Homosexuality In Our Youth Groups

Is homosexuality an issue that needs to be addressed in your youth group? Many youth pastors quickly respond, “Yes, but I’m not sure how to talk about it.”

Others may respond, “No, that’s not a problem we have at our church.”

But homosexuality is not just an urban problem, a San Francisco problem, or an out-there problem. Homosexuality is an issue for many young Christian men and woman who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions. In fact, Exodus Youth helps many Christian students who love God, have unwanted same-sex attractions, and are afraid their youth group will find out.

Let me ask an uncomfortable question: Would a struggling youth in your church feel safe disclosing his or her secret to you? Would she expect compassion and grace, or would lesbian jokes and attitudes of anger or disgust toward lesbians and gays leave her fearful of being found out?

When speaking about homosexuality and lesbianism with your youth group, it is vital to speak the whole gospel, not just the biblical prohibition on homosexual acts. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” This is true and good to share, but do not forget verse 11, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” We know from this verse that some in the church in Corinth left homosexuality to follow Christ.

God’s Word not only condemns homosexual acts as sin, but also expresses God’s deep love for homosexuals and His power to save and transform their lives. For 30 years, Exodus has proved the truth of 1 Corinthians 6:11. Thousands of people have overcome homosexuality and now enjoy lives of holiness and fruitful service to Christ.

Several years ago, as a campus minister, I was faced with how to respond to a young man in my church who told me through tears that he thought he might be gay. I felt confused, disgusted, and sad. I was not sure how to respond. Then I remembered Jesus was known as a friend of tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. He calls us to follow His example of radical compassion for sinners and outcasts, including those who are homosexuals.

When someone discloses his struggle to you, remember the following:

• • Do not shut down pastorally or emotionally. The person coming to you has known a lifetime of rejection and desperately needs a representative of Jesus Christ who will extend grace to him. Hug him when he leaves to show that you continue to love and accept him.

• • Do not pass judgment. All of us have sins of which we are ashamed. Billy Graham said, “Don’t take credit for not falling into a temptation that never tempted you in the first place.”

• • Do not disclose this person’s secret without permission, even among church staff. There is nothing safe about the gay lifestyle. People struggling with same-sex attractions need to find safety in the church. Allow youth to share their struggle with their parents and others, as they are ready.

Exodus is a valuable resource for those who minister to youth struggling with same-sex attractions. Our local member ministries can provide speakers who will share their testimonies of overcoming homosexuality, counselors or mentors to meet with pastors and teenagers, and support groups. We can also provide books and other resources for pastors, youth, and their parents.

For more information, visit: http://exodusyouth.net/youth/youthpastor.html

Scott Davis is director of Exodus Youth, a ministry of Exodus International. For more information visit http://exodus.to or call 407-599-6872.