______________________________________________________

From: "Chad McCallum" <[email protected]>

Three thoughts come to mind in regards to how to deal with this

group of young men...

1 - The church exists for lost people. If we believe that all "lost people

matter to God" then you have to allow the group of guys to continue to

come. If a homosexual cannot come to worship, then we need to send home all

of the members of our congregations that are alcoholics and drug addicts.

While we are cleaning house we can send home all of the men that are

wrestling with lust and all of the women who have been flirting with the

idea of an extramarital affair. Let them stay for that reason alone.

2 - Continue to speak/preach the truth in love. Now would not be a good

time to start a new series titled, "Homosexuality...The Cardinal Sin".

Instead continue to preach and teach and interact in love. At the same time

don't avoid being willing to preach against sin. They are coming for a

reason. Seize that time for Christ.

3 - This one is obvious...Avoid promoting them in leadership. People in the

church will undoubtedly want them to be more and more in leadership

positions, but avoid it.

______________________________________________________

From: [email protected]

"Brian, thank you for being honest with me. And of course, you are most

welcome to continue attending our services. I would like to think that in

our ministry and fellowship you will be able to discover God's plan and

purpose for your life. I want our church to be an extension of Christ's love

to you and your friends who attend as well."

"I would like to believe Brian that you would expect from me the same kind of

honesty that you have exhibited. You obviously are aware of our church's

stand on homosexual behavior, as well as the deliverance that we believe is

available, through Christ, to all who put their trust in Him. Otherwise you

would not have answered the way you did. I want you to know that I have no

different opinion from that of my church. It will be reflected in my

preaching, and teaching and counseling whenever the subject arises. But when

it does, remember that I am not hating you or your friends, I am simply being

faithful to the Word of God."

"I will pray for the day to come, when you will find you can trust me, and

let me help you find your way out of this lifestyle that is so displeasing to

God."

--J. W. Watkins Vancouver, WA

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From: "Billy Sunday" <[email protected]>

At first glance, these young men seemed to be above reproach. They seemed

to be setting an example for other members of the church. However, I would

submit they are wolves in sheep's clothing. After all, I believe it takes

a "clean vessel" to truly worship God. I do not believe that someone

living the homosexual lifestyle can truly worship God.

If I was fooled by these wolves, I would have to take a close look at

myself -- to determine why I was fooled. Perhaps, I was using the wrong

measuring stick. Granted, it may have appeared that they were bearing

good fruits -- tithing, helping one another, etc.

But if this is how we discern one another, then we would have to equal

fellowship with Mormons, and many other groups. After all they exhibit

many of these same "fruits". There has to be something else to consider.

As for what I would tell these young men? I would ask them to leave.

After all if they are not willing to repent of their ungodly lifestyle,

then they should go elsewhere to "play church". Because in my opinion,

that is all they are doing.

______________________________________________________

From: [email protected]

I'm floored but it could happen to my church! I need answers as well!

______________________________________________________

From: Noel Piercy <[email protected]>

Don't know what you said to Brian & Jared, but if they end up leaving *your*

church, please send them over to mine!

Only fair to say, however, that we're not a church in the

evangelical/fundamentalist tradition. So what would be a no-brainer over

here is a real dilemma out there.

Good luck. Thanks for bringing up the subject. Everybody, from all points on

the conservative/liberal continuum, surely benefits from seriously

considering issues like this.

--Noel Piercy, Assoc. director of music, 1st Presbyterian, Caldwell, NJ

Olivet Nazarene College, 1979

______________________________________________________

From: [email protected]

As homosexuality becomes less "sub-cultural" in the next decade, most

pastors will have to answer this letter for real in their own churches.

______________________________________________________

From: [email protected]

Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me......The church that welcomed me

did it while I was not in accordance with the full doctrinal statement. But

greater still, the One who saved me expressed the fullness of love while I

was yet a sinner.

Membership and leadership aside, it is the desire of the church to lead the

lost to Christ. Lovingly and faithfully. You can continue to attend.

(Yet as a pastor I cannot close my eyes - or my sermon - to the sin that

entangles.)

______________________________________________________

From: Clarence G White <[email protected]>

I would not tell anyone not to attend my church unless they were causing

division and dissension. I guess I would make clear to them that we

would continue to preach against all forms of sexual sin--homosexuality

included. I would inform them that they would be asked to leave at the

first hint of pushing an agenda. I would tell them that overt "couple"

behavior would not be tolerated. And I would pray that they would

experience Holy Spirit conviction and repent while attending the church.

Dr. C.G. White, Pastor Pilot View Friends Church

Yadkinville NC 27055

______________________________________________________

From: "James Petticrew" <[email protected]>

In my view you should positively encourage those young

men to continue to attend your Church. If they know the Church is

evangelical and want to attend worship and have no agenda of their own,

what a God given opportunity. We have all sorts of "sinners" attending our

Churches no worse or no better than homosexuals. It seems to me that Jesus

was glad to be called "the friend of sinners" and we