Statistics show that one in five Gen Z children are identifying somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum. One in five. Parents must realize that all of our children are dealing with this issue, because even if our kids aren't personally struggling in their sexuality, their friends are. This issue affects every parent and every child. 

 

The church needs to have a loving and truthful approach for families facing this issue.

 

One of the largest and most influential churches in the United States, North Point Community Church, pastored by one of the most influential ministers in the world, Andy Stanley, just went on the record telling us about his church’s approach. Stanley’s message, along with the Unconditional Conference for parents of LGBTQ identifying children held at North Point, signify a substantial departure from where the evangelical church has stood on this issue.

 

Does Stanley have the right approach? Is it Biblical? Should we be concerned?

 

Catherine’s guest in this episode has been ministering to parents of children in the LGBTQ community for many years because she is one. As a mother of a same-sex attracted daughter who has embraced an LGBTQ identity and union, Melinda Patrick is precisely the kind of parent that the Unconditional Conference was trying to reach. But she has deep concerns about this conference and Stanley’s teaching.

 

Together, Catherine and Melinda break down the troubling aspects of this conference and the message that Andy Stanley presented to his church.

 

Melinda's Bio: Melinda Patrick is the Director of Parent Support for His Wonderful Works and is host of The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child While Not Compromising Truth and The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting. Melinda has parented a same-sex attracted child for twelve years and is passionate about helping moms and dads build strong relationships with their children while not compromising truth.

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED/REFERENCED:

 

Melinda Patrick’s Website

Melinda Patrick’s email address: [email protected]

Melinda Patrick’s Instagram Page

The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child Well While Not Compromising Truth

The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting

His Wonderful Works: Hope Healing and Freedom

 

Catherine Segars email address: [email protected]

 

“The Number of LGBTQ Identifying Adults is Soaring” (Axios/data from Gallup)

“The Train is Leaving the Station” by Albert Mohler Jr.

Andy Stanley’s Response: “I Love My Church”

Greg & Lynn McDonald: Embracing the Journey

The Unconditional Conference

Debbie Causey’s Website

The Freedom March

 

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

 

John 3:16-21

Matthew 10:34-36

John 18:37

John 14:15

John 15:14

John 15:1

John 8:30-31

Matthew 18:7

Matthew 7:21-23

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Romans 6:23

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