Welcome! Please give thought to anything from Sessions 1, 2, and 3 about which you might wish to make a comment, and/or wish to ask a question. We will take time at the beginning of our session today to provide some additional opportunity to do so.

Pursuing Christ Likeness in a Sexually Diverse and Sexually Saturated Society Presented to the First Covenant Church of St. Paul, MN Session 4: a) Further discussion of the issues covered in Sessions 1, 2, and 3 b) Consideration of issues that need to be addressed by the local congregation’s leadership By Gary Strauss, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Biola University © 2017

Further discussion of the issues covered in Session 3 What questions remain in your mind regarding the proposal I shared and its nature and objectives? What challenges do you anticipate in attempting to pursue the proposal as it was presented? What recommendations might you give me regarding anything I have presented thus far, particularly regarding Session 3? I encourage you to share your ideas regarding what would work best here at 1st. Covenant Church of St. Paul. To whatever degree what I have shared has value, to what degree do you think these ideas might, or should be shared with other churches in the Northwest District and the entire denomination, that is, if they would so desire?

Questions forwarded to me by Ted this past week:  Many times we think about this:  There are customs/rules we consider "old" and no longer follow (men not to have long hair & women to wear certain things).  Some say that homosexuality is one of the "old" disregarded "no- no's). Where is the line to be drawn? Great question? My understanding is that some of the “old customs/rules” presented in the Levitical Holiness Code were more culturally and time or era connected, such as mixed thread fabrics and a head covering for women, whereas others, such as within immediate family marriages were not so limited. Where same-sex attraction and transgender conditions are concerned, we have no specific biblical references thereto, but there are references to same-sex relationships, a chosen behavior. And the current differences of opinion are particularly focused on engagement in same- sex and transgender relationships.

A complex and vital question for us all to consider:  Two scenarios: #1: I believe what the Bible says about same- sex relation-ships being wrong is outdated and not applicable to our current day so I welcome anyone I know now will get to know who is in a same-sex relationship and all is OK. #2: I believe what the Bible says about same-sex relationships being wrong and believe it applies to our current day. This puts a strain on my relationships with others who are in a same-sex relationship.  Scenario 2 is my current situation so I’m continually wondering: What should I do as a Christian? I haven’t had much experience knowing others who are gay so I’m trying to sort through how I should interact with a family member who is in a same-sex relationship.

Three options that are quite common among Christians: a) Love and welcome them, pray for them, and don’t say anything about my beliefs, even though I don’t believe their choice is right. b) Love and welcome them, pray for them, but say I disagree with their choice. c) Love them, pray for them, but do not welcome them.

A genuine dilemma specific to this question: I’ve felt like my role is option “b,” but options b and c result in this family member feeling rejected. What is my role as a Christian? Am I obligated to share what I believe or can that be left up to God? I would feel obligated to confront someone who’s choosing to do something wrong in other aspects of life, for example, I would feel obligated to confront someone who chose to steal something or drive under the influence. But, there are other sins that are none of my business and it’s not my obligation to confront others and “clobber” them with what I believe is right and wrong. Where does this issue fit? What should I do in this situation?

A genuine dilemma specific to this question: I’ve felt like my role is option “b,” but options b and c result in this family member feeling rejected. My experience is that our family members already know or strongly suspect our stand on same-sex relationships. What is my role as a Christian? I believe that we are to love as Jesus loves. Unless that family member knows and feels our genuine love, it will be very difficult to have much of an impact on him or her. Am I obligated to share what I believe or can that be left up to God? I believe it best to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and only share what I believe when asked to do so, making sure that I am as well prepared to provide vital, loving rationale.

The clear issues in contrast to the complex: I would feel obligated to confront someone who’s choosing to do something wrong in other aspects of life, for example, I would feel obligated to confront someone who chose to steal something or drive under the influence. But, there are other sins that are none of my business and it’s not my obligation to confront others and “clobber” them with what I believe is right and wrong. Where does this issue fit? What should I do in this situation? I believe it best to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and only share what I believe when asked to do so, making sure that I am as well prepared to provide vital, loving rationale.

Challenging issues that call for wise decisions to be made by the local church What specific church based ministries would readily lend themselves to participation and even leadership by members who identify as LGBTI individuals? Are there church ministries that would be questionable to some members where leadership is concerned involving members who identify as LGBTI individuals? How can rationale for any participation and leadership policies that might be perceived as excluding, hurtful and based on prejudice be lovingly and adequately explained when presented for consideration? How might alternative policies be best offered? I anticipate that such issues have been anticipated by some of you and/or already arisen here at 1st Cov., St Paul.

Additional Questions and/or Comments?

My Gratitude! I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity you have given me to share my thoughts and information with you. I will be additionally grateful for your suggestions for any future presentation I might make. Blessings, All!