A leadership workbook by Clare DeGraaf and Laurie Krieg
with additions by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Our response to LGBTQ people will be the debate in the Church for the next decade. It will split churches, families, and friendships. It already has.
Christ's followers need to find a fresh voice to address these challenges and opportunities. We believe we have found one such approach.
This Discussion Guide was written for church leaders who realize now is the time to be proactive and not reactive, courageous not fearful, and friendly and not hostile to LGBTQ+/SSA men and women, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters. As a quick, practical read, it beyond doctrinal statements of what the Bible teaches on this subject to help Christians feel far more comfortable having thoughtful, biblical, and grace-filled discussions with their friends, children, and neighbors.
Christ's followers need to find a fresh voice to address these challenges and opportunities. We believe we have found one such approach.
This Discussion Guide was written for church leaders who realize now is the time to be proactive and not reactive, courageous not fearful, and friendly and not hostile to LGBTQ+/SSA men and women, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters. As a quick, practical read, it beyond doctrinal statements of what the Bible teaches on this subject to help Christians feel far more comfortable having thoughtful, biblical, and grace-filled discussions with their friends, children, and neighbors.
Included only in the Church Leadership Edition:
Discussion Six: What we Believe the Bible Teaches About Human Sexuality
This is a prototype for a Statement of Human Sexuality. The leadership of your church is encouraged to tailor this to reflect the specific theological beliefs of your church.
Discussion Seven: A Church Covenant—Changing the Culture in Your Church
This, too, is a prototype for a church covenant. Your church leadership can customize this to become the "how then shall we live together?" statement for your church.
In addition, there are several appendices covering a number of important things your church can do to be proactive, such as:
Discussion Six: What we Believe the Bible Teaches About Human Sexuality
This is a prototype for a Statement of Human Sexuality. The leadership of your church is encouraged to tailor this to reflect the specific theological beliefs of your church.
Discussion Seven: A Church Covenant—Changing the Culture in Your Church
This, too, is a prototype for a church covenant. Your church leadership can customize this to become the "how then shall we live together?" statement for your church.
In addition, there are several appendices covering a number of important things your church can do to be proactive, such as:
- -Forming a task force to spearhead changing your church's culture.
- -Preparing your students to be more biblically literate and confident regarding their own journey with SSA or relationships with LGBT/SSA men and women
- -Addressing legal issues and church policies to protect your church
Included in Church Leadership Edition and the Small Group Edition:
Discussion One: An Introduction
Includes “a word about words” section looking at what it means to be "gay-friendly," and what terms like LGBTQ,,, "gay lifestyle,' and what affirming and non-affirming mean.
Discussion Two: Not all LGBT/SSA Men and Women are Alike
Discusses the differences between Christians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), and those who consider themselves to be same-sex attracted (SSA).
Discussion Three: Six Things Most SSA Christians Would Like You to Know
Shares a story of a Christian young man who experienced SSA while growing up in the church. His inner dialogue and perspective may help you see beyond "the issue" to the person.
Discussion Four: How Affirming Christians Interpret the Bible Differently
by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
How do those who believe the Bible affirms same-sex marriage argue their case biblically? How can we respond?
Discussion Five: Eight Popular Reasons for the Affirming View
by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Where are more reasons affirming Christians believe same-sex marriage is allowed by God? How can we respond?
Discussion One: An Introduction
Includes “a word about words” section looking at what it means to be "gay-friendly," and what terms like LGBTQ,,, "gay lifestyle,' and what affirming and non-affirming mean.
Discussion Two: Not all LGBT/SSA Men and Women are Alike
Discusses the differences between Christians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), and those who consider themselves to be same-sex attracted (SSA).
Discussion Three: Six Things Most SSA Christians Would Like You to Know
Shares a story of a Christian young man who experienced SSA while growing up in the church. His inner dialogue and perspective may help you see beyond "the issue" to the person.
Discussion Four: How Affirming Christians Interpret the Bible Differently
by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
How do those who believe the Bible affirms same-sex marriage argue their case biblically? How can we respond?
Discussion Five: Eight Popular Reasons for the Affirming View
by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Where are more reasons affirming Christians believe same-sex marriage is allowed by God? How can we respond?
Christians are waiting for more truthful and grace-filled answers. Are they hearing such responses from you?
Click below to download the two versions of this discussion guide for you to share immediately with your church, friends, and family:
Click below to download the two versions of this discussion guide for you to share immediately with your church, friends, and family: