I share this story as a simple lesson in unconscious bias. As pastors in training we demonstrated our own prejudice. No doubt we demonstrate such prejudice every day without thinking as we did in the comfort of our classroom. Prejudice is sin; prejudice is a deep rooted sin in the church and we need to reflect, acknowledge and repent of our sin.
Sexuality
A Vision for Church: Prophetic
I will admit I can find it somewhat pretentious to talk about the prophetic. I think it comes from the experience of preachers claiming to be prophetic, having prophecies or claiming a title of Prophet and making bold claims that God is speaking to them about specific issues of the future. Frequently these claims are broad brushstroke type claims that really say very little and come across a bit like a horoscope. The prophetic church empowers the disempowered, speaks to the places of power and acts with integrity and humility for and with those who are powerless because these are the ways of God.
Biblical Homosexuality
Starting Out Whenever I go on a journey there are three things I always have with me – wallet, phone and keys. Whether it’s walking the kids to school, driving across the country or flying to another part of the world I will always have these items. They each have a place in a pocket … Continue reading Biblical Homosexuality
The Departure Board
Standing in front of a departure board I enjoy dreaming about the possibilities of all the destinations listed. Standing in the same place looking in the same direction does not mean that everyone is heading to the same destination and neither does it mean they have come from the same place. So it is with the Church and human sexuality. Scripture is being reread, re-examined and studied as those within the Church look at the departure board and ask whether they will stay put or go on a journey. Are we prepared to end up somewhere new or to one day return to the point of departure having experienced more of the wider world?
LGBTQIA and the Broken Church
When it comes to human sexuality the Church is broken. I haven’t got it all figured out now but I know that’s alright, I am secure in God and secure in my lack of understanding. Over the next few weeks I’ll be looking at what the Bible says about sexuality and the response of the Church, looking for the beauty in the Church's brokenness.
