Are You Prepared to Answer the Rob Bell Question?

As many of you may be aware, Rob Bell, the former megachurch pastor and author of Love Wins, recently expressed his support for same-sex marriage. This presents us with a very sticky situation. While I am not going to use this platform to discuss my own opinions on same-sex marriage, it is important for us to know how to handle the discussion when the situation arises.

In a discussion that I was a part of the other day in regards to Bell and his comments, it became apparent that many youth pastors have used his materials in the past. This can be a bit worrisome because students are constantly bombarded with the idea that same-sex marriage is legitimate and those who are opposed to it are bigoted and ignorant. Now they are hearing that a pastor, one that they have learned from in the past, is promoting same-sex marriage. They are going to want to know what to believe and why some people are saying yes and some are saying no.

To that end, I highly recommend that you get a copy of Shawn Harrison's book Ministering to Gay Teenagers. If you have followed my blog for long, you know that I am constantly promoting this book (you can read my posts here and here). Shawn is a dear friend of mine, but I do not promote his book because of our friendship. The issue of homosexuality and how the church is dealing with gay individuals is a serious concern, one that we need to be aware of and prepared for. You will do yourself a huge favor.

I would also recommend that you read Shawn's blog on a regular basis.  It is a great resource for you and for parents.