is sexual
a. Paul may have been condemning pederasty, the well- fulfillment, and we must guard our hearts from idolatry
known custom in which Roman soldiers took young men as we humbly obey the Lord through Scripture and
as their partners for a time, until the young men were God’s Spirit.
ready to marry women.

b. Romans 1 may be describing male prostitution, which 6. Argument Made: The words used for homosexuals in
was part of the cultic temple worship of the day and 1 Corinthians 6:9 and in 1 Timothy 1:10 referred to
therefore idolatrous. homosexual prostitution and had no connection with the
committed same-sex partnerships or unions found among
c. The text may actually be about people who were not some gays today.
really gay by nature, but rather those who were only
experimenting with homosexuality. For them, such Response: A careful study of the Greek words used
sexual behavior was “unnatural” and therefore wrong along with the scriptural, cultural, and historical context
(Romans 1:26-27). of both passages demonstrates otherwise. The primary
word that is contested, arsenokoites, is said by pro-gay
Response: The above-mentioned efforts (and others like theologians to be a new term coined by Paul that refers
them) to reinterpret the Romans 1 text do not fall in line exclusively to male prostitutes. It seems obvious,
with mainstream scholarship and standard Reformed however, that Paul here combined two Greek words
principles for biblical interpretation. We must allow the (arsen and koites) from the Greek translation of

Page 8 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

Levitical texts which prohibit homosexual activity Why Leadership Matters
(Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13), thus creating this compound Early in my marriage, before I began pastoral ministry, I
word, arsenokoites to make his point. This follows had the wonderful opportunity of attending churches just
Paul’s pattern of drawing support for his arguments from to learn, worship, and participate as a regular member.
Scripture, a pattern which all Christian theologians My wife and I settled into a large interdenominational
should follow. church and enjoyed the worship and the preaching. We
came to love and trust the pastor and delighted in his
Love Covers: It is important to note that in these texts, sermons.
along with every place that Paul speaks about the sin of
homosexual activity, he also lists other kinds of sins. Then came the announcement—in the mail. My pastor
Each of the passages we’ve studied, then, is a stark had left his wife for his secretary. The church had set up
reminder that we all need a Savior and that we must offer a council to work with him in an attempt to restore his
God’s message of salvation to all people. marriage, but he refused to leave the new woman. The
letter announced the pastor’s dismissal and the creation
of a support team for the pastor’s family.

The following chapter from W. P. Campbell’s book, I was devastated. How could this seemingly godly man
Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike veer from the commandments of God to fulfill his own
Response to Homosexuality, (Grand Rapids: personal desires? If his problems were deep and
Zondervan, 2010) has been reprinted with permission. interpersonal, why did he not seek counseling and
recommit to his marriage and family? Similar
disappointment and pain must have filled the hearts of
The Head nearly every other church member. Like me, they each
Who Your Church Follows probably understood the need for him to step down. To
allow him to continue in his unrepentant state would be
to affirm his misdeeds and to suggest that promiscuity
Train yourself to be godly. For physical training and adultery are acceptable and inconsequential in the
is of some value, but godliness has value for all lives of Christians.
things, holding promise for both the present life
and the life to come.—1 Timothy 4:7–8 A leader’s life casts a large shadow over the people he or
she serves. J. Oswald Sanders, in his book Spiritual
7
Leadership is critical to the life of God’s church. Leadership, puts it simply: “Leadership is influence.”
Positions of church authority are the long-sought-after When church members fall into immorality, immediate
prize for the Christian gay rights movement. For many friends and family grieve. When a leader of the church
traditional Christians, leadership posts are the last fails morally, the whole congregation suffers.
bastion, the final defense, which, if breached, will signal
the demise of orthodox Christianity. Leadership
standards are the dividing line where currents from the Influencing Our Youth
culture wars collide with riptide fury. The awesome responsibility of parents and the church
related to their youth is summarized in the book of
A few months ago I was in a presbytery debate that Proverbs: “Train a child in the way he should go, and
swirled around the topic of church leadership. An elder when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
in favor of the ordination of gays and lesbians concluded The Hebrew word for train carries with it the sense of
her appeal, saying, “I have homosexual friends who say, creating an environment for growth. In home life and in
‘We will not be part of your church. Why should we get the church, we must do all in our power to create an
involved in a church that will baptize us but won’t allow environment for the healthy growth of our youth. Parents
us to become church officers?’” and church leaders carry the responsibility of creating
such an environment, and their examples shape that
Even as I type these words, the Presbyterian Church environment.
(USA) has just finished its fourth vote in twelve years
about whether to allow practicing homosexuals to Steven DeVore grew up with polio. He learned to
become elders and pastors. The vote was close, but once overcome his disability by watching others walk and then
again the historic standards prevailed. Already appeals mentally replaying the image in his mind. When he was
are being made by gay-affirming congregations for a nineteen, he used the same modeling concept to learn the
fifth vote on the same issue. Other denominations are in Finnish language. Later, in college, he watched
the thick of battle about ordination standards too. professional bowlers on television until their movements

Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Page 9

and styles were imprinted in his mind. He then attempted 12, 27–30; 1 Corinthians 7).
to copy their techniques and bowled nine strikes in a
row, claiming a score of 278 (his highest previous score
had been 163). Sharing his bowling experience with a Our Manual
professor of psychology, DeVore was told that Leroy Eims, in his book Be the Leader You Were Meant
observation and learning through role models are the to Be, writes, “We need to look at leadership from the
primary ways in which humans learn behavior. DeVore standpoint of the Bible. Both the Old and New
engaged a neuropsychologist at Stanford University to Testaments are alive with eternal truths that bear on this
8
help him with research and applied the concept of subject.” But there are differing perspectives on how to
learning behavior through role models to develop a interpret the Bible. Bishop Robinson found his way into
multimillion-dollar company that markets instructional a respected leadership post because there were many
videos on everything from golf to weight control. He who believed his self-proclaimed gay lifestyle was
made a mint on a simple concept: we develop our acceptable in the eyes of God, and they believed they
behavior based on the behavior of others. could support their position scripturally.

Leaders are role models for our youth. Think of the The two primary New Testament writings about
people who have most influenced your life. What leadership are found in 1 and 2 Timothy. Each chapter in
influence did leaders have on your ambitions and actions these two letters describes the qualifications for pastors,
as a youth? It is no wonder that whole denominations are and a whole section is devoted to the high standards for
splitting over decisions about whether unrepentant gays church officers (see 1 Timothy 3:1–13, which has a
or lesbians should be allowed to be pastors and church parallel passage in Titus 1:5–9). The clarion call in
leaders. For those who believe homosexual behavior is Paul’s letters to Timothy, his frontline pastor and church
immoral, such a step is tantamount to sanctioning planter, is for godliness. Not giftedness, not prominence,
nonrepentant adulterers into positions of power. Those not persuasiveness, and not majority vote, but godliness.
who believe same-sex attraction is an inborn gift of God, Every chapter in these two books upholds godliness as a
however, find it offensive and discriminatory not to standard for leadership, as does the whole tenor of the
allow gays and lesbians into leadership posts. Bible.

The Greek word for godliness is a compound of two

The Modern Dilemma words, eu, meaning “well,” and sebomai, meaning
In 2003, when the American Anglican Church voted to “devotion” or “worship.” Put together, godliness is “well
appoint openly gay Rev. Canon Gene Robinson as a worship,” or “true devotion.” A godly person lives in a
bishop, an ecclesiastical earthquake erupted, causing way that honors God, based on a true knowledge of
church splits, court battles, and significant membership God’s Word and will for our lives. The Bible cautions us
flight. No doubt, there were already many homosexuals about religious leaders who cloak themselves in an
within the ranks of the Episcopal Church, but most were outward form of godliness but who deny the life-
quietly worshiping or serving. For the denomination to changing power of our Lord. There is a vast difference
appoint a bishop who publicly endorsed homosexuality between godlikeness and godliness. Godliness
by his words and his lifestyle, however, was to proclaim encompasses not only appearances but the reality of an
to all people that homosexuality is acceptable in the eyes inner life that is touched by God’s truth and grace right
of God. down to the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
(2 Timothy 3:5).
The leaders we need are not those who give in to their
weaknesses, but those who humbly trust God for the
strength to be obedient. Jesus told us we would need to The Two Rival Factions
deny ourselves and take up our crosses if we are to be his In Christ’s day, two major perspectives on godliness
disciples (Matthew 16:24). In the realm of sexuality, were peddled by the two types of religious power
leaders in the church must model faithfulness to God’s brokers—the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The
creative norm, despite struggles they may face as singles Sadducees were the well-to-do priesthood, the religious
who never find mates or as persons in marriages that for aristocracy, the leaders of the mainline church. They
physiological or psychological reasons preclude sexual were experts at finding caveats and compromises related
expression. Jesus Christ, who was never sexually active, to the plain teaching of Scripture to make life for the
enables us to find deep intimacy and fulfillment in God-follower easier and to make Scripture more
relationships even when sexual expression must be accessible for people who struggled with their faith.
curtailed. The Bible showcases singleness, along with When they found it necessary or convenient, they denied
marriage, as a holy calling from God (Matthew 19:10– the existence of angels, the afterlife, and the judgment of

Page 10 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

God. Looking good in their external show of religious it can bend love into immorality and truth into error. On
finery, they subtly denied major scriptural truths in the other extreme, the value of biblical accuracy powers
exchange for political gain (Mark 12:24). The images of the theologically conservative sectors of the church.
godliness and religious power were nearly synonymous When the Bible is taught but not lived out, the church
for them. becomes an empty shell, devoid of life and purpose as it
motivates church members more by guilt than by the
The Pharisees, on the other hand, held to a strict and grace of God. Let’s briefly consider how both extremes
literal interpretation of Scripture. Tenaciously, they have manifested themselves in the church.
embraced their faith in God, in the supernatural, in the
afterlife, in angels, and in all things sacred. In fact, so
great was their devotion to Scripture that they created Justice With A Twist
thousands of their own rules to ensure that even the finest The issue of justice permeates the Scriptures. In the Old
points and interpretations of God’s Word were kept with Testament, God’s people are commanded to reach out to
exacting detail. To the Pharisee, godliness was measured and care for the poor, the alien, and the downtrodden
not by one’s power but by perfection. Their lists of (Zechariah 7:8–10). Jesus set the standard for the church
regulations became so laborious that the common person when he did just that (Matthew 9:35–36). His followers
had no hope of keeping them, and even the Pharisees are commanded to follow in his steps. Latching on to this
themselves couldn’t keep up with them all. Dwelling on mandate, the progressive movement within the church
the minutiae of God’s will, they missed the main point. works vigorously to open the gate for practicing
“You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (Matthew homosexuals to serve as ordained pastors. Jack Rogers,
23:24). They tithed their kitchen spices but neglected in his book Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality, says
justice and mercy for the poor and needy. that those who hinder such ordinations need only to look
back at the history of other injustices to see how wrong it
The Sadducees failed to honor God’s truth, and the would be to prevent gays and lesbians from serving as
Pharisees neglected God’s grace. Neither lived in a church leaders. Likening the issue to slavery and
manner that pleased the Lord. Jesus cut to the heart of women’s rights, Rogers writes:
the issue when he showed love to the outcasts, the poor, How could most Christians for more than two
the sinners, and the downtrodden. Speaking the truth in hundred years accept slavery and the subordination of
love, he taught people everywhere that the life he offered women with not a hint that there was any other view
could change their lives. Challenging the Pharisees for in the Bible? Why did good, intelligent, devout
their rigid standards (Matthew 23:13–36) and rebuking Christian people not see what we now recognize as
the Sadducees for their lack of faith (Mark 12:18–27), mitigating factors in the biblical record? Why did we
Jesus’ teaching and life confronted ungodliness with all change our minds? How does a church change its
of its religious trappings. course? Potentially, at least, we can learn something
relevant to our discussion of homosexuality by
How are we doing today? Do we really embrace discovering the answers to these questions.
9
Scripture without compromise? If so, are we following
the Bible by embracing the priorities given to us by God Later in the book, Rogers uses similar logic about the
by caring for the needy, the poor, and the outcasts of church’s gradual acceptance of women and then divorced
society? Throughout history, the coming together of truth people into leadership. This is a classic example of truth
and love and the avoidance of the extremes of the with a twist. The logic of Rogers’s argument seems to
Sadducees and Pharisees have always been an indication work on the surface, but with a more careful look, one
of life, health, and renewal in the church. When can find the turning of facts and logic, causing his
conflicting extremes create a polarized church, however, argument to come apart at the seams. The comparison
the need for spiritual renewal becomes glaring. with slavery is illogical, the comparison with the
subordination of women is debatable, and the
comparison with divorce is irrelevant. Consider first the
What Drives The Extremes? slavery issue.
It is typically not wrong values that create heresy and
hypocrisy in the church but right values that are out of
balance. Heresy is biblical grace twisted on one end, and Why Slavery Does Not Fit
hypocrisy is biblical truth twisted on the other. Justice, Equating race with sexual preference is incongruous.
for example, is a value that fuels the progressive Genes determine skin color and may influence our
theological movement. The call for justice is found preferences, but they do not dictate our behavior. The
throughout the Bible. It is a godly aim, an indisputable argument behind this logic goes like this: But
passion in the heart of God. With a slight twist, however, homosexuals did not choose to be attracted to the same

Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Page 11

sex. That statement is true. We do not choose our women in leadership posts in the church has opened the
temptations. But we can choose how to act on them. door for the ordination of practicing homosexuals.
Overweight people do not choose to be drawn to the Likewise, some “liberal” Christians argue that just as the
dessert menu, but they do make choices about whether to church finally came around to accepting women in
overeat. Joe Smith does not choose to be aroused by his leadership posts, it is time they do the same for
neighbor’s wife as he unintentionally sees her undressing practicing homosexuals. This is Jack Rogers’s stance.
through his window. But he can decide to look away and Both perspectives are flawed.
not dwell on his thoughts and feelings or convert them
into action. The issue of whether women should hold leadership posts
in the church has been debated from the earliest days of
The very thought of equating slavery with homosexual the church, even in some of the most conservative
rights is offensive to many African Americans. In Jack branches of Christendom. Likewise today, some of the
Rogers’s defense, one might say his main point of more conservative evangelical Christians support women
symmetry between slavery and homosexuality is on how in leadership, and some do not. When we find an issue
leaders have changed their viewpoints around the like this that has been debated by Bible-believing
interpretation of Scripture. But even that comparison is Christians through the ages, we should approach those
illogical. While slavery is allowed in the Bible, it is who differ with us with grace and respect.
nowhere supported. It is tolerated under a general rubric
of respect and love for one’s fellow humans (Lev. 19:17– The question of whether practicing homosexuals should
18; 25:39). Homosexual acts, however, are nowhere be allowed into positions of church leadership has not
tolerated in the Bible. Despite the modern gay rights been debated or even considered an option through two
movement’s effort to reinterpret Scripture, mainstream thousand years of church history. The first significant
scholarship has for two thousand years understood the challenge to the clear teaching of the Bible on this topic
Bible to stand against homosexual behavior. came through Anglican theologian Dr. Derrick S. Bailey
in the 1950s in his Homosexuality and the Western
Paul stood against inequities in a society that Christian Tradition.10
incorporated slavery into its very fabric. It is believed
that as many as 40 percent of the populace in Rome was Not one verse in the Bible affirms homosexual
under the bondage of slavery. Many indentured servants, leadership. Dozens of texts, however, describe women in
however, were treated fairly and justly, somewhat like leadership.11 Questions of gender in leadership and
employees today. Sadly, many others were abused and questions about morality are not on the same plane.
mistreated. If Paul had started a campaign to end all
slavery, he would have been mocked, imprisoned, and
rendered ineffective. Instead, he did something much The Divorce Question
more powerful. He promoted the godly values of love A third correlation, upheld by the theological left,
and justice (Colossians 4:1). With a heart made radical between the church’s historic stance on practicing
by the love of Christ, Paul called Christian slaves his homosexuals’ leadership options and injustice is divorce
brothers and sisters (see the book of Philemon). He set and remarriage. After describing the changing standards
the stage for the abolition movement centuries later. about divorce in the mainline Presbyterian Church, Jack
Rogers writes:
William Wilberforce, one of the best known of the How is this relevant to granting equality to gay and
British abolitionists, was a member of the Clapham Sect, lesbian members of our churches? Jesus’ words that
an evangelical segment of the Anglican Church. His divorce is equivalent to adultery are among the
challenge to the upper class to regain true Christian clearest statements on a moral issue in Scripture.... If
values, largely based on Paul’s writings, was critical to we were to take Jesus’ teaching on divorce literally,
his political success. If the New Testament values that we would still not be accepting divorced and
Paul sought to apply to slavery were applied to remarried people as office bearers in the church. Yet
employee-employer relationships today, the outcome church law now asks that we take literally less clear
might actually improve relationships in most statements regarding homosexual behavior. It is a
corporations. It would not be slavery. double standard: current church law permits a
pastoral approach concerning marriage and divorce
for people who are heterosexual and mandates a
What About Women In Leadership? legalistic approach toward people who are
Questions about women in leadership, biblically, go back homosexual.12
to the creation and yet are influenced by culture. Some
“conservative” Christians believe that the acceptance of On the surface, this argument seems to make sense.

Page 12 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

Recently I had lunch with a man who said, “I’ve been The Other Extreme: Empty Truth
divorced and remarried three times, and I am in church If grace devoid of standards leads to spiritual harm, then
leadership. I can’t see why we don’t allow homosexuals a pharisaic approach to Christianity is equally
to lead in the church if we allow for divorce and detrimental. Some believers add line upon line of
remarriage.” It took from the time the food was ordered tradition and requirement around God’s truth until the
to just before the bill was paid to answer my friend. original intent of the Scripture is entangled by human-
There is not a simple one-sentence response to this made regulations. The Pharisees drew 613 laws from the
complex issue, and whole books have been written to Old Testament and loaded them on the backs of their
bring clarity on biblical guidelines for remarriage and followers. Jesus said, “They tie up heavy loads and put
divorce. And that is just the point. On matters that are them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not
not made clear in the Bible, denominations need to set willing to lift a finger to move them” (Matthew 23:4).
clear policy guidelines so that their membership is Jesus called them “hypocrites” seven times in Matt. 23
treated fairly and consistently. Same-sex activity is alone. The biblical Greek word for hypocrite means
clearly prohibited in the Bible. The conditions on which “actor”; one commentator has “actor on the stage of
13
one is free to remarry, however, can be complex. life.” These were religious leaders who put on a good
show but inside were uncaring and unloving. They were
The Bible shows clearly that God hates divorce but that no godlier than the prostitutes and tax gatherers they
he allows for it where the marital bond has been broken rejected. Extremely careful about how they dressed, how
by sexual infidelity (Matthew 19:9). Paul offers his they tithed, and how they kept the traditions of their
personal convictions about other potential exceptions congregations, they overlooked the more important
(1 Corinthians 7). Less clarity is found with regard to matters of “justice, mercy and faithfulness” (v. 23).
remarriage, and each pastor and church must develop
their own perspectives on this matter and practice them In searching for modern-day examples of hypocrites, I
consistently to avoid hurt and confusion among church need not look far. I preach weekly to a large
members. I remember one time when I told a couple that congregation just a block from housing projects and a
I could not marry them on biblical grounds, based on the shelter for the homeless. I live on a decent American
particulars of a previous marriage and the situation of a income, while poverty ravages most of the world. I pray
previous spouse. They walked down the street and found for people to come to Christ and don’t share my faith as
a pastor in another denomination who agreed to marry often as I should. Thus, I often struggle and pray daily
them. that the Lord will help me not to be just another actor on
the Christian stage, devoid of heart, passion, and
Fortunately, many denominations have written clear Christian action.
position statements about divorce and remarriage. Nearly
every statement I have seen emphasizes the importance Karen Booth is a woman who has devoted her life to
of repentance for the person getting remarried if the helping Methodist churches develop ministries for those
divorce occurred for nonbiblical reasons. The Scriptures conflicted sexually. I once asked her what she has found
tell us to repent for our past sins so that we don’t set a to be the biggest barrier to developing ministry for
bad example for others. Christians can debate whether a homosexuals in local congregations. Expecting to hear
divorced person can take a leadership post in a church, that it was gay rights protestors, or perhaps
but none should debate the importance of purity and denominational politics, her answer caught me off guard.
permanency in marriage and of repentance for those who She didn’t think twice before answering, “The church
divorced for the wrong reasons. itself is the barrier.” She went on to detail example after
example of how reluctant and resistant the average
The proper question about homosexuality, when making church is to help the sexually conflicted. Prejudice, fear,
a comparison with divorced persons being remarried, and legalism abound. There is so little understanding, so
ought to be, “Should we allow repentant homosexuals to little love and compassion. Evangelicals and
be in a position of leadership in the church?” The logical fundamentalists shake their fingers as they denounce the
answer ought to be, “Of course,” especially for churches liberal congregations that affirm homosexuality. But
that allow repentant divorcees to be in leadership. what will it take for those who carry the torch of the truth
Throughout this book I seek to differentiate between a to themselves be ignited with a love for the people Jesus
person who may struggle with same-sex inclinations but wants them to reach?
who is committed to living in a way that honors God in
contrast to the person who promotes same-sex activity by
his or her words and life. Other requirements for church The Heart Of The Matter
leadership should include a life of godliness, spiritual Debate among Christians about homosexuality is but the
maturity, and God’s calling and gifting for the job. fruit of differing perspectives. The way we view

Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Page 13

Scripture is the root problem. We must avoid the others to overcome.
extremes of both the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Regarding ministry to homosexuals, some of the most
There are more than a dozen biblical texts that either effective leaders, counselors, and advisers to churches
directly or indirectly deal with homosexuality, half of are those who were once trapped in the grip of sexual
14
them carrying the greatest significance. These texts can sin. In fact, I have found that one of the most significant
be linked into natural pairs that demonstrate how the Old factors held in common by churches that have developed
Testament stories, images, and laws are the alphabet ministry to the sexually conflicted is that they have
with which the language of the New Testament is partnered with one or more persons who have been
written. Each pairing reflects a central aspect of God’s sexually broken, who have found healing and strength in
person. Christ, and who have dedicated their lives to helping
others.
Who God Old Testament New Testament Paul commended post-homosexuals in the church at
Is Reference Reference Corinth for overcoming their sinful ways, saying, “Such
were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11 NASB). He
God as Gen. 2:21–25 Rom. 1:18–32 acknowledged their faith and faithfulness (1:4–9),
Creator confirming that their past need not hold them back from
living for God’s glory today (6:9). Many modern
God as King Lev. 18:22; 1 Tim. 1:8–11 Christians do not share Paul’s confidence that lives can
20:13 be changed and thus are indifferent and even hostile
toward post-homosexuals, as though they are a category
God as Gen. 19 1 Cor. 6:9–11 of untouchables, an especially bad class of sinners.
Redeemer
I have the highest respect for those who are leaders in the
post-homosexual movement. Many of them are model
Based on the three central roles of the Almighty, we find Christians by biblical standards. They face great
three practical questions that relate not only to those who challenges as they seek to help others while being
struggle with issues of sexuality but also to the rebuffed, not only by the world, but by Christians on
challenges every one of us faces on the journey of both sides of the theological fence. Those who have come
spiritual transformation: out of homosexuality and now take a stand for Jesus and
for holiness may be considered a persecuted silent
1. God as Creator minority in our country. Many of them labor tirelessly,
Question addressed: Did God create me this way? snatching others from the pit of despair and darkness and
offering the brightness of hope. They are to be
2. God as King commended and supported for their work. They become a
Question addressed: Is the Old Testament law lifeline for gay and lesbian persons who are crying out to
relevant for today? God and looking for a church to call home. These heroes
of the faith are also some of the best instructors to help
3. God as Redeemer equip the church to develop relevant ministries to
Question addressed: Can God change me? homosexuals.

Why do some heterosexuals feel awkward or even

Creating A Biblical Reality defensive toward post-homosexuals? Perhaps we have
In his book Leadership Is An Art, Max De Pree writes, forgotten that God can use our failings to make us
“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.”15 stronger, and our sins to teach us grace. Think about it:
The desperate need of our day is for leaders who will • Paul was a persecutor of Christians before he repented
define biblical reality. Avoiding the extremes of the and became the great apostle and the author of most of
Pharisees and the Sadducees, we need leaders who will the New Testament.
proclaim truth with such love and acceptance that they • Moses committed murder and ran as a fugitive before
become like Christ to the hurting world. We cannot he repented and led a million Jews to the Land of
endorse leaders who embrace a lifestyle of adultery, Promise.
greed, sensuality, or gossip, however. Nor should we • Rahab was a prostitute who protected God’s people
immediately reject leaders who have once fallen but and had her name etched in the genealogical line that
show evidence of transformed lives. It is often those who leads to the Messiah (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31).
are overcome by the grace of God who can best help • Abraham and Isaac each had a problem with lying

Page 14 Theology Matters • Jan/Feb 2011

 (Genesis 20:9–13; 26:6–9), Jacob could be downright leave. So many people stayed to talk with Mike and
deceptive (Genesis 27:33–36), David fell into sexual Stephanie about family members struggling with
sin (2 Samuel 11), and Solomon supported idolatry homosexuality and asked what they could do. Men whom
(1 Kings 11:4–10). James and John were once I knew to be very upset about what the Goekes were
judgmental (Luke 9:51–56), and Peter outright going to share were in tears, asking for forgiveness from
disowned his Lord (John 18:25–27). Mike and Stephanie. And the hope I saw on the faces of
so many was astounding. I saw in the eyes of people
There is not a leader in the world who has never sinned something of a new hope that said, ‘If Jesus could do this
or who will not face temptation in the process of leading in Mike and Stephanie’s life, then surely he can change
others. The desperate need of our day is for godly leaders my life.’ But things were changing in my heart as well.
who will allow their past failures to become channels of
grace through which others experience the touch of “I knew from the beginning that my characterization of
God’s love and redeeming grace. When church leaders
homosexuality had been wrong. My ideas about
are transparent about their weaknesses, those they lead homosexuality were formed from the harsh rhetoric of
are more likely to come out of their protective shells and
evangelical speakers and the images of mainstream
ask for help. media. I never once thought about white-collar
professionals like Mike Goeke who had been suffering
with this issue for decades and were drowning in a sea of
The Making Of A Leader anonymity right under the nose of the church. Men—and
Patrick Payton was recently out of seminary. His new women—living two lives, desperate for help but finding
church in Midland, Texas—Stonegate Fellowship—was none anywhere they looked. After all, homosexuality was
thriving. His success in part came through teaching his the worst sin and surely of a different sort than normal
members to be open to all kinds of people because the sins, such as taking one too many drinks, cheating on
grace of God can change anyone. Then came the taxes, lusting after women, breaking the speed limit, or
challenge—through Mike and Stephanie Goeke, a couple failing to tithe! I had bought into a way of thinking that
whose troubled marriage had been wonderfully restored. set homosexuality apart as the leprosy of the twenty-first
They confessed in the quiet of the pastor’s office that century rather than another destructive sin used by Satan
their marital problems had been related to Mike’s to steal away full and meaningful life from those who
lifelong struggle with same-sex attractions. Patrick would follow Jesus. From this moment on, at least for
listened as Mike described his struggles through this pastor, homosexuality would not be the serious sin of
childhood, high school, and college, along with the the worst sinners but rather another sin destroying the
loneliness and the fear of alienation he felt even at lives of everyday people of all social classes.
Stonegate Church. Patrick left work that day with the
realization that Mike and Stephanie’s testimony needed “I also learned that my words were killing those who
to be shared openly with the congregation. In his words: most needed the healing touch of the Savior. On another
Sunday, not long after the Goekes shared, I was waxing
“Following several weeks of very intense and sometimes eloquent about an especially popular couple at the time
personal attack and struggle about the importance of who were openly proud lesbians. I boldly referred to
sharing this real-life story in the body of Christ, I had them as perverts and continued on without skipping a
this precious couple speak in front of our entire church beat. Within days, Mike stopped by my office to let me
family. It was a day I will never forget. know that when I used words like pervert and queer, I
further alienated those so desperately desiring help from
“The auditorium was packed with Stonegate members the local church. As much as I wanted to defend myself, I
and with Mike and Stephanie’s friends from the could not. I was damning the very ones Jesus died for by
community. Our church was filled with people who my churchy, harsh words. The more I thought about it,
thought they were there to hear a normal story about how the more I realized Jesus never called anyone names
Jesus had saved a marriage. No one knew they were either, except the religious elite of his day. He certainly
about to experience a marker day for Stonegate never called the woman we read about in Luke 7 a
Fellowship. From that Sunday morning on, everyone whore! He just let her wash his holy feet and taught a
would know we were serious when we said, ‘We believe humiliating lesson to Simon the Pharisee. As much as I
Jesus changes lives, and we want you, and all your hated to do it, I stood in the pulpit the very next Sunday
baggage, so we can journey with you in the new life in and issued an apology to our congregation for labeling
Christ.’ But not only was Stonegate Fellowship changed; sinners rather than just labeling sin. I vowed to never
a pastor was changed as well. make that mistake again.
“To say the least, I was amazed at what happened that “I was learning some new things about confession and
Sunday morning. After the service, people would not
Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry Page 15
The Rev. Dr. Kari McClellan is President Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry NON-PROFIT
of Presbyterians for Faith, Family and ORGANIZATION
Ministry (PFFM). Rev. Susan Cyre is
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community as well. Jesus changes a life in an instant, but 9. Jack Rogers, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality:
it takes a lifetime of walking in the new, crucified life in Explode the Myths, Heal the Church (Louisville:
a community of Christ-followers called the local church Westminster, 2006), 18.
to truly experience the transformed life Jesus came to 10. Derrick S. Bailey, Homosexuality and the Western
offer. But for so many like me, we have grown Christian Tradition (London: Longman, 1955).
accustomed to acting like transformed people should act, 11. See, e.g., Acts 1:12–14; 2:17–18; 16:13; 17:12; 18:26;
while deep down inside we are dying a slow death 21:9; Romans 16:1–7, 12; 1 Corinthians 11:5;
Philippians 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:11.
because we are afraid to talk about our struggles. We
12. Rogers, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality, 44.
fear we will be perceived as spiritual losers. After Mike 13. Kenneth S. Wuest, The New Testament: An Expanded
and Stephanie shared the rest of their story, the gauntlet Translation (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1961), 15.
was thrown down in my life and in the life of our church. 14. Scriptural texts related to the topic of homosexuality
That gauntlet simply represented the fact that Stonegate include Genesis 2:21–25; 9:20–27; 19:1–29; Leviticus
would be no place for fakers. We would lean heavily on 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17–18; Judges 19:22–5;
each other with our deepest struggles so that, as a 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7; Ezekiel
community of Christ-followers, we could share the life of 16:50; Romans 1:18–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11;
Christ with each other.” 1 Timothy 1:8–11; 2 Peter 2:6–10; Jude 7; Revelation
21:8; 22:15.
1. For more understanding of the growth of the gay-rights 15. Max De Pree, Leadership Is an Art (New York:
movement, I recommend, Joe Dallas, A Strong Delusion Doubleday, 1989), 11.
(Eugene: Harvest House, 1996). _____________
2. From the website of Metropolitan Community Rev. William P. Campbell is senior pastor of First
Churches, http://ufmcc.com/im-new-to-mcc (November Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC. W. P.
2010). Campbell's book, Turning Controversy into Church
3. SBC Gender Issues Office, “Stetzer Lifeway General Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality has
Survey,” sbcthewayout.com/survey.html (April 10–12, recently been published by Zondervan. Resources for
2008). church ministry to supplement the book can be found at
4. Neil Whitehead and Briar Whitehead, My Genes Made ChurchReflections.com.
Me Do It! (Lafayette, La.: Huntington House, 1999), 39.
5. Jessica Bennet, “Only You. And You. And You.”
http://www.newsweek.com/id/209164 (July 29, 2009).
6. In 2006 a statement titled “Beyond Same-Sex Donate today to this important ministry:
Marriage” was crafted and then endorsed by over fifteen
hundred gay, lesbian, transgendered, and bisexual Theology Matters
activists, calling for legal recognition of multiple sex P.O. Box 3940
partner relationships. Joseph DeFilippis, Beyond
Marriage, www.beyondmarriage.org/signatories.html Fredericksburg, VA 22402
(April 2006).
7. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership (Chicago:
Moody, 1967), 35. See our website for back issues and videos at
8. Leroy Eims, Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be www.theologymatters.com
(Wheaton, Ill.: Victor, 1975), 7.

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