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......