(OPINION) Is there a “quieter middle space” when it comes to gender, sexuality, and marriage? Well, the individuals behind the Unconditional Conference taking place this week at Pastor Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church seem to think so.
But as Christians, we should always be comparing what anyone says—including a popular, influential pastor such as Andy Stanley (who is presenting at the conference)—against the authority of God’s Word. So when we start with God’s Word, is there a “quieter middle space”? According to the event website, the Unconditional Conference is designed for:
Parents of LGBTQ+ children and for ministry leaders looking to discover ways to support parents and LGBTQ+ children in their churches. You will be equipped, refreshed, and inspired as you hear from leading communicators on topics that speak to your heart, soul, and mind.
We deeply desire this time will bring about healing and restoration. No matter what theological stance you hold, we invite you to listen, reflect, and learn as we approach this topic from the quieter middle space.
Notice that the event description says this is for those looking for “ways to support parents and LGBTQ+ children” (emphasis added), not “ways to point people toward Christ” or “ways to encourage those struggling with sexual sin or a sinful identity to live according to God’s Word.”
While the event page doesn’t explicitly detail what “support” means, the speakers at the event certainly heavily imply that “support” means “affirm and celebrate” LGBTQ identities.
As others have pointed out, the speakers include “two men who are married [so-called] to other men”—one known for arguing for the legitimacy of “monogamous same-sex relationships” and the other for his seminars on “restoring LGBTQ+ faith”—as well as a speaker who wrote a book called Changing Our Mind: Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBT Christians.
So, yes, we know what the “quieter middle space” looks like to those behind the Unconditional Conference—it means taking what the world says about sexuality, identity, and marriage and trying to dress it up in Christian language. It’s compromising God’s clear Word with the pagan religion (sexual humanism) of our day! (READ MORE)
