Posted on 08/09/2023 6:25:59 AM PDT by Morgana
In today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape, it is becoming even more important for the church to defend our younger generation by teaching and standing firm on the foundational truths of Scripture. One of the most contentious topics of our day is the issue of “transgenderism,” particularly among children and teens. As I listened to one of Frank Turek’s recent podcasts on this topic with guests Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain, it seems more and more churches are grappling with this issue even in their youth groups.
While I found myself in agreement with much of what I heard in the podcast, there was one particular part that stood out that demonstrates an unsettling trend in the contemporary church—a complete lack of understanding of the purpose of the Church. While there was plenty of good advice for parents and church leaders who may find themselves dealing with a youth grappling with the sin of “transgenderism,” the implication from this podcast was that despite this open rebellion against God, it’s still “good” that these youth are part of the youth group so that they can at least hear the truth. So, the question is: should children or teens who openly embrace “transgenderism” should be allowed to participate in church youth groups?
First, we must understand what the church is. The Greek term for church, ekklesia, implies a “called-out assembly” or “congregation.” The church, as described in the New Testament, is a distinct body of believers set apart for God’s service and glory. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter describes the church as a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” While the church is to be a sanctuary for the truth, it is most definitely not simply a social gathering or a place for people to explore their spiritual journey. It’s a community of regenerated believers, distinct from the world, unified by their faith in Jesus Christ.
Youth groups, as part of the church, should be sanctuaries where young believers and children of believers are being discipled and grounded in biblical truth. These groups exist to help mold the next generation of church leaders and church members, equipping them with the necessary spiritual tools to stand firm in their faith amidst worldly temptations. Those who are not yet believers are the mission field, not active participants in ministry.
Scripture is clear that open rebellion and unrepentant sin have no place within the church body. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:11, “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” From this perspective, allowing people, especially youth, who openly defy God’s design for sexuality (or engage in any unrepentant sin) to participate in church ministries compromises the church’s sanctity. Paul then commands the church in verse 13 to “purge” these people from among the ranks of the Church.
Children and teenagers are impressionable. Allowing youth who openly embrace a lifestyle contradictory to biblical teachings into these youth groups might inadvertently promote acceptance of such a lifestyle among other members. Peer pressure is potent at this age, and the danger lies in the normalization of unbiblical practices.
Correction and discipleship are critical components of Christian growth. If children and teens who are practicing this open rebellion to God are permitted in youth groups without appropriate church discipline, it can inadvertently signal the church’s approval of their choices. This is not about being unwelcoming but ensuring that church teachings remain uncompromised.
While it’s often understood that general worship services can remain open to everyone, including those caught in unrepentant sin, it’s important to distinguish between attending service and being part of a church ministry. Hearing the gospel preached is an opportunity for repentance and if the church is doing its job of preaching the truth, either repentance or purging will happen naturally. However, while we understand that not all youth in churches have yet to be born again and profess their faith, active participation in youth groups should at the very least require a commitment to living by biblical standards.
The bigger issue here is the motivation by some of these churches and youth leaders for allowing this kind of sin to take place in youth ministries. Youth pastors are sadly mistaken if they believe that by simply allowing “transgenders” to be a part of the youth group and feel “welcomed” is going to eventually change them. Even if that’s the intention, it is ill-conceived. The only thing that will change their hearts is a conviction by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the unadulterated Word of God. If these kids who are rebelling against God by practicing the sin of “transgenderism” aren’t uncomfortable in youth group, or they feel “welcome” and “accepted,” then the church isn’t doing its job of proclaiming the truth. It’s that simple.
The church’s primary responsibility is to uphold the teachings of Scripture, even when it’s counter-cultural. While it’s necessary to approach everyone, including those in unrepentant sin, with love and compassion and a desire to see them come to faith, it’s equally essential to ensure that the core principles and teachings of the church are not compromised. The church must walk this delicate balance of maintaining doctrinal and moral purity while extending the love of Christ to all.
On one hand they need to hear the word of God
On the other hand they should not be allowed to spread/push their agenda to other children.
“This one is so tricky.”
NO
it is not.
The Church is a place for believers.
We are told to take the Gospel to them ...
Too many churches just want numbers in the seats ... money in the plate.
They should be welcomed with open arms, PROVIDING there are not some kind of BS rules in place demanding preferred pronoun use and forbidding Christian counseling. They tried to outlaw “conversion therapy”, meaning one cannot try to convince a so afflicted person of their misdirection. They will likely demand the trannys be treated like they are normal and the Christians will have to comply. There is only one to whom Christians bend the knee.
They need to hear the Word of God, but that means no sexual perversion can be allowed or encouraged. All references need to be that it is completely wrong and not accepted by any Christian, or God.
Agreed. My reading of 1st Corinthians 5:1-13 is the same. Paul is fussing about the Christians in the church not just engaging in sexual immorality, but being proud about it (verses 2 and 6). Don't hang out with people who claim to be a Christian but regularly engage in it (verse 11). IMHO that would especially be true if that person has some level of influence on others.
If, however, the trans youth in question attends church with an attitude not of changing the morals of others (an usual characteristic for sure) but is instead coming to check out Jesus and is considering changing his own life, then by all means let him in welcomingly. But kindly tell him that Christianity involves not just believing in Jesus like He's a theory, but believing in Him enough to want to be more like Him and live it like we mean it by living holy lives.
“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”
We are all sinners, even the believers. We need to welcome non-believers into our churches but not their sinful behavior.
If they come into the church with the intent to corrupt it then they need to called out and asked to leave.
If they are given the True Word of God and not some Progressive Agenda the trannies will be offended and that’s likely what they want. There are plenty of LGBT churches they can choose from. Hospitals are forced to treat everyone but patients with highly transmittable infections are sequestered from others. We know what happens when we put children with active Chicken Pox in an open pediatric ward with unvaccinated children.
The idea implicit in confession and redemption is that the confessor wants to and tries to change. The idea is only a little more complicated with transgender youth, in that they have been made transgender *most likely not* of their own volition and intention, but because of the mental illness or evil of their parents, and other adults.
In Europe, several generations ago, young boys were intentionally castrated to prevent their voices changing in puberty. Often, the parents of these “castrato” did so with the idea that being wealthy successful singers was preferable to a life of poverty and deprivation.
In any event, today, assuming such persons do not advocate transgenderism to others, they may instead be seen as sympathetic “victims” and greeted with open arms.
Otherwise, if they cannot help proselytizing, they should be no more welcomed than an atheist, or other who does not seek to profit from the word of God, but to corrupt, distort and pervert it.
It’s not tricky at all - Satan is tricky.
Youth groups are not a place to be invaded by sin where the young believers can be swayed to Hell.
The answer is no.
If any mentally ill youth are seriously desiring God then counsel them elsewhere.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
It’s a TRAP!
“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:32
I agree. The key-—and not to just youth groups-—is the question of WHY they are there: do they want to repent and change? Or, more likely, are they there to be “accepted as they are”? if the former there need to be efforts made. If the latter, they need to be rigorously excluded.
For ex., we welcome the drug addict who is trying to change into church, but do not permit him to bring his drug paraphrenalia in.
The key is, is this being treated as a sin that needs redemption, or as a “choice” that everyone must accomodate?
Agree. I think it all depends on the PURPOSE for their presence. If it is to be “in your face,” absolutely not. Paul said to separate yourselves from such. But if it is genuinely to seek help and redemption, of course.
Most churches are ill-equipped to minister in love to believers... yeah, I think the best place to minister to the tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners isn’t within the structure and walls of the contemporary church.
This should read: “The church is a hospital for REPENTANT sinners, not a museum for saints.”
It is NOT.
It is an assembly of believers.
“is the question of WHY they are there: do they want to repent and change? Or, more likely, are they there to be “accepted as they are”? if the former there need to be efforts made. If the latter, they need to be rigorously excluded.”
One reason could be that one parent is letting them be trans while the other is against it and is bringing them to church.
Cases like that are really hard.
Or this. Maybe a parent or the parents are bringing them to church in the hopes of undoing what social media and the schools have done?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.