Creating a Healthy Church for LGBTQ People

The podcast episode explores the topic of creating a healthy church for LGBTQ people while upholding orthodox Christian beliefs about marriage and sexuality. The guest, Evan Wickham, shares his experience leading Park Hill Church in San Diego, which embraces and celebrates LGBTQ individuals within a historically Christian framework. The church emphasizes the importance of foundation, contextualization, and representation. The foundation is centered around preaching the gospel and inviting all identities to surrender to Jesus. Contextualization involves creating a hospitable and safe environment for LGBTQ individuals to ask questions and engage in open dialogue. Representation involves having LGBTQ individuals in leadership and encouraging their full obedience to Jesus while honoring orthodoxy. The conversation discusses fallout and backlash faced by the church, highlighting the need for courageous fidelity to orthodoxy amidst ethical compromise. Overall, the episode provides insights and practical advice for pastors seeking to create a welcoming and inclusive church for LGBTQ individuals.