Gay people in Church
 

I am curious...

How careful should we be in inviting gay people to church?

AND NOBODY SAY ANYTHING THAT'S GOING TO GET YOU BANNED!

I want this to be a nice civilized christian-like thread! lol

Now, say you run into a drag queen on the street, they kind of want to go to church, but they are afraid of being bashed and treated badly in the church. Would you invite them to church, if you had even the slightest bit of hesitation?

Would you treat them the same, if only because they're still a person? What they do in their private life is disgusting. But, it doesn't mean that can't get the Holy Ghost and change. How would you handle this?

I have a friend who is gay. and I have invited her to church...but I have to wonder what would happen when she did come to church. If she would bring her girlfriend, if I should even be attempting to witness to her...

What would you do? And I'm asking this as where I come from, we dont have gay people in our churches (that we know about anyway!) and it's very well known that they will not be used until they're straight.

The title of your thread was changed as the UPC is not the entire Church. The thread would be better served without the discussing it as a UPC only issue as it affects the Apostolic Church as a whole.

Gay people need salvation and deliverance, just like everybody else. I have taken a lesbian co-worker to church (a special service where multiple churches were involved); she invited her 'partner', but the other woman didn't come. She was somewhat overwhelmed by the apostolic service, but I am convinced that she felt the presence of God, and I believe that God still deals with her heart. She never did come to another service with me while we worked together, but she would often bring up the subject of church and God for us to discuss.

My husband and I have invited other homosexuals and lesbians (there seem to be a lot of them in this area of the country - in fact, we had a county that decided to illegally give marriage licenses to same sex couples a couple of year ago - and we have usually worked in bigger companies where there always a few working with us) with whom we have worked. They were quite surprised that we would do such a thing, and sometimes even surprised that we would be kind, friendly, nice to them, since we were some of those 'homophobic conservative christians'. :sly It never seemed to take them very long to realize that, although we would never condone their lifestyle, we cared for them as people, and treated them with kindness, courtesy, decency, just like everybody else.

By all means, invite that cross dresser to church!!! Befriend that lesbian on the job!!! Show the love of Jesus to them, because they need it!!!!

Thank you. Being UPC that was my first thought. Thank you for broadening the spectrum.

To me, and maybe I'm wrong, and if so, the Lord will show me, but to me, I think we should NOT treat them any differently than we would someone who was an alcoholic, or druggie, or a thief...a sin is still a sin. You'll still go to hell over it. But we're to show love to all people. God is no respector of persons, so why should I be? Salvation is for all. You don't have to like what they do, but I still think they should be treated the same as any other person. It's like when your kid goes out and you find out something they've been doing behind your back, you may not like what they're doing, but you still love them for it.

I do know some people, though, that if they found out so-n-so was gay, "oh, my heavens! hurry, turn your eyes! you might become one too! RUUUUN!"

But it should not be that way. Now, what does one do, when the gay person DOES get the Holy Ghost and wants to sing a special in church, and they are still living with their partner? How would you explain that they couldn't untiil they put away their sinful lifestyle?

Invite anyone that crosses your path...they are souls...God has the power to forgive and change. That is the reason the church exists..."of such were some of you"...Paul...

God changes people we do not.You have to trust Jesus.I invite whomsoever will like the bible says.Sin is sin.Some is seen more externally but then who knows what is sitting on the pew next to you? Only Jesus.

I will get executed I guess but this is a sincere question. I know from scripture that homosexuals can be saved(1Cor. 6:9-11) however has anyone ever known one changing and staying changed? I haven't I would just like to know if anyone personally knows of one changing and maintaining their 'straight' stance for a good period of time?? Again NOT saying it can't be done we have scripture 'where such were some of you.' Just asking for personal experience?

Bro Epley, I concur with you here. I too believe that it is possible for them to get saved, but to date have not met one that has STAYED saved.
I too am curious...:donuts

NI

It is sin nature. It has been proven time and again sinners go back to their sin. Alochol and drugs are a lot easier to hide than a "lifestyle." Just my thoughts......

Yes, I know of someone who has lived an overcoming life for two decades.

Good that is encouraging. And you PERSONALLY know them?

Yes.

Well, yes, I do personally know a couple who were radically in the lifestyle and have been out of it for years.

As far as treating "them" is concerned, if they come to NLC, they get a hug from me know matter who they are. This is no different from a convicted felon, murderer, etc. Every person in bondage needs set free. Only the love, blood and word of Jesus can do that.

If we differentiate in our treatment of sinners, we will become prejudiced in our treatment of each other as well. For instance, Sis. Suzie cuts her hair and this is the ONLY thing she has done that is contrary to her church. Sis. Suzie will no longer be Sis. Suzie.....she will instantly be Miss Suzie. A saint today, an ain't tomorrow.

These things ought not to be. :D

If I hug a homo I want to really know he is an ex sure enough!!!!! Sorry that is the way it is.

To really know.... that could entail alot of testing... :poloroid

I can understand that point of view. But, gay people are not going to be attracted or try to force themselves on any of the same sex, just like you would not be attracted to and force yourself and hit on someone of the opposite sex, just because that's which side of the team you play for.

They are people who deserve to be treated the same as anyone else. HOWEVER! If you see a look in their eye that says, "I want you!" yeah, you'd better run!

lol

I have been friends with several people who were gay, and when I was younger, the place I worked had about 40 percent gays. They understood I was not where they were...and there was never a problem.

I am from the Mid-West my exposure to them has been very little and the story is not pleasant to say the least. However I believe the scriptures and they say they can be saved so I believe the book. I just have not seen it myself. But I rejoice in those who have.

DITTO

If you aren't comfortable bringing people who are gay to your church because of what the church's reaction would be...I'd have to say...You are in the wrong church and you need to search for another.:sshhh

Blessings, Rhoni

I know I may be attacked after this post - but I think there are preachers who could benefit from a course in sensitivity training. ....I don't mean formalized secular training necessarily but some discussion about what is appropriate and inappropriate as far was what is said about homosexuals from a pulpit.

Sin is sin and homosexual sin is so much more stigmatized than heterosexual. Both are wrong. Both are sin. I was in a church service with some people who had Church of Christ backgrounds and they were "Campbellited right out the door"......It was Campbellites this and Campbellites that...My husband and I love this kindly preacher but that type of language serves no purpose. Also, the same with some Baptist people I invited. Billy Graham was attacked. What was the purpose in that? ...They, too, went right out the door. It was heartbreaking to have worked hard to inivite someone to church and then have the evangelist run them off with those offensive comments. I don't think homosexual people should be called _________ (use your imagination for those words I don't want to type) from the pulpit......I don't think Church of Christ people should be called Campbellites. I think preachers should deal with the sin and not get into such offensive language. Most of the preachers I know are well disciplined in these matters. Often it is older preacher who is using this type of language. I realize the older are supposed to teach the younger, but I have often wondered how a younger minister might be able to discuss this with an older minister?.....This type of thing seems almost unapproachable. ....I wish some of the younger men could have a talk to the older men about this type of thing.

I think all gay people should be invited to church. How else are they going to get saved? Church people should treat people nicely, but it's not always going to happen either. The person who invited them should act as somewhat of an advocate for them maybe.

I agree, ILG....There are gay people who work with me - several. I have invited some of them to church but no one has ever come. I think if one did come I would almost feel obligated to go to the pastor and tell him "this person is gay"...Maybe that would help. The people I work with are not closet gays. They have been with the same people for over 20 years.

I would answer, but I suffer from an extreme case of homophobia.

Yes I know of a guy that repented, was baptized and received the Holy Ghost. Changed his life and lifestyle completely and now he preaches the gospel. Last time I saw him and his wife they were doing great and had a blessed family.


God can do what we might consider to impossible!

Good Post!

I'll be praying for your deliverance.:IAM

Blessings, Rhoni

I agree, but some people think that this type of language means they are not "soft on the message". To them, they think speaking nicely and respectfully means they are compromising. And that's sad.

Help yourself.

I can use the prayer and you can use the practice.

A sinner is a sinner is a sinner...and a Christian's primary calling is to lead them to Christ.

Here's a thought...have we had only a few homosexuals saved because Christians, for the most part, avoid them?

We not only avoid, but we do not know how to minister to them. Those truly homophobic are either afraid of something they do not understand, or they understand all too well and are afraid of themselves.:sshhh

Sincerely, Rhoni

What I really think is we need LEARNED people in our mist that know how to help people ...Have you ever noticed how "afraid" Pentecostal people are of educated people that know how to deal with people that have "deep" problems...A little book learning might help us all out a bit...
and yes I do know one that completely changed...
If the "worldly denominations" can have clinics for this or that I ask where are we??? It should be us the Holy Ghost filled people that are reaching out in every possible way...
Sadly many are stuck in the mud...Oh, if we could just move out to where the sinner lives and offer a fresh pot of manna to his hungry soul...
I believe in the power of the gospel. If the gospel cannot change then something is wrong...If the sinner wants deliverance and cannot be delivered then something is wrong with us.
It is easy to make excuses for our lack of power. We must pray as never before. We live in a world of much sin...but where sin abounds GRACE much more abounds...
(just a few thoughts of mine)

Sis. Alvear, great words.

Me?

Really homophobic?

Not in the classic sense.

But, I'm just scared to death of what they do to each other.

It's perverted, nasty, filthy annnnnd sinful.

I have preached to and worked with homosexuals trying my best to help them, but tolerate their "life style" while they profess to be changing... not in this lifetime.


jmho

ROFL!

That is just too funny!

They're welcome @ my church. They'll be greeted with a welcoming smile and Godly love. They're no different than a drug dealer, pimp, prostitute, liar, etc.

Exactly. :thumbsup

That's sad, but I'm not surprised.

Don't be scurred. God loves them just as much as He does anyone else who commits any other sin.

I've had a few gay friends - all of which were well-mannered and well-behaved. (not to mention well-dressed) They weren't overt in their homosexuality or lesbianism, and I never felt threatened or was afraid of what they did or who they were.

Regarding whether or not they continue living for God once they've been saved and delivered. That's really not for us to worry about. Sure, many may well forsake God and go back to sin, but that shouldn't stop anyone from continuing to reach out to that particular community.

I've known liars (some licensed ministers) who lie and continue to lie. Doesn't mean I shun them or others like them.

Brother E, I knew a fellow who was gay. He came to the Lord around 1980 or so in his mid 30's. Tragically in 1985 or 86, he became sick with AIDS. His decline was very fast and he died of that terrible disease. He was engaged to a lady in the church but sadly they never married. She did take care of him in his final days.

He died full of the Holy Ghost.

What is so crazy to me is the way some folks want to make homosexuals and lesbians NORMAL.

You know, "it's like any other sin".

Seems that it's the "in thing" to be tolerant toward perversion.

There is NOTHING normal about what they do, it is perverted, nasty, filthy and sinful, not to mention that God calls it an abomination.


jmho