We are thrilled to be revisiting the Broken and Beloved Pastors series! In the next three episodes, we’ll hear the stories of three pastors who are, like all of us, “more loved than we can imagine and more sinful than we believe.”

What happens when a pastor wrestles with gender dysphoria?

What happens when the same pastor is called to bring that wrestling into the light, in his marriage and with his community?

What happens to his ministry? To his marriage? To his identity?

Ben and Lauren Schulke answer these questions and more as they recount their story with us. We are honored to share it with you.

I Highlights I

“I very much tried to control the image of how people saw me. But . . . when people know me they can choose to love me and not some facsimile.” –Ben Schulke

“I got to this place where I said, ‘I would rather be obedient to God than preserve something temporary–like my job.'”–Ben Schulke

“Ben’s identity is not gender dysphoria. His identity is not whatever other sin or brokenness he is dealing with. That’s not who he is. He is a son of God, and he is loved by Him.” –Lauren Schulke

I Do the Next Thing I

For more on this conversation, check out Mark Yarhouse’s book Emerging Gender Identities! It’s exciting stuff. :D https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Gender-Identities-Understanding-Experiences/dp/1587434342

You can also check out Preston Sprinkle’s book on trans* issues, Embodied. https://www.amazon.com/Embodied-Transgender-Identities-Church-Bible/dp/0830781226

Have you seen our new favorite Bible yet? Check it out here! https://csbholylandillustratedbible.com

Follow Laurie on Instagram for more ministry updates! https://www.instagram.com/laurie_krieg/?hl=en