In an effort to faithfully serve as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the current socio-political climate that promotes “marriage equality,” I have adopted three principles of ministry.
First, I will support and defend the Christian definition of marriage – one man and one woman (Matthew 19:1-9; Ephesians 5:22-32). Therefore, I will resist efforts to legalize same-sex marriage, polygamy, or any other social construction that is contrary to the Christian Scriptures or tradition. Furthermore, I will resist the trend of no-fault, or common divorce; the only allowances for divorce being sexual immorality, or abandonment (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15) .
Second, I will not offer premarital counseling, or preside over a ceremony, that conflicts with the Christian definition of marriage. Nor will I offer the facilities of the Church campus in support of any activities that conflict with the mission or ethics of the Christian faith. Furthermore, I will make every effort in pastoral counseling to encourage those in troubled heterosexual marriages to forgive and be reconciled.
The first and second principles are consistent with the sacerdotal responsibilities of a Christian pastor. Because marriage is a salvific mystery, any marriage that fails to conform to the traditional Christian definition cannot be sacralized. Caesar may make it legal; but Christ will not bless it.
Because the laws of Caesar are often at odds with the principles of Christ, Christians will find themselves living and working in a world that is hostile to their Faith. As the laws pertaining to marriage continue to change favoring same-sex marriage, and eventually, polygamy; Christians will have to negotiate the tension of being in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-18).
With that in mind I offer my third principle: I will encourage Christians of all vocations to exercise the grace of hospitality to everyone as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. All humans are created in the image of God; and all humans have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Jesus Christ, God’s eternal son, became incarnate and in so doing took upon himself human sinfulness and weakness and dwelt among us (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15). In writing to the church at Corinth the Apostle Paul said,
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world… for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person… (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).
Christians are called to dwell upon the earth in this present age. In doing so, we will associate with immoral people, and with those who oppose the mission of Christ. Paul’s priority is not that we avoid immoral people of the world; but that we separate toxic leaders from among the fellowship of the church. Too often, it seems we do just the opposite; we tolerate toxic leaders within the church while we protest immorality outside the church.
Christians are called to go into all the world. As we go into the world, we go as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). We go for the sake of the mission of Christ, that is, offering compassion to fallen humanity.
Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciple.When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:10-13).
If we are to be faithful we cannot refuse to go anywhere or to serve anyone. There are many Christian medical professionals who serve in hospitals in which abortions are performed. Their service does not signify approval of abortion; but compassion for the sick. There are many Christian educators who serve in secular public schools and universities which teach things hostile to the Christian faith. Their service in secular institutions does not signify agreement with everything taught; but their commitment to serve Christ in the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34). There are many Christian chaplains who serve in the military. Their service does not imply the approval of violence and warfare; but compassion for soldiers and their families. In the same manner, Christians who serve in the hospitality industry will be called to serve at same-sex events. Their service does not imply approval of homosexuality; but their commitment to offer Christian compassion and hospitality to everyone. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:1). As I have previously written, “Christian entrepreneurs should make “excellence in hospitality to everyone” the mission of their businesses. So, bake the cake. Provide the flowers. Cater the party. Dine with sinners. Do it in the spirit of Christian hospitality.”
