A minister’s journey toward LGBTQ+ affirmation, allyship, and grace.
If I am in error, I choose to err on the side of unconditional love and acceptance for all.
I grew up in a conservative Christian sect that held to a traditional view of marriage; those who did not were considered outside of God’s will, and would be judged, damned, and eternally separated from God, unless they repented of and renounced their ‘chosen lifestyle’. I was baptized into this faith tradition at age 12, but by age 14 I began to question many of the doctrines and traditions I was taught. While I never stopped believing in Jesus, by age 16 I was in full-blown “spiritual and moral rebellion”.
After several years I married and found my way back to the church at age 22. Throughout most of my adult life I have been very active in church ministry and have served in various leadership roles. As an avid Bible student, I eventually entered a conservative seminary, was ordained into Christian ministry, and served in chaplaincy until retirement.
Over the years I have had many dear friends, colleagues, and clients who were gay, in loving and committed relationships, and leading productive lives. This did not mesh with the worldview and doctrines I had been taught in church and seminary, and I worried, interceded, and even ‘witnessed’ for their ‘eternal salvation.’
Fast forward to May of 2023, when I came across the book ‘Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming’. After reading this book I experienced a profound paradigm ‘leap’; a whirlwind journey of discovery, repentance, deconstruction/reconstruction, grief, and near existential crisis. I reviewed many key scriptures and read several books on this topic, the most profoundly moving was David P. Gushee’s ‘Changing Our Mind’, a life-changing read from the perspective of a biblical ethicist, pastor, and professor. I was, and continue to be, deeply convicted and transformed by this experience, a powerful culmination of many years of wrestling with this ‘issue.’
Acts 10 has been such a pivotal scripture passage for me as I have deconstructed/reconstructed my views regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion in God’s family. This change of mind has been as impactful as a second conversion experience. It continues to fuel such a fire in my belly as I reread, parse, exegete, and reflect upon familiar scriptures in the light and lens of our Lord’s unconditional welcoming and acceptance of ALL who seek him, choose to follow him, and yearn to be in community with his people.
I now identify as an LGBTQ+ ally. I am not a divisive person, yet I hope to be a faithful advocate within the church for full inclusion, welcoming hospitality, and loving acceptance for all people at God’s Table. Like the classic hymn says, “there’s a wideness in God’s mercy,” and no one is excluded from his saving grace. I feel like the Holy Spirit has unlocked an imprisoned part of my heart and has removed scales from my eyes. The love of God is burning so much brighter in my heart and mind. If I am in error, I choose to err on the side of unconditional love and acceptance for all. May the Lord’s Kingdom come and may his will be done, as we are called to love him and all our neighbors!
Joyce
(cis-gendered, straight, female, pronouns she/hers)