I have dedicated part of my ministry life to helping the church move forward in care and discipleship to sexual, gender minorities, and voices often marginalized in our society and the church. Recent events have brought a sense of brokenness and ache for something better. I have listened, watched, and read most of what is out there as various states address the transgender conversation and some with bathroom legislation. I am not going to weigh in on the politics of... Read more
Rosaria Butterfield, a former lesbian, atheist, and English professor, graciously stepped onto the public stage in 2012 with the publishing of her book; The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Butterfield’s first work on the subject of sexual identity and same-sex attraction proved to be a heavyweight in terms of influence. For quite some time the evangelical movement that argues for an orthodox position on sexuality, had not seen someone this articulate, this winsome, and this hospitable, and challenging. Butterfield’s influence... Read more
This week has provided an unofficial look at the thinking of Christians in America. The details of that look are not entirely pleasant! We are often a divided body and a fractured family. The grace and peace Paul prays over the church is not being experienced in the fullness it should be. Angst, frustration, and anger have come to characterize us in these days. After a summer that brought the disappointing decision on marriage, from the Supreme Court, and... Read more
This week, in an interview with the Huffington Post, T.D. Jakes came out in favor of homosexual marriage and the concept of LGBT churches. The revelation is the latest in what has become and increasing alarm around the African American mega-church pastor. The reason it is the latest increase in alarm surrounds Jakes understanding of the Trinity and now his “evolving” position on human sexuality. In response to the news, Philip Bethancourt of the ERLC tweeted “When your view... Read more
Did you miss our simulcast event on the Gospel and Same-Sex Marriage, held last week, in participation with the ERLC and #ERLCequip? You can watch the whole thing here: http://erlc.com/videos The Identify Network exists to help equip and resource the church to become a safe place of counseling, shepherding and discipleship for those living with same-sex attraction and gender identity struggles. We particularly were blessed by Mike Goeke and Rosario Butterfield, both of whom emphasized the role of the... Read more
We are so thankful for the City Church Fort Worth. From the beginning, the elders at The City have been behind the vision for the Network and have faithfully given wisdom and support to our dream. Tonight is the official beginning of this dream, as we host the #EquipAustin Gospel and Same-Sex Marriage Conference via simulcast. Over on the City church blog, they are highlighting the Identify Network and releasing our new video that tells the story of dan and Casey... Read more
Last week the hearts of many Christian brothers and sisters broke as a humble, wise and authentic voice within Christianity announced her full support of same-sex relationships. Wesley Hill, another humble, wise and authentic voice rose to offer an apologetic of Rodger’s experience, a point he no doubt thought needed further understanding. (It may be helpful to read Hill’s essay here before moving forward.) Hill does not attempt to discuss the orthodoxy behind Rodger’s position and to be fair, she... Read more
The Identify Network will be hosting (via simulcast) The ERLC’s #EquipAustin conference on The Gospel and Same-Sex Marriage. The event will be held in partnership with The City Church of Fort Worth. We are excited that the conference will be a chance to equip the church to speak on issues of homosexuality as our new cultural reality impacts the family and the church. The conference will also be a launch for our newly formed Network and an opportunity for you to... Read more
Julie Rodgers, a well-respected member of the Chaplain’s office at Wheaton, has resigned from her position and announced her support for same-sex relationships. Rodgers announcement has come as a surprise within the Christian community, particularly because of her very public role in the ongoing conversation over topics such as sexual identity and celibacy. Julie Rodgers has been an outspoken proponent for gay Christians that believe their orientation is something to be embraced, but same-sex practice and relationships were, in fact,... Read more
I began this series (Part 1 and Part 2 can be found here) by pointing out how difficult it is to understand identity when you experience same-sex attraction. There is no shortage of competing voices speaking into your life at any point. The voices that compete for our attention are cultural, family, tradition, reputation, and perhaps the loudest and most confusing, religious. I tried to listen to all these voices, many of them causing me paralyzing fear. My... Read more
Narrative and Nuance
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