“Why are there 5 different responses to LBGTQ+? Isn’t God’s truth one?” Ministry Fair Attendee Dear friends, Has it ever bothered you why Christians don’t seem to agree when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues? Why do we have some so-called “Christians” who hold up signs saying, “God Hates Fags,” while…
God’s Beautiful Design for Sexuality
“God did not create sexuality with morality [i.e. rules] in mind. He created sexuality to image the relational mystery of the Trinity, with the ultimate goal that redeemed humans would be vessels of God’s divine presence who invite others to join His Divine Community of holy love.” – Linda Seiler…
Until Christ is Formed
Dear Friends, One of the exciting events of this summer was Joshua Fellowship holding its Summer Intensive. In mid-August, Joshua Fellowship wrapped up the Intensive with its Capstone Retreat. I am so grateful for our volunteer leaders Jon and Jeremy who led us through the weekend’s activities, as well as…
The Witness of Courage: RHN Reflections
A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege to attend my first in-person HOPE Conference. The HOPE conference, which is held by Restored Hope Network (RHN)*, is a wonderful time of worship, testimonies, and receiving from the Lord. As one of the attendees put it, it is quite the experience…
Truth, Love, and Pronouns
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect…
The Power of the Cross
Recently, I have experienced difficult circumstances and losses that have left me reeling. Life has been so unpredictable and painful, and the challenges just keep coming. This has made me think about how we navigate this world as broken, sinful human beings, who so badly need a savior, a comforter,…
“He, She, Them, and Me”
A university encourages workers to list their preferred pronouns in their email signatures. A barista wears a full face of feminine-looking makeup while speaking in a deep baritone voice. A teenager orders a breast-binder online without her parents’ knowledge. A kindergarten student declares he wants to be a girl and…
I’m Invited to a Same-Sex Wedding. Yes or No?
Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind. —Romans 13:5 There’s an ongoing buzz in the Christian community over whether or not believers should attend same-sex weddings. As buzz goes, this one’s awfully relevant, as more of us are facing this dilemma. Do I accept the invitation, even though I don’t believe…
Gender, Confusion, and Conversation, Part 2
YOU are an image-bearer. Have you ever paused to consider this weighty theological truth? Men and women have been given the most profound honor in all of creation: we are created to bear the image of God. We bear God’s image—who He is and how He interacts with the world—in…
Gender, Confusion, and Conversation, Part 1
My first memories of being taught about gender and gender roles are from early elementary school. It was the 1970’s, and Marlo Thomas and friends had released a record album and TV special, Free to Be You and Me. The messages of the songs and skits were designed intentionally to…
