We live in an age where many people are searching for their identity. This search has resulted in a storm of confusion and doubts about gender, sexual orientation, and relationships. Homosexuality and trans- identity has been with us at least as long as there has been history to record it. The desire to find an identity has brought us the labels LGBTQAI+ where queer people can find a place to be comfortable belonging and find expression for their feelings and sexuality. The church of Jesus has always considered such same-sex relationships to be sinful although human institutions of the church at times have hypocritically tolerated it and in recent times some churches have fostered it by ordaining gay clergy. However, the Bible is unambiguous in its language in condemning intimate same-sex relationships and the sexual acts associated with them.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6.9—11
To be fair, I must explain that I am an ordained elder (pastor) in the Church of the Nazarene, a third-generation preacher in that denomination. This is my identity: I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a redeemed sinner who has been forgiven, cleansed, and transformed by the grace of God. My theology is found in the teaching of Jesus Christ and His Apostles. I believe that the Bible contains everything that I need to be saved and to live a holy life. That brings me into full agreement with the doctrine and polity of the Church of the Nazarene. So, I want a letter for my identity just like the LGBTQAI+ people have identified themselves. I claim “W” for myself. Paul says to the Corinthian church, “…such WERE some of you.” I proclaim that I am a “WERE”, a W if you please. My mission from Jesus as a minister of His gospel is to urge all people everywhere to become a W by the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. The good news is that it is possible for anyone because it was possible for me.
In recent times some people who identify as LGBTQAI+ or who sympathize with them and do not believe that such relationships are sinful have sought ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Upon examination by a credentials board (the board decides whether a candidate is spiritually, ethically, morally, and educationally qualified) they have been dropped from the program because they do not live by, or agree with, the Covenant of Christian Conduct in our Manual concerning Human Sexuality. Some have a long family heritage in the church and feel entitled to be ministers in the church no matter what they believe or practice. The ordination track is a rigorous process that can take from four to ten years. If the candidates hide their true feelings or thinking, it will eventually come out over time under the regular oral examinations by the board and observation of their conduct. Regrettably this has caused a great deal of pain and created anger in the applicants. Now great pressure is being applied to affect a change in the biblically based Covenant of Christian Conduct in our Manual to accommodate the LGBTQAI+ agenda and lifestyle. Thankfully, all these efforts have been defeated by the general church, that is, by our General Assembly and top leadership. The problem remains, however, with a few Pastors and others who have turned away from their promise to support, agree and abide by the doctrine, polity, and Covenant of Christian Conduct of the Church of the Nazarene.
The Church of the Nazarene is a human institution that is a branch of the tree. It only remains in the true church of Jesus Christ as long as it is a reflection of Him by holding fast to the gospel given by Jesus and His Apostles. This great church is called The Kingdom of God. The doctrines and code of conduct of this great church are found in the Bible. A person may find acceptance in a human institution because they were able by persuasion or coercion to affect a change of policy or theology. But the door is closed to the Kingdom of God for those who conduct themselves as Paul has listed in 1 Corinthians. I would remind everyone that Paul’s list is not ordered and there are only commas between gossiping and homosexuality.
The true Kingdom is made up of the W, the redeemed, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not one person will be found in its number who has not been shamed by their own sin, but only those will be there who have been granted forgiveness though true repentance and faith and been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. I challenge every person and each person that finds their identity in LGBTQAI+, to deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Jesus. His grace can make you into a W.
George Cargill