It used to be that any minister convicted of homosexuality be disfellowshipped, have his papers revoked, and no chance for reconciliation. I don’t have a current copy with mr________________
The Declaration of Faith has no statement on sexuality.From the Practical Commitments:“A. Glorifying God in Our Body Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness, and witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.” (p.25, 2018 Minutes)From the Book of Minutes:
I’ve never agreed with the COG position that a homosexual could never be considered for ministerial license. The sin of homosexuality is not THE one and only unforgivable sin, yet the COG has certainly implied that it is. This poor attitude had been adopted by countless COG ministers, most of whom are reluctant to reach out to the homosexual.Another thing: why has the COG chosen the sin of homosexuality to be the worst possible sin, when in fact it is no worse than adultery, murder, alcoholism, or gluttony. It is detestable but so are the other sins I mentioned. Are we to believe that God considers one sin more heinous than others, especially considering his own son died for EVERY sinner? I’m not buying it. I’m fine with COG leadership reaffirming that God’s plan for marriage is one man and one woman. With that, however, there needs to be an emphasis placed on reaching those who live otherwise________________“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
I am touched by your deep concern and passion for the homosexuals. Would you please help us understand how we can minister to these folk by telling us what you are doing in your outreach to them?
Scripturally, homosexual acts are different because they are contrary to nature. That said, I have never heard that a former homosexual could not be credentialed in the CoG. It is plain in the Minutes that a CoG credentialed minister who is found guilty of committing a homosexual act loses his credentials permanently. I don’t see personally any biblical reason why such could not be restored to ministry, though I would imagine it would be a difficult climb to once again be considered blameless, which is the scriptural standard for all Christian ministers.
Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.While a FORMER homosexual can be licensed (after all, we don’t ask about people’s sexuality to get a license), if a licensed minister falls into homosexual sin, it is my understanding that they cannot hold credentials with us again.The truth is that some sins ARE worse than others. While ALL sins will send you to hell, it is clear in the scriptures that some sins had greater penalties than others. Murder was judged more harshly than killing someone’s cow. You get the idea.Homosexuality is a sin that is shocking to the human conscience, for many of us. I still recall when I watched Deliverance, not knowing at all what was going to happen. I rented it because it had whitewater in it, and I was into that back in the day. I was so shocked that I could not sleep that night. I was actually traumatized.Yes, a man who has illicit sex with a female will lose their license. But I think one reason that we tend to have a lighter hand here is because, even though it is sin, it is a sin that, at least to some degree, is understandable. Homosexuality is not that sort of sin, because not only would illicit sex be bad enough, but the fact that is with the same sex makes it even worse. I guess you could almost say that it is two sins in one.Ask yourself this: If a minister molested several children, do you think that if he repented, it would then be alright to allow him to teach children, etc.? OF COURSE NOT!Here’s the difference, I think: When a person sins, it indicates there is an area where they are tempted. There are things I am not one bit tempted over (e.g., chewing tobacco, drinking wine, getting a tattoo, wearing shorts, wearing my hair over my ears, etc. SMILE). And, again, some temptations, if fallen into, are worse than others (see above).Here’s the thing: YOU CAN SIN ABOUT ANYWAY YOU WANT, REPENT, AND BE RESTORED BEFORE GOD. But that’s because God sees the heart. We cannot. We may hope that a person has really changed, but we don’t let a former molester near the children–NO. MATTER. WHAT.
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. A person who repents of homosexuality does not automatically turn straight. In fact, I am convinced that VERY FEW homosexuals who have been saved have lost same-sex attraction. It is equally the case that a straight person who repents of sexual sin does not suddenly lose their sex drive, etc.HOWEVER, both the straight and gay person are called to celibacy outside of marriage. And for the gay person, since gay marriage is not acceptable either, they are called to either live in complete celibacy…or marry a woman (or both, I guess).
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. A person who repents of homosexuality does not automatically turn straight. In fact, I am convinced that VERY FEW homosexuals who have been saved have lost same-sex attraction. It is equally the case that a straight person who repents of sexual sin does not suddenly lose their sex drive, etc.HOWEVER, both the straight and gay person are called to celibacy outside of marriage. And for the gay person, since gay marriage is not acceptable either, they are called to either live in complete celibacy…or marry a woman (or both, I guess). It’s not fair, in some ways. But consider that some men have a much stronger sex drive than others. And some men are hit on far more than other men. Those particular men might not feel it is fair to have to struggle so hard against temptation…whileother men don’t have near the issue, but that’s the job.
Do you happen to know any prominent credentialed COG ministers who have violated this in the last 2 years?2. Church of God ministers, whether an ordained minister or ordained bishop, shall only perform or participate in marriage ceremonies or marriage blessings between one man and one woman, as marriage is defined in the Bible. This policy also is applicable to Church of God ministers who serve in capacities outside the scope of normal pastoring, such as military, hospital, and corporate chaplains.
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. I believe most people that sin believe they have a good reason to do so.Why did you punch that guy – he deserved it.Why do you commit adultery – God gave me this drive to love women.Why did you Mr. Pastor sleep with that secretary – GOd gave her to me as a special blessing. I’m like Solomon.Why do you steal – I needed that item.Why are you greedy – GOd made me love the finer things in life.Why did you flip that person off – he cut me off.Why do you want to have sex with minors – because 21 year olds do nothing for me.Why do you dress as a woman – because thats what I feel like inside.Why are you a drunk – I need the alcohol to function. I can go to AA to stop drinking – but inside I am still an alcoholic.That’s just the way God made me.I’ve tried to be different – but I can’t.I don’t think being gay is any different than any other drive – and most people don’t truly change.Soyou can make these things normative – where they are no longer defined as deviant. And even if they are, God knows we are all sinners – and everyone is going to heaven by saying a sinners prayerorYou can be a Calvinist – in that everyone is made a certain way – depraved or enlightened – and there is nothing you can do about it________________
It is important to note that the Bible does not recognize ‘homosexual orientation’ or ‘homosexuality’ in the modern psychological sense. Nor does the Bible confuse temptation with actual sin. The Bible forbids willful homosexual sex acts as contrary to nature and sinful. But an individual is not necessarily sinning just because he/she is being tempted to sin.
There are plenty of gays who, even though they cannot explain why they feel the way the do toward the same-sex, have been raised to believe that it is sinful. And while I’m sure many do not see the need to repent, the truth, I think, is that ALL OF US, if we give in to sin (of any sort), tend to think that while, yes, it’s wrong for others, God sees it differently for us, knowing that we just couldn’t help it, and so He extends more grace, etc.
It used to be that any minister convicted of homosexuality be disfellowshipped, have his papers revoked, and no chance for reconciliation. I don’t have a current copy with mr________________
The Declaration of Faith has no statement on sexuality.From the Practical Commitments:“A. Glorifying God in Our Body Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness, and witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.” (p.25, 2018 Minutes)From the Book of Minutes:
Re: From the most recent CoG Minutes…
I’ve never agreed with the COG position that a homosexual could never be considered for ministerial license. The sin of homosexuality is not THE one and only unforgivable sin, yet the COG has certainly implied that it is. This poor attitude had been adopted by countless COG ministers, most of whom are reluctant to reach out to the homosexual.Another thing: why has the COG chosen the sin of homosexuality to be the worst possible sin, when in fact it is no worse than adultery, murder, alcoholism, or gluttony. It is detestable but so are the other sins I mentioned. Are we to believe that God considers one sin more heinous than others, especially considering his own son died for EVERY sinner? I’m not buying it. I’m fine with COG leadership reaffirming that God’s plan for marriage is one man and one woman. With that, however, there needs to be an emphasis placed on reaching those who live otherwise________________“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
I am touched by your deep concern and passion for the homosexuals. Would you please help us understand how we can minister to these folk by telling us what you are doing in your outreach to them?
Scripturally, homosexual acts are different because they are contrary to nature. That said, I have never heard that a former homosexual could not be credentialed in the CoG. It is plain in the Minutes that a CoG credentialed minister who is found guilty of committing a homosexual act loses his credentials permanently. I don’t see personally any biblical reason why such could not be restored to ministry, though I would imagine it would be a difficult climb to once again be considered blameless, which is the scriptural standard for all Christian ministers.
Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.While a FORMER homosexual can be licensed (after all, we don’t ask about people’s sexuality to get a license), if a licensed minister falls into homosexual sin, it is my understanding that they cannot hold credentials with us again.The truth is that some sins ARE worse than others. While ALL sins will send you to hell, it is clear in the scriptures that some sins had greater penalties than others. Murder was judged more harshly than killing someone’s cow. You get the idea.Homosexuality is a sin that is shocking to the human conscience, for many of us. I still recall when I watched Deliverance, not knowing at all what was going to happen. I rented it because it had whitewater in it, and I was into that back in the day. I was so shocked that I could not sleep that night. I was actually traumatized.Yes, a man who has illicit sex with a female will lose their license. But I think one reason that we tend to have a lighter hand here is because, even though it is sin, it is a sin that, at least to some degree, is understandable. Homosexuality is not that sort of sin, because not only would illicit sex be bad enough, but the fact that is with the same sex makes it even worse. I guess you could almost say that it is two sins in one.Ask yourself this: If a minister molested several children, do you think that if he repented, it would then be alright to allow him to teach children, etc.? OF COURSE NOT!Here’s the difference, I think: When a person sins, it indicates there is an area where they are tempted. There are things I am not one bit tempted over (e.g., chewing tobacco, drinking wine, getting a tattoo, wearing shorts, wearing my hair over my ears, etc. SMILE). And, again, some temptations, if fallen into, are worse than others (see above).Here’s the thing: YOU CAN SIN ABOUT ANYWAY YOU WANT, REPENT, AND BE RESTORED BEFORE GOD. But that’s because God sees the heart. We cannot. We may hope that a person has really changed, but we don’t let a former molester near the children–NO. MATTER. WHAT.
Don’t do it________________
And there commons sense takes over….. Yes there is a time for common sense…. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Don’t do it.
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. A person who repents of homosexuality does not automatically turn straight. In fact, I am convinced that VERY FEW homosexuals who have been saved have lost same-sex attraction. It is equally the case that a straight person who repents of sexual sin does not suddenly lose their sex drive, etc.HOWEVER, both the straight and gay person are called to celibacy outside of marriage. And for the gay person, since gay marriage is not acceptable either, they are called to either live in complete celibacy…or marry a woman (or both, I guess).
Do you happen to know any prominent credentialed COG ministers who have violated this in the last 2 years?
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. A person who repents of homosexuality does not automatically turn straight. In fact, I am convinced that VERY FEW homosexuals who have been saved have lost same-sex attraction. It is equally the case that a straight person who repents of sexual sin does not suddenly lose their sex drive, etc.HOWEVER, both the straight and gay person are called to celibacy outside of marriage. And for the gay person, since gay marriage is not acceptable either, they are called to either live in complete celibacy…or marry a woman (or both, I guess). It’s not fair, in some ways. But consider that some men have a much stronger sex drive than others. And some men are hit on far more than other men. Those particular men might not feel it is fair to have to struggle so hard against temptation…whileother men don’t have near the issue, but that’s the job.
Do you happen to know any prominent credentialed COG ministers who have violated this in the last 2 years?2. Church of God ministers, whether an ordained minister or ordained bishop, shall only perform or participate in marriage ceremonies or marriage blessings between one man and one woman, as marriage is defined in the Bible. This policy also is applicable to Church of God ministers who serve in capacities outside the scope of normal pastoring, such as military, hospital, and corporate chaplains.
Don’t do it. What if I’m gay? Seriously, the whole premise behind any rule the COG or any other church has about homosexuality is moot to a gay person because they don’t interpret those scriptures like a group of straight men would. It’s not like they can repent and turn straight. They are gay. They will always be gay. So, when it is discussed as “sin,” they don’t hear it. They just move on. I assume the church is happy about that. I believe most people that sin believe they have a good reason to do so.Why did you punch that guy – he deserved it.Why do you commit adultery – God gave me this drive to love women.Why did you Mr. Pastor sleep with that secretary – GOd gave her to me as a special blessing. I’m like Solomon.Why do you steal – I needed that item.Why are you greedy – GOd made me love the finer things in life.Why did you flip that person off – he cut me off.Why do you want to have sex with minors – because 21 year olds do nothing for me.Why do you dress as a woman – because thats what I feel like inside.Why are you a drunk – I need the alcohol to function. I can go to AA to stop drinking – but inside I am still an alcoholic.That’s just the way God made me.I’ve tried to be different – but I can’t.I don’t think being gay is any different than any other drive – and most people don’t truly change.Soyou can make these things normative – where they are no longer defined as deviant. And even if they are, God knows we are all sinners – and everyone is going to heaven by saying a sinners prayerorYou can be a Calvinist – in that everyone is made a certain way – depraved or enlightened – and there is nothing you can do about it________________
It is important to note that the Bible does not recognize ‘homosexual orientation’ or ‘homosexuality’ in the modern psychological sense. Nor does the Bible confuse temptation with actual sin. The Bible forbids willful homosexual sex acts as contrary to nature and sinful. But an individual is not necessarily sinning just because he/she is being tempted to sin.
There are plenty of gays who, even though they cannot explain why they feel the way the do toward the same-sex, have been raised to believe that it is sinful. And while I’m sure many do not see the need to repent, the truth, I think, is that ALL OF US, if we give in to sin (of any sort), tend to think that while, yes, it’s wrong for others, God sees it differently for us, knowing that we just couldn’t help it, and so He extends more grace, etc.