Comments on: Gays and Lesbians are Actually Not an “Issue”

By: Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:17:33 +0000

In reply to Tony Myles. Totally agree. Thanks Tony.

By: Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:16:13 +0000

In reply to Daniel. Great suggestion, Daniel. Thank you!

By: Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:15:38 +0000

In reply to Greg Weaver. Could you give more explanation to your question, Greg. Not sure I fully understand.

By: Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:13:59 +0000

In reply to Ryan.

Hi Ryan – thanks for commenting. I’m not suggesting we separate gay and straight students at all. As youth workers we minister to all students – period. Our only expectation is that all students follow after Jesus and His will, not our own will.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:49:27 +0000

I agree that students who identify themselves as LGBT aren’t a debate or a scandal, but they’re PEOPLE – but that doesn’t this also mean that they aren’t a problem to be solved? Shouldn’t our youth ministries (and our churches as a whole) be filled with STUDENTS and not gay students and straight students? Perhaps this is a theological difference, but are we expecting LGBT students who find faith in Jesus Christ to change to meet our theological expectations? I worry that we often spend too much time separating gay students and straight students rather than just embracing any student God gives us the ability to connect with.

By: Greg Weaver

Greg Weaver — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 17:49:02 +0000

I am currently dealing with this subject in the community where we live. We have quite a few students who have “come out” this year. Some of these students I have seen make commitments to Christ? I know what God says about homosexuality. It’s a sin. No more than stealing, cheating, or overeating. I agree that showing the love of Christ is the first step. Withholding judgment and building a relationship with them is key. But the students who profess Christ, what’s the angle? They know what God says, so why are they doing it?

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:56:31 +0000

This is a difficult topic to talk about so thank you for your post. Just wanted to mention that you wrote they need to be “dealt with compassionately….” I think a better way to phrase it is that we need to “walk with them compassionately…” Thanks for all your work, it makes a great difference! You are appreciated!

By: Tony Myles

Tony Myles — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 06:02:58 +0000

It almost seems like this theme can be about any type of person… Christians who hate being stereotyped, for example. The grander focus is to see through the label and see the person underneath. So much so, that we ditch the label altogether.

How close are we coming to that happening? Not sure. I do know that this context that you offer is helpful and a great reminder.

By: Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 03:22:45 +0000

In reply to Bible Missionary. Hi Bible Missionary - thanks for commenting. Have you read my book about this subject? If not, here's the link from Simply Youth Ministry: http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-adult-leaders-development-ministering-to-gay-teenagers.html I think some older youth may impress other students, but not always. It depends a lot on the atmosphere you create within the ministry/youth room, and how you help these students move towards Jesus.

By: Bible Missionary

Bible Missionary — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:56:13 +0000

A few months ago I attempted to start a conversation regarding how to integrate gay youth into the general church population BEFORE the love of Christ has moved them away from their homosexual mindset and behavior. My concern then and now is that prior to conversion older gay youth can and do have a detrimental effect on easily impressionable younger kids.