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Navigating the New Marriage Culture with Truth and Grace: A Pastor's Journey

In light of the Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality decision, Christian Pastors are facing many new questions from their congregations concerning the church’s response to homosexuality and same-sex marriage
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Navigating the New Marriage Culture with Truth and Grace: A Pastor’s Journey

Post By:
Scott Brewer, Senior Pastor
Meadowbrook Church

WeddingRings

Photo Credit: “Wedding Ring S” by Boykung

In light of the Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality decision, Christian Pastors are facing many new questions from their congregations concerning the church’s response to homosexuality and same-sex marriage:

  • How should I respond to my child or friend who “comes out gay”?
  • Should I attend a gay wedding?
  • Why wouldn’t bakers and photographers serve gay weddings?
  • Are gays welcome at this church?

And many more situations that need a grace-filled response:

  • A gay man attends your worship service, believes the gospel and wants to bring his husband to church.
  • You promote a marriage retreat and a lesbian couple signs up.
  • A 10 year old becomes a Christian at your VBS and now wants to bring his two dads with him.

What do you do? How do you respond?

These scenarios and questions are challenging pastors and church leaders today. What does the Bible say about homosexuality and same-sex marriage? The most recent books written on the subjects have new and non-traditional interpretations of the key biblical passages. Where have you and your church landed on belief and practice?

Four years ago I began my journey of study, prayer, reflection, dialoging with gay friends and facilitating church conversations and decisions.

I’m a pastor/shepherd and my heart has been heavy for believers who struggle with same-sex attraction, parents perplexed by their children who have “come out”, and LGBT friends and acquaintances who have been treated terribly.

I’ve also been troubled by church leaders and authors who have addressed gender and sexuality issues primarily from a cultural perspective or personal experience rather than biblical exposition.

Though I’ve reached biblical convictions, led my church to general doctrinal agreement and Christian practice, it is not unanimous and we are all learning how to navigate this new day with grace, patience and humility.

I have been asked to facilitate a special breakout session during the 2016 Higher Ground Men’s Conference where I’ll be sharing some of my journey, discussing key biblical passages and describing how people who love each other but differ in belief are continuing to move forward in community.

I hope pastors in the Pacific Northwest from all denominations and convictions will join me for this important discussion and together, as leaders in the Christian community, we can come together in the unity of God’s truth and grace, even if we disagree.

The 2016 Higher Ground Men’s Conference is Saturday, Feb. 27, 8:30a-4:15p at Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, WA.  Click on the ABOUT navigation button above for complete conference detail and FREE downloadable materials to promote Higher Ground at your church. Click here for ticket info.

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