ECWR and Goss Clarification

I have received nearly a dozen complaints about my last post. Many have read into my post things that I did not say and overlooked other things that I did say. I would like to address each complaint here. 

The ECWR website has never referred anyone to Goss!

Answer: It does refer people to Goss. You can see for yourself by locating the fifth resource listed under Book Reviews at http://ecwr.org/resources/the-bible-and-homosexuality.html, as of January 27, 2012. 

The ECWR website does NOT refer to Queering Christ or the quote in your post. 

Answer: In my post, I did not say that the ECWR website includes a reference to Queering Christ or the quote in my last post. I said that the ECWR website "positively refers" people to Goss as a resource. I think that is dangerous, and I will explain why I feel so strongly about this in the next question.

Why are you freaking out over one mention of Goss on the ECWR website?

Answer: I run across a wide spectrum of individuals who experience SSA. Some lack much exposure to faith. Others are LGBT persons who identify as gay Christians. Others are SSA strugglers who believe that acting upon their sexual inclinations would be sinful. When my ministry can in any way nourish faith identity and provide pastoral care, that help is readily available to this spectrum of individuals. To be clear, the "help" is NOT assisting persons to change from gay to straight (which I believe is very elusive), but rather ensuring that they have access to excellent support and acceptance within the evangelical church.  Particularly teens who are being bullied and/or are experiencing suicidality.

In my work, I sometimes encounter gay Christians and seekers who say they will never seek a home in the evangelical church. I have referred some of them to ECWR. Why? For one reason: if they cannot seek Christ within traditional evangelicalism, I want to encourage them to keep seeking Christ. This is one venue to do that. So, as you can imagine, I have a tremendous responsibility to those who I have referred to ECWR. I felt it was important for me to publicly clarify that Goss' work is not something I want to refer anyone to. That is the only motivation for my last post. As I said in the post, I am not looking for a debate. I feel strongly that Goss can severely damage a young person's search for Jesus Christ - especially young people without a faith/church background.

Why are you holding ECWR responsible for the Goss quote?

Answer: I think we all are held responsible for nearly every word we say or fail to say on a topic as challenging as homosexuality. I will illustrate my answer to your question like this: if Fred Phelps ever writes a book on grace or love, will I include it on Lead Them Home's website? Absolutely not, unless by some far-fetched chance his rhetoric truly demonstrates a radical change in heart toward LGBT people. Even in such an unlikely case, I would be held accountable by many for every horrible act of hate that Phelps ever committed. I place Goss in a similar category. He defames Christ to such a degree that ECWR should be cautious about placing a referral to him on their website. It is their choice. This is my view.  

I cannot believe you would criticize Dr. Ralph Blair for his work!

Answer: I did not criticize Dr. Blair. I never mentioned his name in my post. However, I was privileged to be contacted by him about my post. We had a very cordial conversation via email. I will keep our discussion confidential, but I think it is fine to say that we both passionately agree that Goss is not a healthy resource for anyone. He was quite kind, and our conversation was wonderfully helpful. 

Dr. Blair can be found at http://www.ecinc.org. ECINC and ECWR are not related even though both were founded by Dr. Blair. I never attributed anything in my last post to either ECINC or Dr. Blair - I attributed the Goss referral to ECWR. 

I hope these are helpful clarifications. Please feel free to contact me if you have further concerns. Thank you very much, Bill  

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My Struggle with Pro-Gay Theology

 I routinely encounter gay Christians who point me to various resources. One resource that regularly comes up is Evangelicals Concerned. A cursory review of this website yields a warm welcome and inviting atmosphere for LGBT people to seek and discover Christ. I celebrate that.

On their resource page, however, is a Book Review list that positively refers seekers to author Robert E. Goss. He is author of Queering Christ, a highly sexualized account of Jesus. I caution you that this passage is explicit and will be highly offensive to many - including many gay Christian friends. Here is Goss:

"My technique of meditative prayer was to envision Christ with me and experience him as a lover. Scott Haleman, Betty Dodson, and Joe Kramer argue that masturbation can be spiritual and can become a form of transcendental meditation. Masturbation can harness fantasies and sexual energy. When prolonged, it can stimulate and extend pleasure. When fantasies are focused into making love with Christ, the experience opens itself to a fundamental and profound consciousness of God. My visualizations of Jesus were certainly explicit, erotically envisioning various forms of making love to Jesus the Christ. I had sexual intercourse with Jesus. Sometimes he was the top, and sometimes he was the bottom. My relationship with Christ was mutual and deep."

Every time I investigate some seemingly beautiful path toward gay liberation theology, I run across statements, claims, interpretations and suggestions that quicken my spirit with caution. When I read a passage like this one, I hesitate. I run into roadblocks that give me pause. I ask myself. Does this look like the Jesus of the Bible? Does this nourish the peace that the Holy Spirit produces in my soul? 

My answer is no.

Lead Them Home focuses on nourishing faith in LGBT people; honoring gay Christians as our brothers and sisters in Christ; enhancing their welcome and inclusion within the evangelical church; and battling against bullying and gay teen suicide. That is the 99.5% of our work. Yet when it comes to who Jesus is, I honor HIM as the ultimate resource of biblical truth. 

Goss offers a sexually charged route to biblical interpretation, but this is not the Jesus of the Bible. I have no criticism of Evangelicals Concerned, and I support their efforts to create paths to Christ for many LGBT people who have been deeply wounded by faith communities like yours and mine. Yet I do pose a question: do you really believe that Goss represents a sound understanding of Jesus?   

This is not a debate. I accept whatever answer Evangelicals Concerned might offer. If they stand by Goss' sexualized account of Jesus, that would be valuable information to know.

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Surrender: My Journey Toward Christ

Below is a link to my faith story shared on January 22, 2012 at North River Community Church in Pembroke, MA. As many of you know, I do not make this ministry about "my story." Rather, 99.5% of my focus has always been and will continue to be equipping the evangelical church to respond with greater Christlikeness to those who identify as LGBT and those who struggle with SSA. With that said, it is a great joy and privilege to share how God encountered me at each step in my life. I wanted to share this, because many people often ask me for a recent audio of my faith story. For those interested, here it is. God bless, Bill  

http://northriverchurch.org/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=13

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Posture Shift: North River 1/21/2012

I look forward to presenting Lead Them Home's Posture Shift seminar this Saturday from 9:00 am to 12 noon at North River Community Church in Pembroke, MA. This event is designed to equip church leaders and whole congregations for more effective outreach to and pastoral care of LGBT/SSA persons. Join us!

My Christmas Post: "Come Home"

When I hear of families who will not welcome LGBT loved ones home, it grieves my heart. I must stress that most evangelical families are very loving. Yet even for them, they can worry about violating the scriptures. For this reason, my "Christmas Post" offers a biblical basis for welcoming gay loved ones home. 

But first, a troubling question. Do we ever worry about inviting any other loved ones home? The answer is no! Our fears nearly always are about gay loved ones. I find myself asking: why aren't we bothered by porn user loved ones? Statistically speaking, it is because we are not so bothered by ourselves. 

Our problem is this: we look for the sins we don't struggle with and develop a moral high ground that tempts us into judgment. I guess you could say that - like porn - judgment is addictive. Watch out! Actually, that is exactly what Jesus said to the Pharisees. Watch out!

Since ancient times, exclusion has been the judgment tool of choice. In comes Jesus with a stark message we find in Matthew 7:1-2. He WARNS (not the "gentle" Jesus we imagine) that we will receive the same measure that we offer others. If we refuse mercy; if we express judgment through exclusion; if we view others as particularly vile; then all the born again claims in the world will not rescue us from God's wrath.

In Romans 2:1-4, the Apostle Paul expands this teaching in a plea: "Or do you show contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance." Paul reminds us that "we do the same things." Our problem, then, is that we do not allow some people to draw near to Jesus-in-us. We exclude them thinking we are holy, but there is a hole in our thinking.

I think this is why Jesus tends to talk not about external holiness but inner kingdom fruitfulness. In John 15, He says that a "good" tree is known by its' "good" fruit. In this extended passage, Jesus hammers away at religion by stressing that faith is not achieved by a religious standard - much less layering upon others a standard that we ourselves are unable to attain. To the contrary, kingdom fruitfulness is nothing more - and nothing less - than allowing Christ to fill us and spill from us as we engage others. To take Him in and not breath Him out is false religion. Jesus says false or fruitless trees will be torn to pieces and burned. Yikes!  
 

With all this in mind, I tend to fear being guilty of "religion" much more than I fear my sins. I do not want to minimize either - we need to repent - but repentance of sin should never be followed by judgment of others that fail to do likewise. Rather, we should allow Christ's salvation within us to be expressed as a radical extension of "God's kindness that led us to repentance." Why repent myself of very difficult sins to overcome only to then be found guilty of the judgment that God just spared me from? This is neither wise - nor safe!

Surely we will fail. Just as we sin, we will unintentionally judge others at times. When this happens, we must admit this and then adjust our actions, attitudes and words. This is not the danger we face: we get in trouble with Jesus when we allow a continual attitude of judgment to harden our hearts against others. When those who have been "forgiven much" withhold God's "kindness, patience, and tolerance" from others, Jesus says we become ungrateful (or even wicked) servants. These warnings keep being directed at us! Watch out...

When this really sinks in, a new insight sprouts inside my heart. I begin to celebrate that Jesus welcomes sinners, because He dearly loves them and knows their need for salvation. This realization flowers a new humility in which I realize my own impurities and the religious games I attempt to play. I need mercy.

We are left with a simple question: which "Jesus" bleeds out of us? The Jesus who invites loved ones home? Or the spirit of Pharisee who demands others to clean up before they come? The only time we are ever called to flee from or expel sinners is when we - or others - are tempted to join them. Otherwise, we are called to reflect Jesus-in-us to this world as it is - and to sinners as they are.

The only hope for any of us is that the Holy Spirit will invade our hearts and cause us to be renewed through washing, repentance and spiritual surrender. People do not achieve this. It is the gift of God, so that no man may boast. We cannot coerce this salvation experience to occur in others' lives: we can only reflect the One who has come to dwell inside us.

Grateful servants who have experienced the miraculous arrival of Christ are all too ready to welcome anyone - especially loved ones! - home for the holidays. First, because we love as Christ has loved us. Second, because we love as a parent or sibling naturally is made to love. And third, because we know that we have been forgiven much.

This Christmas, may your loved one come home and encounter the radiant beauty of Jesus Christ living fruitfully inside you. This is more powerful - oh, and more biblical - than exclusion ever will be. Amen.

Please consider helping us with a year-end gift to propel our ministry into 2012. Thanks for your prayers and support throughout the year. Merry Christmas!

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2011: Year-End Newsletter Part 2

Read Part 1 of an overview of our 2011 ministry news.

“The Church That Saves Lives” mobilizes evangelicals to combat bullying and prevent gay teen suicide. Our November 15th event was attended by dozens of church leaders, counselors and parents of gay teens. I was pleased to have representatives of PFLAG Boston in attendance as well. Collaboration with LGBT leaders on these two critical issues is needed. We must work together to save young lives.

What does it look like to “save lives?” Meet Tim, a 21-year old college student from the Midwest. As my family took down Christmas ornaments in early 2011, Tim called me via referral. He had just survived his second suicide attempt in 6 months. Tim had many difficult questions, but what he needed most was love, acceptance and support.  

Tim’s professional care covered him just a few hours per week. While I am not recommending an untrained person to play counselor, I am asking us – as representatives of the church of Jesus Christ – a very important question: “what happens after Tim receives professional care during the remaining 95% of his week?” He needs a Sustainable Support Network (or SSN) that includes pastors, counselors, mentors, peers – and family. 

In Tim’s case, his father is distant and incapable of providing emotional support. His mother is busy raising younger siblings and working to put food on the table. Sadly, Tim’s family situation leaves a gaping hole in his SSN increasing his vulnerability to additional suicide attempts. Tangible care means that we ask: who will step up?

Many church leaders have homosexuality in a theological box. When I say that, some will think I am pro-gay. That is not the case. What I mean is that they engage gay people on the basis of doctrine rather than tangible care. We might be tempted to view Tim as the guy who needs repentance and miss the reality that low support raises suicidality. Thankfully, a local church leader has been a surrogate father to Tim. It turns out that Willard lost his own father as a boy, and understands some of Tim’s pain. Willard sees that Tim has REAL support needs.

My church promotes mentorship and spiritual direction, but I am responsible for finding others to serve these roles in my life. With suicidal persons, they often lack the energy to conduct this search and do not handle rejection well. Willard’s role, then, becomes critical for Tim. He is “the” local leader who can help Tim enhance his SSN. Over the next months, Willard worked with Tim’s church. I worked with Willard, Tim’s mom, his roommates and a campus ministry leader to increase his support. Over time, Tim began doing this on his own.

At times, Tim needed a pastor; other times, a father; and still other times, a counselor, mentor or friend. You know there is hope when Tim laughs! Sometimes, he just needs a comedian. In everything, Tim needs to see (in us) and hear (through us) “the still, small voice” of God. We must get over any discomfort with homosexuality, silence our attempts to fix, and simply listen. Tim will give us clues as to what he needs if we will listen well. 

As summer approached, Tim’s anger surfaced and he decided to leave God and the church. I told him: “Wherever you go, God will be with you. And Tim, I am here for you - no matter what.” This is what Christ has done and continues to do for us. Tim needs to know that God will never let go. We must avoid condemnation and rejection.

After a few months, Tim circled back to the Cross. He told me: “Bill, I finally realize that the reason I cannot be in a gay relationship is not because of the church: or the pastors who have hurt me; or those who judge and reject me. The reason is simply that God will not give me spiritual peace in that place. I am learning to accept this.”

Did I jump at his theological correctness with a grand celebration? No. The factors driving Tim toward a same-gender relationship are still present. He needs assurance, so I simply said: “Tim, whether you run, hide, lash out or give up, Jesus never gives up on you. He is your Heavenly Father who beckons, ‘Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your soul.’ Tim, you don’t have to run away. You can run to him.”       

Today, Tim faces difficulties but he is stronger as Christmas approaches. Tim says, “Lead Them Home is the most positive example of hope and encouragement that I have ever seen inside the Christian Church. Bill is neither apathetic nor disengaging. Through persistent interactions with me, I am honestly looking more into Christianity as the way of truth and life. As far as the church goes, that will take time. There are many wounds.”       SDG

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2011: Year-End Newsletter Part 1

 

Dear Friends,

I hope your year is winding down to a joy-filled Christmas pause. On behalf of our directors, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the church and ministry leaders who trusted us to serve them - as well as each individual, family and church that supported our ministry with prayers and financial gifts. We thank you for your continued commitment in the midst of challenging economic times. We pray that you are seeing the fruit of the Kingdom in our service to you.

I invite those in Greater Boston to our next Posture Shift seminar at North River Community Church in Pembroke (MA) on January 21^st. This event will equip you for effective outreach to and pastoral care of LGBT and SSA persons.

Please help propel us into 2012 with a year-end gift. Thanks for your support!     

In Christ,

Bill J. Henson, Jr.

Founder and President 

Glimpses of 2011

Our year kicked off with a 4-week teaching series at Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA) called “January Jolt.” This series yielded robust participation and affirmed the hunger among evangelicals to get Jesus right for LGBT loved ones. 

Throughout the year, I consulted pastoral teams on a range of issues from how to care for gay teens to sermon design and content. The post-culture war silence on homosexuality has not been healthy. Church leaders are now returning to the topic – notably, with increased sensitivity for effective outreach and pastoral care. It is a joy to prove that radical care does not have to threaten moral truth.      

One of the most exciting events of 2011 was our Posture Shift seminar at Houston Chinese Church (HCC) in Houston, TX. Homosexuality can be a difficult topic for many ethnic churches. However, our changing culture is driving a much higher need for these churches to get equipped. We saw this rise occur in 2011.

The HCC pastoral team courageously invited their congregation and area Chinese pastors. Over 150 people attended. Near the end, Pastor F. invited young adults who struggle with sexuality and gender to privately meet with us. He said he wanted them to know they have spiritual support in their home church. Several young men responded and opened their hearts to “their” pastor. HCC deserves top honors for “living out” the Posture Shift teaching.     

Please join me for Posture Shift at North River Community Church in Pembroke, MA on January 21, 2012! Simply email bjhenson@gmail.com to attend.

Church Leaders: Request our PDF brochure to learn about Posture Shift 2012

Go to PART 2 featuring the inspiring story of Tim's battle against suicide and his search for faith.

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ALERT! New Suicide Prevention Tool

Lead Them Home is pleased to launch our ALERT! bullying and suicide prevention tool. This 5-step program is designed to help church and campus ministry leaders prevent and respond to anti-gay bullying and gay teen suicide. This tool will help staff, lay leaders and volunteers to:

Assess Suicidal Inclination.

Learn About Risk Factors.

Evaluate Support System.

Reveal Christ's Presence.

Train Families and Faith Communities.

Founder Bill Henson will unveil ALERT! at Lead Them Home's November 15th bullying and suicide prevention program, The Church That Saves Lives. To advance order this new tool, contact us for details. 

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