Christian BoyLove Forum #63338
And one of the things to be aware of is that you need to try and separate them out so that you can deal with them.
1) Your relationship with God 2) Your attitude to your sexuality 3) Your relationship with friends 4) Your relationship with church I could make comments - some of which might actually be helpful ;) on any of these, but I suspect the input you need to hear is that your 'church family' is probably as confused about the situation that you've landed on them as you are. You've not made it clear what you mean 'church family' - I'm guessing a small group? In an ideal world their response would have been to have all given you a big hug then and there and made a special effort to be in contact with you over the next few weeks. Sadly the church is made up of human beings who struggle when big issues hit them, so it's not a surprise that they messed up. Given that they're doing an impression of rabbits caught in headlights, it's up to you to re-open communications and go and talk to someone in leadership and ask how they want things to go forward. It's their responsibility to move things forward. And for all you know they may have knowledge of local support groups that you may find helpful... Which is the second area for you to consider: the church is divided into three groups on the issue of homosexuality. There are those for whom it is a non-issue - gay relationships are as valid as straight. There are those who regard it as a misfortune, expect you to remain celibate and often provide support and encouragement on that basis. And there are those who regard it as inconsistent with being a Christian and run screaming / demand that you change / assume you can't be a Christian. You need to decide which belief you hold; there are people on this board from 1 and 2, but unsurprisingly not from 3. Having made that decision, you can then decide whether any way forward that your church proposes is right for you, and indeed whether you can stay at your church; I'd run screaming from a church seriously propounding 3! Hope that's helpful - do let us know how things develop... |