How does one minister to and witness to gay persons?

Since the demands of traditional Christendom are that Homosexuals live celibate lives, I have thought that perhaps the best way to minister to those attracted to the same sex is to live a similar life. Not that one who is married can't reach out to Homosexuals but that it might not hold as much persuasive power as one who has willingly abandoned sexual relations. This would be all the more powerful when it is considered that there are legitimate means for the straight man or woman to have their sexual desires fulfilled where there is none for the Homosexual.

Let your light so shine that they give praise to God. Matthew 5:16

Daniel Marsh said:

The area of ministry I primary have in mind is holiness.

input on how to is what is desired.

This thread is not for debating pro gay arguments. Materials on answering their arguments is ok --- by this I mean list a source like: God and the Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines God and The Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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Stop addressing them as gay. It may be a reality for them, but it's not a true identity. Address them for who they truly are, a human, like anyone else, that would be in need to follow and trust Christ. Treat them well and pray for them. And keep it moving.

That would be my advice especially to someone who never experienced what it is like being in that type of sin. The last thing you want to do is to speak as one who has all the answers and response to every rebuttal. We don't, that's why we have to point to the One who does and have patience until they know Him for themselves.

salt-n-light said:

Stop addressing them as gay. It may be a reality for them, but it's not a true identity. Address them for who they truly are, a human, like anyone else, that would be in need to follow and trust Christ. Treat them well and pray for them. And keep it moving.

That would be my advice especially to someone who never experienced what it is like being in that type of sin. The last thing you want to do is to speak as one who has all the answers and response to every rebuttal. We don't, that's why we have to point to the One who does and have patience until they know Him for themselves.

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Why is being gay not a true identity?

There is a certain Orthodox writer with a reputation for holiness, to whom devotion has been growing since his repose over 30 years ago, who was gay. In fact, he was introduced to Orthodoxy by his lover at the time. A very conservative priest-monk wants to see him officially glorified. He said that would send a powerful message that the Orthodox Church doesn't consider homosexuality in itself to be a bar to holiness.

www.str.org

This site has a lot of good material dealing biblically with homosexuality.

Monk Brendan said:

Why is being gay not a true identity?

There is a certain Orthodox writer with a reputation for holiness, to whom devotion has been growing since his repose over 30 years ago, who was gay. In fact, he was introduced to Orthodoxy by his lover at the time. A very conservative priest-monk wants to see him officially glorified. He said that would send a powerful message that the Orthodox Church doesn't consider homosexuality in itself to be a bar to holiness.

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Because it is not of God, plain and simple. If it's not of God, it's not of truth.

Can't speak for the writer, but the same applies no matter what your position is in this life. In any case, the OP already put the disclaimer, so I rather not derail.

SSA is a powerful beast and those who fight it and win have a great reward in heaven. IMHO

Daniel Marsh said:

The area of ministry I primary have in mind is holiness.

input on how to is what is desired.

This thread is not for debating pro gay arguments. Materials on answering their arguments is ok --- by this I mean list a source like: God and the Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines God and The Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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Demonstrate by your consistent care for them that you are a friend and that you want the best for them.
They expect hostility and rejection from Christians so you have to negotiate identifying as a Christian, who does not approve of their lifestyle, while also being a supportive friend.

It is basically the same approach for every nonchristian who has a strong belief.

Be a friend, identify as a Christian, continue to be a friend and earn the right to discuss believes.

I am currently wrestling with this, as a friend has recently declared he is gay and wants to be a woman.

I am at a loss as to how to communicate the truth to this person without offending them and risking our friendship. He knows I care for him, but he is bound and determined to follow this path no matter what... Due to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 I fear for his salvation.

I am praying that God gives me the wisdom to speak the truth in love, and an open door from him to do so.

food4thought said:

I am currently wrestling with this, as a friend has recently declared he is gay and wants to be a woman.

I am at a loss as to how to communicate the truth to this person without offending them and risking our friendship. He knows I care for him, but he is bound and determined to follow this path no matter what... Due to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 I fear for his salvation.

I am praying that God gives me the wisdom to speak the truth in love, and an open door from him to do so.

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Prayers for him and your friendship. One thing I’ve learned coming from both sides of it is that everything is in its season. I understand the climate that this world is in right now in terms of that, but treat him as any other friend walking on the wrong path.

I’m not sure if he does know Christ, if he doesn’t the most you can say is that although you don’t agree with the path he is going, that you still care for him and there if he needs a friend. If he does, then you can remind him that It is not Gods will for him to go that route and for that you cannot support it, but you still care for him and is there if he needs a friend. And then keep it moving. No need to repeat it. If it ends up that he doesn’t receive it and pulls more away from you, then you know where your friendship stands. It’s better he burn that bridge and later on come back to you with questions, then for you to burn it.

And then let God do the rest, and trust God. You may not know who God plan to cross his path that will change his path towards God. You may not even see that day. But trust God will work it out.

salt-n-light said:

Prayers for him and your friendship. One thing I’ve learned coming from both sides of it is that everything is in its season. I understand the climate that this world is in right now in terms of that, but treat him as any other friend walking on the wrong path.

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Thanks for that. That is what I am trying to do.

I’m not sure if he does know Christ, if he doesn’t the most you can say is that although you don’t agree with the path he is going, that you still care for him and there if he needs a friend. If he does, then you can remind him that It is not Gods will for him to go that route and for that you cannot support it, but you still care for him and is there if he needs a friend. And then keep it moving. No need to repeat it. If it ends up that he doesn’t receive it and pulls more away from you, then you know where your friendship stands. It’s better he burn that bridge and later on come back to you with questions, then for you to burn it.

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This whole thing is complicated by the fact that he is mentally challenged. In accordance with the Bible, I have attempted to not show partiality but to befriend him as I would anyone else. He claims to "have Jesus in his heart", and has been a regular attendee at church until this whole thing. I don't think he could follow the whole argument from the Bible as to why what he is doing is wrong... I have to keep it simple. As for now, I am just trying to treat him as a friend, not judging him and not voicing my approval, either. I have let him know already that the Bible speaks against what he is doing, but I think I need to read 1Cor 6:9-10 to him so he knows what's at stake (possibly his salvation).

And then let God do the rest, and trust God. You may not know who God plan to cross his path that will change his path towards God. You may not even see that day. But trust God will work it out.

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That's all I can do, really. I just want to warn him, so he really understands what he is doing and what he is risking by doing it. I just don't know if that is the right thing to do or not...

.

I can say that it’s not the wrong thing to do, because your intentions and the end of the day is to bring him to Christ and with a caring heart. And caring about the approach is good.

But even the best approach can’t predict how he will react. But if this is something you know your friend needs to hear, then tell him. Don’t dwell on it after.

But you be friends with him, just be careful not to push it if he doesn’t show interest.

First, learn how to love gay Christians. Then you might be able to convey that there is a good life in Christ for the gay unbelievers, because you know how to be part of it.

The same way you witness to anyone else who is a sinner,by telling them about Jesus
love and his salvation.