If you found out that a long-standing member of your congregation was homosexual how would you react?

Question

What if this person was a youth pastor? a preacher?

Would this influence your opinion of the individual, of the church? Or would you be accepting?

Ana. Yes I do realize that. I am homosexual. I am asking because I am thinking of coming out too a friend of my faith.

Answer 1

If the pastor of a Church is a homosexual, a leave that Church, and look for another Church, because if the Bible said that the homosexuality is a sin(a very serious one)the Church cannot be lead by a homosexual; in the other way if a homosexual is a long-standing member of my congregation then "I DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH IT." I am not a homosexual but I have my own very serious sins too,and I don't think I am the only one in my congregation or at any other Church. In fact, I think that's why I am in my Church, because I am looking for God forgiveness and stop sinning. I am asking God to help me and He is working on my live every day. I'm sure He loves me a lot and I'm sure He loves you much more. I will pray for you with all my heart. GOD BLESS YOU!

Answer 2

It happens all the time!
I'm not sure how the Jewish faith looks upon homosexuality but in my faith we are taught to hate the sin not the sinner. It would definately not influence my opinion of the church and I would certainly be accepting of the individual but, I would definately try and guide them towards changing their ways and thinking about that lifestyle as God does.
If this person was in leadership I would encourage them to step down from their position. If they didn't I would be forced to let the head pastor know to take the neccessary steps to encourage the individual to seek help.

Answer 3

That depends on whether or not the person was still engaging in the behavior. If it's something he or she gave up, then I wouldn't worry about it. We all have something we've done that we aren't proud of. If the person is still actively homosexual, that would be a matter between that person and the elders. We tend to be quite serious about keeping the congregation as close to God as possible, and homosexuality would get in the way, as would active alcoholism or adultery. We can still be accepting of the person but not their behavior, can't we?

Answer 4

I would mind my own business and be that person's friend.

I would encourage that person as everyone to seek sincerely after a right relationship with God.

I'm a member of a Baptist church, and I believe not everyone in my church would do the same, but that's what I'd do.

I believe that no one in a morally controversial situation should stay in leadership position that could cause disunity in the church. That's not directed at homosexuals, that's directed at anyone with *sexual* as a definition of who they are. The church isn't about sexuality it's about spirituality and specifically about the right relationship with God.

When in doubt, ask the Author of the Book.

:)

Answer 5

I actually knew someone who turned out to be gay at my church, the first time he was manipulated and seduced by a musician at our church who convinced him that it was o.k. to have those feelings and even encouraged them just so he could sleep with him. When our Apostle found out, he confronted them both and they left the church. Later on, the one who was manipulated was in prayer, and God began to deliver him and showed him how he had been deceived. He ended up coming back to church, and was so angry at the musician, he thought about murdering him.

Now, years later, he's left church again and I recently found out he is shacking up with some guy. I love him to much to pretend that it's o.k. to live that way. Nothing I have read in the Bible would even make me consider it. Though I would not treat him unkindly, I will stand firm that I disagree with his life style and can have nothing to do with him until he repents. Because the word says, " How Can two walk together unless they agree." If I acted like everything's okay, then I would be just as guilty as he was.

Answer 6

One could take the position of to each his own or live and let live. If his activity is limited to consenting adults accept it. The church (all houses of worship) accept him. What a man sees in another man only God knows because I don't but I would say accept it. It would be interesting to ask your spiritual leader about the religious implications, unless he is the one of whom you write.

Answer 7

I would be relieved to know he wasn't a child molester because that IS bad but being gay is fine. I wouldn't mind at all. There is a gay rabbi in our community and she is well accepted. If a member of the congregation were to "come out" I think that it wouldn't change my opinion from what I had before they admitted their sexuality. Actually, I prefer not to know anything about fellow congregants sex lives!

Answer 8

If it were a member of the congregation, I would have no problem. If it were a pastor, I would. The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. How can you have an unrepentant sinner being the spiritual teacher for your children?

that would go for any unrepentant sinners too

Answer 9

I would minister to him in love, explaining what the BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY, to help him to understand God's ways & God's thoughts, so that he comes to a place whereby he acknowledges that God's way is the only way to live.

Then I will minister deliverance to him, using the Mighty Name of Jesus, casting out those demonic spirits of lust, perversion, rebellion, deception & homosexuality. Then he will be free from this evil and be able to live a normal life, enjoying God's blessings.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; . . " (Isaiah 61:1)

Edit:
I should love my brother or my sister enough NOT to let them remain in their sin, but should try to help him/her to be free from it.

Answer 10

It wouldn't bother me in the least for 2 simple reasons.
1. I am an atheist.
2. I am not a homophobe.

Anyone whose feelings change towards another person just because of that person's sexuality needs to have his head examined!