Pastoral Care to Individuals who Confess to Experiencing Same-Sex Attractions and Practising Homosexuality

Abstract

Recently, there has been a rise in the discussion surrounding same-sex sexuality. Terms like homosexuality, LGBTQ (an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer), same-sex attractions, and many others are employed. An increasing number of people (both Christians and non-Christians have come out claiming they are experiencing these attractions. Some advocate for acceptance as “they are,” while others seek help navigating the challenge. Now than before, pastors need to engage in this discussion when preaching or when approached by individual members struggling with same-sex attractions. However, many pastors are ill-equipped to respond to this discussion in biblically true and culturally relevant ways. The result is that many who the pastoral ministry could have helped end up being pushed away from the church. It examines God’s vision for human sexuality in the Old and the New Testaments and concludes that sexual relations are to be expressed in a marriage relationship that is heterosexual. It also explores the biblical prohibitions on homosexuality and scientific and psychological research. The study argues that the pastor has much to learn from science and psychology, especially how nature and nurture influence peoples’ sexualities in complex ways.