Here is a recent interview I did with New Man Magazine.  Click the link for the full interview.

Dealing With Homosexuality in the Church

Last month the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to allow its congregations to hire clergy who currently are involved in homosexual relationships. The news came at the end of a summer that saw other mainline denominations dealing with the same issue. To get some perspective on these developments, we talked with Jeff Buchanan, senior director of church equipping for Exodus International. Exodus is the world’s largest interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. Buchanan works with pastors and church leaders to teach local churches how to love people who deal with same-sex attraction, while maintaining a biblical worldview in the process.  Click here for entire article.

The verdict is in. The California Supreme Court has ruled and the voter’s voice on marriage has been preserved, at least, for the moment. I must confess, though, that while I’m relieved, I’m a bit fatigued. Watching Miss USA contender Carrie Prejean assaulted for stating her views on marriage has been brutal. Hearing actor Sean Penn admonish supporters of the California law, Proposition 8, at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony to “sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes” was ugly.  Reading about how Proposition 8 opponents were circulating Google maps detailing the locations of Proposition 8 supporters’ homes to harass them was insidious.

I’m sure I’m not alone. Many Christians may be hesitant, if not completely resistant, to engage the culture on issues that contradict their values and beliefs the next time around. But we must ask ourselves – as the church, what should our response be? The answer for me comes in looking back at how the early church responded to similar opposition. They were committed to stand for what they knew to be truth, even if it meant the ultimate sacrifice. Many were sent to their death in the jaws of wild beasts in front of a coliseum of eager spectators. Today rather than facing the lions, the church now faces the merciless jaws of litigation. Instead of an audience of robed spectators, there is now a virtual coliseum of media correspondents, magazines and talk shows ready to voice their particular perspective on the events. The attitude against the church is the same but the venue for persecution has been modernized. As a result many churches have gone underground on this issue of homosexuality and are fearful to engage the topic at any level. Some believe there is too much to risk and besides; gay marriage will eventually be federally legalized so why fight it?

But wait a minute. Who is the real victim in this scenario? Is it really the church?

Click here for entire article in Charisma Magazine

I realize that recently I’ve made a few posts about the recent developments regarding Ted Haggard.  This isn’t to elevate one particular situation or give it undue and unnecessary attention.  As with any situation involving a previously or presently influential leader, the way they respond has the potential to define or distort crucial issues that face the church today.  Ted Haggard’s fall continues to impact and influence not only those within the church but our current cultural climate today.

On Thursday, Ted & Gayle Haggard made their anticipated appearance on Oprah.  I watched and processed with mixed emotions.  I was planning write my viewpoints on the interview until someone sent me an excellent overview by Joe Dallas (one of my favorite speakers and teachers).  I don’t want to reinvent the wheel so here is what Joe had so say:

Ted Said: AfterThoughts on Ted Haggard’s Interview with Oprah

Guest Post by Joe Dallas

Rev. Ted Haggard broke his two year silence on Oprah’s show yesterday, his first media appearance since a catastrophic fall from the pulpit of New Life Church in 2006, when his longstanding relationship with a male prostitute was exposed. The details are still fresh: Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, was condemning gay sex publicly while paying for it privately, until accusations from male escort Mike Jones cracked the dam of Ted’s denials (“I neverhad gay sex!”) and trickles of half-concessions leaked out (“Well, yeah, I bought some meth from a gay escort, but threw it away”) followed by voice mail recordings irrefutable as Monica’s blue dress, and the inevitable confession, contrition and exit. It was as tawdry as it was achingly familiar in this era of public falls, and many of us hoped the story was played out.

Enter the sequel. An HBO special titled The Trials of Ted Haggard premieres Thursday January 29, and by way of promotion, Ted granted interviews to Larry King as well as Oprah, revisiting those dark days with his own insights and explanations. If there’s a redemptive twist to all this, it lies in what can be gleaned from the Reverend’s experience and, to an extent, his statements about Christianity, homosexuality, church life and human nature. A typical spectator, I cheered and booed throughout the Oprah interview, shouting criticisms or praise while knowing nothing of what it was like for the man under the bright lights being grilled about his worst failures and private agonies. So I’ll concede, a la Roosevelt’s famous observation about the man in the arena, that it is indeed the guy in the ring whose performance matters far and above the critic who wishes he’d done this or said that.

From that deferential position, then, let me offer some thoughts on what Ted said, what I wish he’d said, and what still needs to be said:

Ted said: “I’m a heterosexual with homosexual attachments.”
What prompted it: Oprah’s predictable but relevant question: Are you gay, straight, or bisexual? (read more)

On Tuesday, after much controversy, Rick Warren gave his invocation for President Obama’s inauguration (for a transcipt of the prayer, click here).  I thought he did an excellent job and delivered it with uncompromised conviction. (I thought the four different references to the name of Jesus was brilliant.)  However, it seems that everyone wasn’t pleased.  There were complaints that he used Jesus’ name and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.  A professor of American religious history at Columbia University who claims to be a friend of Warren says “To lead the nation in saying the Lord’s Prayer, which is so particularly Christian was a mistake.” (click here for reference)

Huh?

You’ve got to be kidding. 

I understand being sensitive and diplomatic in order to respect others from different cultures, religions, and points of view.  I just find it interesting that all religious and socio-political expressions outside of a biblical worldview seem to come under a special protected class in our culture and find safe harbor in the name of diversity.  But when a biblical world-view is presented, it is considered intolerant, prejudiced, and antiquated.  It seems that when it comes to Christianity, everyone wants to use the mute button.  This is a battle I’m afraid so many are all too familiar with. 

So I wonder what would have been acceptable for this event.  I know it’s a little campy, but maybe something like this would have been more palatable: 

“Our existential one whom we acknowledge as a higher power,

Politically correct be your name,

Your rule at bay,

Our will be done,

On earth, as it is in our personal concept of heaven

Give us this day what we desire,

And forgive those who sin against us

By imposing the oppressive notion of sin

And lead us into opportunities for the gratification of our proclivities and passionate indulgences

For this is our kingdom, power, and glory.  Amen.”

I think I may try this one out on Sunday morning.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

This is a commentary I wrote for Ministry Today, January 20, 2009. 

 

Ted Haggard is using an upcoming HBO documentary to chastise the church for how it handled his sex-and-drugs scandal in 2006. Read one pastor’s take on why he may have a point.

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Ted Haggard is at it again. The former pastor of a Colorado mega church who admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort in 2006, is now sharing his story in a documentary called The Trials of Ted Haggard. On January 29, the film premieres on HBO and will re-examine the scandal that rocked the evangelical world. For many, this film will reopen old wounds and stir up feelings thought to be dead and buried.

I question why Haggard chose this particular outlet to voice the pain and frustration of his private journey. While I can only imagine the suffering Haggard has endured over the past two years, I cannot excuse some of his choices. And now, once again, it seems the church will have to deal with another reminder of those choices. But maybe there are some things worth being reminded of.

In recent news reports, Ted Haggard chastised church leaders for missing an opportunity to use his scandal to “communicate the gospel worldwide.” Despite how we may feel about the circumstances surrounding Haggard, I believe we have the responsibility to ask: Is he right? Did we, the global Christian church, somehow miss an opportunity to respond to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction with the gospel of truth? While these are valid questions that demand our attention, I believe there is another question that addresses an issue just as important, if not far greater:

What if Ted had told the truth? (click here for the entire article)

Yesterday at the inaugural welcoming ceremony, Bishop V. Gene Robison offered an invocation for the nation and the president-elect.  The openly-gay bishop is the subject of much controversy and has come to serve as a representative for the inclusion of gay clergy within the church.  In his inaugurate prayer, Robison prays the following:

“Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”

“Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.”

While there are other issues that I have in his complete prayer (to read Robinson’s entire prayer click here), these two points are the ones that challenge me the most.  For clarity, I will begin by stating that I do not agree with Robison nor do I support the principles and theology he stands for.  I believe that he is misleading so many who are desperately trying to reconcile their faith with their same-sex attractions and he will be held accountable for his actions.  The theology and philosophies he promotes is one of the most critical frontline issues that the church faces today.

His prayer for tolerance confirms what we’ve known to be true all along.  It is not tolerance that is being asked for, but unfettered acceptance.  Of course, I can and will extend the respect that any creation of God should receive.  This is necessary as a mature believer.  However, to ask that I “warmly embrace” a teaching and belief that so counters the truth is unacceptable.  I’m afraid we will not be united on that front so I won’t belabor this point.

But this is what I find most interesting:  “Bless us with anger.”

Really?

While I do not desire to see anyone treated with disrespect, I will not ask the Lord to “bless me with anger.”  I ask that He will guide me and give me discernment and wisdom in the midst of righteous indignation.  (If I am pursuing God’s will and what pleases Him, I won’t need to ask for righteous anger, it will come naturally.)  I will ask for guidance and compassion when I see a gay-identified person (or anyone else) treated with contempt and disrespect.  And, I will also ask for guidance and compassion when I see religious liberties attacked and compromised under the category and agenda of gay rights.

If Gene Robison truly means what he says in his prayer, then I ask how that anger will be received when it finds its expression through those who, based on religious conviction, have been discriminated against and denied their religious freedom.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ gives us several scenarios in which we can be “blessed.”  Too often, we perceive blessings as those things which make us happy.  We cannot pray; “Bless us with these things so that, in the end, we will get what we want and be justified in what we believe to be truth.”  In the Beatitudes, “blessed” does not mean ‘happy’ but rather it describes a state that is achieved when we embrace the responsibilities, qualities, and character of being a citizen of God’s Kingdom.  We will be in a state of being “blessed” when we walk in humility before God and each other; when we passionately pursue righteousness on every level; when we are utterly sincere in our thoughts and motives towards God and there are no idols that contend against Him (pure in heart); and when we constantly acknowledge our spiritual poverty and are dependent only on Him and upon nothing else that we believe will bring us satisfaction and happiness.  We will be “blessed” when we pursue the agenda of God’s Kingdom and no other.

So, I’m afraid that I cannot join Robison in his prayer for anger and discomfort.

I’m still working on that overdue character-study that Jesus assigned a long time ago.

This is an editorial that Alan Chambers wrote for WorldNetDaily.  As always, I thought he did a great job! 

Ted Haggard is having his say. The former pastor of a Colorado megachurch who admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort in 2006, is now sharing his story in a documentary called “The Trials of Ted Haggard.” On Jan. 29, the film premieres on HBO and will follow the life of the former pastor and re-examine the scandal that rocked the evangelical world. While the film is bound to bring up old wounds and raise more questions, there are some important lessons that the church can learn from Ted Haggard.

When the story broke in 2006, I, along with thousands of others, was shocked. I had brief contact with Ted Haggard in his role as leader of the National Association of Evangelicals at various meetings. His deception grieved me as did the media’s portrayal of him as the worst kind of hypocrite – a two-faced man who preached the Gospel of Christ by day and engaged in homosexual activity and drug abuse by night. People asked how it was possible for someone to oppose homosexual sin while indulging in it.

As he himself wrote in his confession, “There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I’ve been warring against it all of my adult life.” If you had asked the thousands that attended his Colorado Springs church, I imagine most would have said they had no idea their pastor struggled with homosexuality. The same could be the said for our own churches. It might be easy for us to judge the outside world, but how often do we recognize the broken and hurting in our own pews? For every gay activist that shouts in the parades, I’m willing to bet that there’s someone in our congregations who painfully struggles with homosexuality, but is afraid to reach out for help. I know because I was that person.  Click here to read the full article

Christian Network Helping Homosexuals Find Freedom Doubles in Size
Ministry Will Expand Efforts to Help Churches in 2009

Orlando, FL- Churches in denominations troubled over homosexuality such as the Anglican and Presbyterian churches are experiencing growing concern over the issue and have turned to Exodus International for help. As a result, the world’s largest Christian ministry to those seeking freedom from homosexuality has doubled in size.

For over 30 years, Exodus International has helped those affected by unwanted same-sex attraction to live a life congruent with the Christian faith. In the last six years, the organization has grown from 117 member agencies in 2003 to 234 by 2009. Half of those member agencies are churches that have recently joined the Exodus network and have committed to assist church members affected by homosexuality. The remainder of the network is comprised of professional counselors and local parachurch ministries.

Helping pastors and churches know how to address the topic of homosexuality with biblical truth and compassion is a primary goal for Exodus International. In 2008, the organization held six conferences across the nation that provided practical resources and information to hundreds of pastors.

In 2009, Exodus plans to improve upon this initiative by offering a variety of web-based resources and educational DVDs to churches across the country. In addition, a new book, written by Exodus President Alan Chambers, will help pastors and church members alike to understand practical steps towards leaving a gay-identified life and pursuing God-centered living. The book, published by Harvest House Publishers, is set to be released this summer.

“Though the world is getting spiritually darker, the future of the global Christian church has never been brighter,” said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International. “We have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate grace and bold love to a generation longing for real, life-giving truth. We are excited about the opportunities that 2009 holds to do just that.”

Exodus reaches more than 305,000 individuals with a message of hope and freedom through conference events and personal communication with those who call the organization for help each year.

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Founded in 1976, Exodus International is the largest Christian organization dealing with homosexual issues in the world today. With over 200 affiliates in its network, Exodus is a dynamic outreach ministry dedicated to sharing the hope of freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.

Christian Network Helping Homosexuals Find Freedom Doubles in Size

Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has recently directed “The Trials of Ted Haggard” set to air on HBO January 29th. This is not just a media montage of the 2006 scandal involving Mike Jones but a reality-based documentary in which Ted and Gayle Haggard are active participants. According to recent news releases, Haggard states in the film that he experienced same-sex play in the second grade and currently continues to struggle with same-sex attraction. He also states that it was therapists and not the church that helped him to understand his sexuality.

Already the media is slanting the story to their various perspectives. Fox News reports that Haggard talks about a lifelong battle with his sexuality and that “he never claimed to be heterosexual.” However, The Gazette of Colorado Springs brings clarity and context to the statement when they report that after Haggard quit the restoration program, a pastor friend was the one that declared that Haggard was “completely heterosexual.” The truth is that Haggard was attempting to clarify his friend’s statement. Unfortunately once again, facts have been obscured or omitted in order to promote a preferred perspective.

The general review by Mark Bama of The Gazette depicts Ted Haggard as indulging in self-loathing, self-aggrandizement, and self-pity. It also reveals Haggard’s bitterness and resentment towards New Life Church epitomized in his statements “The church has chose not to forgive me” and “The church has said go to hell.”

For me personally, this documentary is already raising more questions than answers. I do not know the details surrounding Haggard’s personal experience during the scandal and the restoration process. I can only imagine the intense pain and suffering that he has experienced as a result of his choices. However, I do know the torment of hiding the truth of his condition and the fear of revealing his struggle to those within the church. I lived the façade of pretending to be someone I wasn’t because that’s what I thought I had to do in order to be accepted and loved. It was self-inflicted solitary confinement with no hope for release. For many, this fear is legitimate and they must live a life of denial in order to survive in their church culture. I hear too many stories like this and it truly grieves me. The homophobic ignorance of some leaders within the Body of Christ can contribute to the destructive demise of men and women and their families. It is on this point that I agree with the gay community; the church must be willing to lovingly embrace the homosexual and extend the love of Christ to all.

However, I have to ask if this is truly the situation that Ted Haggard faced? Was there truly no one in New Life Church that was willing to stand with him in his restoration process? (I find this unlikely.) Were the leaders on his restoration council able to devote the time and effort required to see him completely through? I don’t doubt that people have rejected and abandoned him and to some extent allowed him to serve as a scapegoat representing the failure of evangelical leaders past. Perhaps much of this loss of relationship is due to the feeling of betrayal and loss rather than contempt for Haggard’s actions. So many have been impacted by Haggard’s homosexuality and the resulting casualties are overwhelming. The aftershock of this event continues to be felt to this day.

But can Haggard really justify the means he is using to voice his pain and objections? Can we expect Alexandra Pelosi to present a fair, unbiased, and redemptive perspective on this issue of Ted Haggard and his homosexuality?

I have my doubts.

I must confess that I’m frustrated that he is just now, after two years, openly confessing his ongoing struggle with same-sex attraction which has been an issue throughout his life. When asked why he didn’t come out about his sexuality, his response was “My responsibility was to get worked out.” What kind of culture have we created that says our leaders must be perceived as having it all together and beyond such carnal baseness? If only Haggard would have risked being honest when it was most critical. What an incredible opportunity to be one of the most influential evangelical leaders in the world serving as a model of transparency and vulnerability. This could have been an outstanding message of hope to so many impacted by homosexuality! But instead those who struggle within the church have to face the question; “If Ted Haggard can’t overcome this, what hope is there for me?”

My greatest concern is that the church won’t know how to answer.

The Body of Christ must own this situation and accept responsibility for all who are impacted, including Ted Haggard. We have created a culture where “celebrity” leaders are placed on pedestals and expected to be absolved of the messiness of humanity and its fallen nature. We provide the venue, set the stage, and then serve as brutal critics of the actors who have the audacity to answer the casting call.

I can’t come to a fully educated conclusion on this situation until everything has played out. I can only hope that Haggard will not use this as a means to retaliate and bring further damage to the Body of Christ. The fact that it does not appear that his leaders were involved in his decision to participate in this venture is not very encouraging. Regardless of the outcome, the church must let this serve as another reminder that we must redemptively respond to this issue of homosexuality that is so sharply dividing our society.

The Colorado Springs Gazette

Fox News