Gender identity issues in the Christian Church

[Rev. Katherine Thompson Jackson]

Outside of quoting Scriptures, what suggestions are there in terms of ministering to active Christians with gender identity issues?

 

[Maurice Edwards]

What do you mean by gender identity issues? I don't want to misunderstand you.

[Rev. Katherine Thompson Jackson]

I am referring to Christians who believe that their physical body does not match what their mind feels they are. Or, people who are sexually attractive to people of the same gender.And also people transisting to a gender other than what they were born as.

[Maurice Edwards]

Outside of scripture I always remind people of the universal law. By God's design, it takes the effort of two opposite genders to bring life into this world. So to desire the same gender is going against the universal law that's in place. I remind them that they exist because of this law, so going against this law serves no purpose. Those who desire to be the opposite gender, as well as those who desire a relationship with the opposite gender both have an issue/sickness in the "mind". And only God can heal this condition by his spirit. Their mind has to be renewed by the regeneration of the spirit. A carnal mind will not receive correction because of the sinful nature in them. So they will defend their position to the end. So outside of the Word of God and his spirit, there is really no help for them.

[Rev. Katherine Thompson Jackson]

You are suggesting that we receive them into our congregations, yet continue to preach the Word of God? I am in agreement. In many cases preachers will not receive them into their congregations, or preach against them rather than the sin they are guilty of. We have all sinned, or have been guilty of sometime over the course of our lives. Unless we receive them we are unable to minister effectively to them. I am reminded of Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector. Jesus told him to come on down from the tree where he was perched. "I am staying at our house. (Luke 19:2)"  We must allow ourselves to minister to the people where they live.

[Mrs. Denise Jones]

Greetings my Sister, but this is a question that has been posted, but in differently arranged words...smiling  So you are barking up a tree that scripture says is an abomination and saints go back and forth on.  Now, you are asking for a way to talk about it worldly.  So, I will say this.  Just because their mind don't line up with their physical body and they lack the understanding of what they are gender wise don't make it acceptable.  See, a peodofile thinks of little babies...so that make it right?  It is a sexual desire which has a STRONG hold and they can't shake it, but it is a CHOICE, even knowing it is WRONG.  The mind make them think it is okay for an adult to have a relationship with a child, same thing with same sex individuals, their MIND justify what their physical body is capable of and yeilds to it.  We all can do things that feel good to us, but it don't make it right.  But having relationships is a CHOICE and when we choose to do things contrary to what is right then we want to make excuses.  Now, we know a grown person should not be messing with a child, so why would be except a man being with a man or woman being with a woman....it is just not right, it is a sexual desire that the individual do not have self control.  It is just yeilding to a FLESHLY desire.  Now that is not scripture, it is common sense.  Yeilding to something that makes them feel good, a desire that has a STRONG hold.

 

Now, this doesn't mean that we should not love them or minister to them or even be around them.  It gives us the opportunity to prove who we are in Christ.  Will we obey Gods word and warn our brothers and sisters, or just sit by idlely and gossip about the situation, which is a sin  God wants us to love one another and if we do love one another, we tell them the TRUTH not matter how it makes us feel.  It is the truth that sets us free, but we must do it with the spirit of Christ, which is Love and love conquers all.  And if we obey, God will already set that individual up with an understanding heart.  If we share the gospel, God handles the rest and if they don't except the gospel then ask them do they think it is right for an individual adult to have a sexual relationship with a child and why.  Then explain, in the mind of the peodofile it is right and they feel like they are more attracted to a child than an adult...they have more of a connection with a child etc.  so if they is a sick mind then their mind must have an illness as well, because they are yeilding to sexual desires than what is right.

 

In Love Sister Denise

[Pastor Jonathan]

     Gender identity issues?  We all have issues because of original sin.  The children always suffer for the sins of their parents.  Many people will assert that they were born a certain way and this is all fine.  The bible says that we must be born again to enter into the Kingdom.  People want God to get on their page, this is not happening.  We have to get on the same page with God.

     Many gender issues are a result of physical and emotional abuse (product of environment).  The church should be a place where people can go for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.  Pack the church with those who have gender issues and other problems.  Just don't put them in a position of leadership.  Keep them in the pew until they are on the same page with God.

     How do I minister to gender confused people?  Tell them it's okay to be born a certain way.  Tell them they are going to have to be born again to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Preach the word without sugar coating.

[Mare Shaffer]

Rev Jackson, It took me minute to under your question. Sin is sin no matter where you find it. But it is not our jobs as member of the body to tell others that they cannot come to church or tell them they must leave because of their sin. The Bible said that we must let the wheat and tear grow together and in the time of harvest God will do the separation. The Bible also tells us to come as we are. We must always remember that at one time we were all called sinners. It is only by the grace of GOD we are where we are today in Christ. We should let everyone come as they are, Preach the word, and the word will take care of the rest. If a person is sincere in their heart about turning to GOD. They will start to examine themselves and they will ask God to help them make the change. And the transformation will start to take place from the inside out. GOD Bless

[Rev. Katherine Thompson Jackson]

Amen.