Letting Theology Guide Ministry

Sides A, B, "C" & "W"

For many years, the debate within the Church over homosexual practice was simply this: Is the behavior sinful, or is it not? Now that most mainline denominations have split over that line in the sand, there appear to be at least four views among Christians on how to live out what we believe, commonly referred to as Sides A, B, Y, and X.

Having lost so much to this ecclesiastical battle, most don’t want to quibble over the details. Some churches allow same-sex weddings. Some don’t. Why not just move on? But in terms of practical ministry, our basic theology leads us to different practices.

The four different views can be found on a pdf at this link. While seeing it laid out in this fashion is helpful, please keep in mind that these categories are not quite so rigid for some folks. After all, who likes to be pigeon holed?

Side A is represented by Matthew Vines and Justin Lee. They are not the pioneers of this view, but rather are the most current representatives who have wrestled with the scriptures. Their conclusion? Same-sex attraction (SSA) is simply a variation of God’s design. Same-sex marriage, therefore, should be sanctioned by every church.

Side B falls on the other side of the line in the sand. Acting on attractions to the same sex is sinful. The Church should never allow same-sex weddings. However, the attractions are so persistent they are seemingly indelible. If God did not create them, he has certainly permitted them this side of the Garden of Eden. In light of this, if God’s people want to reach the LGBTQ community, we need to welcome people just as they are. Don’t push them toward heterosexual normativity, and certainly don’t suggest counseling.

Instead, accommodations ought to be encouraged. Adherents of Side B identify themselves as “gay Christians” and believe “spiritual friendships” should be the path forward. While marriage can’t be condoned, deeply committed same-sex celibate relationships should become commonplace, even with two men or two women sharing life together in the same home.

Advocates for Side B are names you may recognize. Wesley Hill is a seminary professor and contributor to Christianity Today. And highly respected author Preston Sprinkle has written some of the most thoughtful and comprehensive books on ministry to gays and trans. Hill and Sprinkle are certainly not theological neophytes. They have done the work of thoroughly sifting the scriptures through the sieve of sound orthodox theology.

Side Y takes one step further away from that line in the sand. Represented by The Gospel Coalition and the likes of Christopher Yuan and Sam Allberry, they sound the alarm against believers identifying themselves as “gay Christians.” After all, there is no warrant in scripture for labeling ourselves by our struggles and brokenness.

They do, however, urge believers who have levels of SSA to engage in discipleship and, if needed, religious counseling in order to manage their desires—not change the desires, but manage them. If one is honest with their partners, marriage is permitted, though admittedly complicated.

Then there is Side X. Not only do they believe SSA can be managed, they believe such desires can be lessened through prayer and inner healing counseling. In fact, there are some in this camp who have experienced much healing, have gotten married, and are now raising families. As with physical healing, so too with emotional or sexual healing, their theology tells them that there is always grace available to redeem the effects of the fall.

A, B, Y, and X. So why my strange subtitle above: “C” & “W”?

The Gospel Coalition of Side Y is made up of some leading voices of Calvinism. They are certainly not all cessationalists, and they do believe God sanctifies and empowers us, but it is not central to their beliefs and practices. Now if you are Calvinist in your persuasion and disagree with me, please make your thoughts known in the comments below. But I have gone to lunch with a few of my Calvinist friends, shared the pdf referenced above, and talked it through (I think I had a gyro salad!).

As for Side X types like myself, many of us find our theological roots in Wesleyanism. Some of us who are Methodists have a strong tradition of seeking God’s empowerment for living a holy life. The Pentecostals in our fellowship have long sought God’s power for the healing of the body. Therefore, Wesleyan theology easily facilitates our Side X practices.

Hence the labelling: A, B, “C” & “W”.

Each of us must know our theology well and let it guide our practice in ministries of all sorts. When it comes to sexual brokenness, the differences are critical.

More on all of this at a later time.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! God is good and his steadfast love endures forever!