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How would you handle this?

Acts-celerater Posts: 714 **6/11/22 10:05 am**

How would you all handle this? This is the second time in the last month that we have received a request like this. We did not answer back on the first one and I feel that maybe we are being probed maybe to try and set us up. This is the message we received. We do have those of the alternate lifestyle visit with us periodically and one couple has been coming for the past 2 years and the attendance is sometimes two or three Sundays in a row and then a few months off. They are treated the same as everyone else but have never tried to go any further than attendance.

We are a lesbian couple. We were attending Movement Church in Charlotte. However the drive has become too much. Therefore we were wondering how would your congregation accept us?[/url]
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Acts-celerater Posts: 787 **6/11/22 6:03 pm**

Hard to tell if there are ulterior motives from this couple or not without having a discussion with them.

I wonder why the gays who have been attending for 2 years haven’t come any further than sporadic attendance? Are you sure they’re being treated like everyone else? If they weren’t gay, would you have already talked to them about their long absences?
Just a thought. I wish you well as you navigate these waters.
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“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
Voddie Baucham

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **6/11/22 6:57 pm**

This is a tough one for sure. WE allow couples not married but living together to attend, but not take ANY leadership or active day to day operations. WE KNOW by our church standards and beliefs that is sin. I know the lesbian idea rubs the wrong way. I sure would not know what i best for the church and most of all for the Kingdom.
Tough one....... After all our church is supposed to reach out to the sinner...... BUT.....
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Acts-celerater Posts: 714 **6/11/22 9:54 pm**

On the question about conversation with the couple that comes, yes, we do converse with them and there is no situation there. One of them was born and raised Pentecostal and they do worship. They have never exerted themselves concerning their lifestyles and have even been to our extra activities at times. The have been treated like everyone else as well. I don't know why this request hit me wrong, but I intend to go the high road and tell them they are welcome to come and see if our style works for them. Our congregation has had to deal with other couples coming and they have welcomed them and encouraged them to worship and enjoy. We are not a shut door and usually if people come for any length of time they end up making positive decisions. Thanks for all of the comments. I'm gonna do what is right. lol... Just needed the push.
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IT'S GOD'S TIME FOR SOUTH CAROLINA

You Must Refer Them to Your Written Policy

Acts-celerater Posts: 875 **6/13/22 8:44 am**

All churches must have a written policy about same sex issues. Travis Johnson posted one on Acts-celerate a couple of years ago. Have it passed by your elders, then add it to the "teachings" of your congregation. Refer these people to that statement. This is what I have done twice. No more issues.

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5923 **6/13/22 7:55 pm**

I'm not a pastor, but here's my opinion, for what it's worth. It sounds like what you are already doing.

The church doors should be open to any soul in need of a Savior. These are the folks we are called to. But I would be honest with them that while we welcome them to worship with us, it would not change who we are and what we believe. They may hear some preaching that doesn't line up with what they believe, and if they can handle that, they are welcome to come. I'd also make it clear that while they are welcome to be a friend of the church, they would not be eligible for any leadership position like the praise team or teaching, etc., or membership.

And while it's true they might be trying to trap you, it's equally possible they have been rejected elsewhere and are just looking for a place that would love them.

The COG has a couple of position papers about same sex marriage, and I think there is a resolution somewhere on the COG page that your church could use as a guideline for an official position (whether you are COG or not.)
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Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7307 **6/15/22 11:20 am**

How about a dose of Holy Ghost conviction.
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Congregational Church of God

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My thoughts....

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 6042 **6/21/22 7:44 pm**

Remember the woman who washed Jesus' feet (Mary, Martha's sister)? She washed Jesus' feet WHILE she was a sinner. He did not reject her worship. In fact, He forgave her of her sins!

Someone who is living in sin CANNOT have all that we have. But if they simply want to worship, let them. It's not up to us to accept or reject their worship. Our job is to preach the gospel, not allow sin to have a place in authority, etc.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16509 **6/22/22 9:30 am**

You be honest with them and tell them that your church teaches that homosexuals aren’t accepted at your church. They don’t need to attend where they aren’t fully accepted as who they are. It will be toxic for them and upsetting for your people. Be honest.

Friendly Face Posts: 120 **7/1/22 8:42 pm**

Re: How would you handle this?

Acts-perienced Poster Posts: 11849 **7/5/22 11:19 am**