Six Reflections On Sexual Identity And Ministry

The Identify Network exists to equip and serve the local church in the mission of ministry. Primarily we desire to be a voice for ministry to those living with sexual and gender identity struggles. Too often those living with such realities feel nothing but shame, both personal and institutional. Churches and pastors do not always intend to communicate distance but far too often many do not know what to say or even understand well enough to formulate an answer.

The societal and cultural pressures surrounding our churches and denominations make it, even more, difficult for churches to engage in a substantive paradigm shifting the conversation, due to the fear of labeling or misunderstanding. We at the Identify Network exist to step into the messiness and the need to help our churches reflect Christ’s Gospel and draw people into the beauty of a relationship with our savior.

In part, we accomplish our ministry goals by offering resources we believe to be useful in helping pastors and churches in the effort to love well and shepherd the hurting. Dr. Mark Yarhouse is one voice within the Christian community that is attempting to help the church offer a new and better paradigm for ministry. Recently Dr. Yarhouse gave a lecture at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC on the topic of Sexual Identity and the Christian: Reflections for Ministry in a Changing Culture. The video will take and hour and twenty minutes of your time, but we suggest you carve out time in your day as a staff, a pastor, a group of ministry leaders or one(s) wanting to be more effective ambassadors for the Gospel.

Dr. Yarhouse offers six reflections for ministry and then expounds on each one. I have summarized each one below. I highly recommend that you take the time to watch and be edified by this lecture and Dr. Yarhouse’s desire to help the church minister effectively and love well.

Reflections for Ministry in a Changing Culture:

#1) Move away from orientation discussion, which sometimes measures someone’s worth against their heterosexual potential.

#2) Understand the three-tier distinction for ministry: Attraction, Orientation, Identity.

#3) Minister beneath the surface.

#4) Minister to meaning and purpose

#5) Be relationally present to those who are not churched.

#6) Take an “our people” approach to those struggling within the body.