Dr. Rainer: How Pastors Should Deal with Gender Neutral Bathrooms

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  1. devils in heavensDon’t ignore the issue. It’s not going away. Most of your people are paying attention to this issue. It affects everyone. I addressed it from the pulpit on Sunday. Why? It’s a major cultural issue that’s at the front of everyone’s mind. Pastors are called by God to teach their congregations. All churches deserve an answer from their pastors on this issue.
  2. Teach with clarity, not nuance. Go right to the heart of the issue and address it biblically and clearly. Don’t hide behind big words or fuzzy nuances. Tell your people exactly what you expect them to believe on this issue. If news reports contain more facts about gender identity than your sermon, then you’re not preaching. You’re dancing.
  3. Display a genuine concern for people who identify as transgender. Jesus loves them, and so should you. Crude jokes and snarky sermon soundbites won’t solve the problem. We should care for anyone struggling with gender identity issues. You can put a stake in the ground on this issue while at the same time exhibiting love for hurting and confused people. Truth and love are two sides of the same coin. God’s truth compels us to love others. And to love others, you don’t have to compromise the truth.
  4. Give practical advice. The theological foundation is important, but your people likely want to know what to do. I’ve counseled transgender people, as well as their family members. I’m sure I will have many questions from church members if public schools in our community abide by the Obama administration’s directives. Both truth and love require action. You need to help people take practical next steps.
  5. Don’t make unnecessary enemies. Stay focused on the gospel. We’re not fighting against flesh and blood. Your neighbor is not your enemy, even the transgender one.

SOURCE: http://samrainer.com/2016/05/what-pastors-can-do-about-the-gender-neutral-bathroom-controversy/

5 Comments

  • Varnel Watson
    Reply May 21, 2016

    Varnel Watson

    Fr. William DeArteaga has proven that the transgender issues is caused by spiritual forces i.e. is demonic. There are other issues caused by demon possession as well http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/derek-prince-explains-the-tourettes-syndrome-pronouncement-of-curses-in-public/ Mary Ellen Nissley Ricky Grimsley Billy Monroe Poff

  • Mike Stidham
    Reply May 21, 2016

    Mike Stidham

    Smaller churches don’t have this issue. One bathroom with one toilet, everyone uses the same one regardless.

  • Louise Cummings
    Reply May 21, 2016

    Louise Cummings

    It needs to be addressed and the Church mane aware of these things. There has to be a stopping place somewhere.

  • Mary Ellen Nissley
    Reply May 21, 2016

    Mary Ellen Nissley

    Fact is, we are on a fast train to the return of our Lord.
    Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Thus the transgender issue.

    Jesus said we would be hated of all nations, before he came back. We can’t expect to make this thing stop. It’s just the way it is.

    Persecution is coming to the church in America, and we had better be focusing our energies on getting ready for it, instead of trying to deny that it’s coming.

    The church is going to have to go underground, and meet in secret. Anti-homosexual religion will be labeled a hate crime, and thus a Federal offense. That means heavy fines and harsh prison sentences.

    The bathroom issue won’t be an issue when we meet in small groups, in homes.

    My cousin who pastors a very large church in NYC has just finished selling the church building, and moving everyone into small groups that meet in homes. Their outreach to muslims has skyrocketed! God directed them to do this, and He is rewarding them with a harvest of souls.

  • Varnel Watson
    Reply May 21, 2016

    Varnel Watson

    Bishop Terry Wiles presented a good case on Social Changes In Society And How To Respond To Them http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/bishop-terry-wiles-present-social-changes-in-society-and-how-to-respond-to-them/

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