But Doesn't the Bible Condemn LGBTQ+ People??
Few issues have so divided the modern church as the topic of homosexuality and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Traditional churches have held, believed and taught that sexual and/or gender expression and orientation outside of the heterosexuality and gender identity assigned at birth contravene God’s design for mankind, and are therefore immoral, sinful, and to be repented of. Other churches take a stance of anything goes and that morality is fluid and left open for each individual to decide for themselves. After much thought, prayer, and study on this subject, St. John’s United has decided to take a stand that is based on the Biblical commands to Love God, and Love Others.
At St. John’s we honor the Bible as the revealed Word of God, and that it, when correctly understood and applied to the believers’ life it is the guide for the faith and conduct of the believer. Thus, it become irrelevant what society may say or what even “The Church” has to say on this topic. The question continues to come back to, “What does the Bible say?” This for many is difficult because we have simply believed what others have said it says, but the best rule of thumb is to always go look it up for yourself.
Our YouTube Channel has a detailed study on the Scripture passages which address this subject, and those which have been most often cited as supporting the case against the reconciliation between homosexuality and Christian faith and practice. We encourage you to read, study, pray, and most importantly to listen to Holy Spirit carefully and intently on this subject, as He alone is the one Who leads and guides the believer into all truth. (John 16:13). Our ministers are also available to answer any questions you may have, and classes on this subject are offered at various times throughout the year. (A playlist of extensive teaching on this subject from our friends at Gateway of Hope in Houston, as well as links to other online resources is included on this page.)
SO DOES THIS MEAN THIS IS A GAY CHURCH??To simply answer the question though, “Is this a gay church?”—the answer is emphatically, “No it is not.” We are no more a “gay church” than We are a “straight church,” a “white church,” a “black church,” a “short church,” a “skinny church” or any other way that folks wish to describe it. The moment a church begins to place a defining characteristic of the majority of its members in front of who it is, it ceases to be a church, and becomes nothing more than a community organization.
That is NOT who we are, nor who we wish to be. We firmly believe the Bible which boldly declares, “To ALL that received Him gave He the right to be called the children of God. (John 1:12.) This means that at St. John’s, we will live out the Word, and gladly receive all into the fellowship of this church family those that receive Him. Revelation 22:17 says, “WHOSOEVER will, let them come to the fountain of the water of life and drink freely.”
If you are a whosoever, WELCOME HOME! You will be fed and nurtured here. You will part of the family here. You will be accepted here. You will be taught here. You will be challenged here. You will be equipped here. You will be able to minister here.
Below you will find links to other online resources on this topic:
