HOW WE MINISTER TO GAYS AND LESBIANS
Someone suggested that: “It is perhaps less important to know what is ‘right and wrong’ morally speaking, than to know how to act toward those we consider ‘wrong’.” We have failed to offer Christ to the Gay and Lesbian community. We have also failed by giving the impression that orientation change and reparative therapy is the solution. Sanctification is not getting rid of our temptations but pursuing holiness in the midst of them. If our goal is making people straight, then we are practicing a false gospel. The opposite of “homosexuality” is not “heterosexuality.” It’s holiness!
In our outreach programs our approach to homosexuals must not be judgmental or condemning; rather we are to love them the same as we would any other sinner. Most gays are already deeply aware that their lifestyle is not pleasing to the Lord and many feel that they are outcasts and rejects from society. They suffer a deep inner anguish over their situation but feel hopelessly unable to escape from their sexual attractions. To further criticize and castigate them only serves to drive them further away. In general, gays feel hated and rejected by the church world. We can never see them saved until we can sincerely love them.
We believe that Christians involved in outreach should avoid arguing gay issues. Our job is to offer hope and deliverance from sin through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to be the ambassadors for Christ, an embodiment of His love, given to the task of reconciling all sinners to God.
Not all will seek or desire our message of freedom and deliverance. It will serve no purpose to debate with those of this mentality. It is enough to simply, but kindly, tell them that you have no wish to argue, but to just say that Jesus loves them. Some are not ready to leave their lifestyle. Just love them and pray for them and move on to those who are ready.
We must reach out with God’s genuine love and compassion, offering a message of hope: a message that says, “Come as you are and let Jesus have His way in your life.” We must start where they are, offering our friendship and our sincere concern for their needs and their souls. The love of God manifested in you, and through you, as you worship, sing, and pray will touch sinners. His Spirit working in you as you reach out to others will affect the lost as only He can.