Engaging Pride Month with Conviction, Context, and Compassion

From idol worship in the first century to slavery in the nineteenth century, Christians in general and pastors in particular have always had to navigate difficult cultural issues. We could name any number of cultural controversies today, yet few would be as explosive as the discussions surrounding LGBT issues. Any number of pastors would testify that they have, at some point, addressed the topic and subsequently felt like they had stepped on a land mine. I want to help pastors avoid becoming casualties or criminals in this cultural battle, and I want to help pastors move beyond a warfare mindset toward a more missional mindset. Pastors can faithfully navigate the seeming minefield of LGBT questions by holding onto biblical, Christian conviction, understanding the context of the terrain, and practicing pastoral and missional compassion.

Holding onto Conviction

Pastors must recognize that the Bible speaks clearly and decisively on the critical features of sexual ethics. While some want to re-interpret the Bible to allow for modern sexual beliefs, pastors must refuse to let go of their biblical convictions. Pastors should start with Scripture and its standard from creation that humans are made male or female, biologically and personally. “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female” (Gen. 1:27). The doctrine of the image of God means that “gender identity” should be defined by biology, not the other way around. A person born male is a male. A person born female is a female.

The binary nature of human sexuality is the basis for the Bible’s teaching on marriage. Because God created a man and a woman to be compatible sexually and personally, the man and the woman can be married: “Then the Lord God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man” (Gen. 2:22). The Bible sets the standard of marriage and sexual intimacy from creation: one man and one woman. Neither the failures of God’s people to follow this pattern (for example, with polygamy in the Old Testament) nor God’s patience with them in their failures change the basic pattern that God himself put into place. Sexual intimacy should only occur between one man and one woman after they have been married.

Understanding the Context

To effectively navigate this complex terrain, pastors must seek to understand the context of the issue. At the same time, they must also recognize that “the LGBT issue” is not solely about ideological conflict but about persons made in the image of God. It would help pastors to research some of the history of the modern LGBT movement. Likewise, a basic understanding of the shifting views of culture, like expressive individualism, can help a pastor understand how the entire concept of “gender identity” came to be.

Pastors would also do well to keep track of recent findings in medical research. For example, British pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass released a bombshell study in April. This study showed strong evidence that medical practices for minors who had identified as “trans” were harmful. The study recommends against such surgical and hormonal treatments in favor of mental health interventions and counseling. The cultural terrain on these issues changes constantly, and pastors should make sure they work to understand such context.

Finally, pastors could intentionally connect with LGBT individuals, recognizing the nuances of their journeys and acknowledging the pain and suffering of persons made in God’s image. By cultivating empathy and humility, pastors can cultivate authentic dialogue that honors the dignity and worth of all individuals. Pastors can also learn from Christians who had embraced an LGBT lifestyle before their conversion, learning how Christ’s grace can meet anyone at any place and how they are navigating Christian life today.

Practicing Compassion

God entrusts every pastor with a holy calling to shepherd and care for people. Paul set the example in his ministry in Ephesus. He said, “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility, with tears” (Acts 20:18). Pastors must extend grace and compassion, regardless of theological differences or disagreements. Pastors must approach LGBT persons as persons who need love and compassion as we all do. Pastors might end up realizing that “the LGBT issue” is not so much a minefield in a cultural war but a casualty field in a spiritual war.

For example, pastors know they should work to create congregations where people feel welcomed and loved as neighbors as they pursue Christ. We need to do the same for LGBT people, who might very well be surprised that a church with biblical sexual ethics also makes space for them to ask questions and seek the Lord alongside people who care for them.

Pastors can help provide resources and counseling for those who are navigating confusion about their own sexual orientation or gender identity or those with a loved one in that place of pain and confusion. By fostering a culture of loving hospitality for their LGBT neighbors, pastors can cultivate churches where all individuals are invited to experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

Moving Forward in Faith

Pastors can more faithfully minister in light of the LGBT conversation and to LGBT persons by holding on to conviction, understanding the context, and practicing compassion. Removing one of these three will limit a pastor’s ability to faithfully serve today. Removing conviction will compromise the pastor’s understanding and compassion. Removing context will make the pastor’s conviction and compassion more ignorant. Removing compassion will make the pastor’s understanding and conviction harsh and unloving. As they approach such conversations with humility, empathy, and conviction, pastors can lead churches that lead their neighbors, LGBT neighbors included, to experience the transformative love of Christ at the foot of a rough-hewn cross and the doorway of an empty tomb.

©2024 Ed Stetzer. Used with permission.