If you think about a bridge, it connects to two different sides. An architect would need to consider the different compositions of land that the foundations of the bridge are attaching to in order to create a firm foundation, and a firm bridge. Assuming the bridge is a desirable undertaking, the plan must consider at least two different sides where the abutments of the bridge anchor the larger structure to the land.
Andrew Marin in his book, Love is an Orientation (2009), challenges us all to build bridges. My Wife who hears from the LORD with great clarity, once heard that we are called “in the way of Marin”. Not only did I live on that street at the time when we were considering moving to Hillcrest, but the way of Andrew Marin has been a model for us as we followed his lead to be incarnational in our own local LGBTQ+ hub.
” …the plan must consider at least two different sides….
Evangelical Christian
You might ask, what do bridges have to do with reaching LGBTQ+ peoples with the Good News of Jesus?
And, I would say EVERYTHING. It is everything because building bridges is about building relationships and relationships not only have the power to bring harm but they have the power to Heal. Relationships provide the proximity by which any number of interactions might be recognizable as good and meaningful. And thus, our relationships actually call us to account regarding the “most excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31b), a small semblance of the greatest demonstration of love, our Messiah crucified (Rom. 5:8).
LGBTQ+ Non-Believer
You might also ask, why do I want Evangelical Christians in my life anyway?
Another good question, especially after the hurt and pain caused by us. Still, we hope you will extend grace to us, to give us a chance to learn from you, and to build and maintain trust.
Perhaps God has something special He wants you to receive through us?
And, perhaps God has something special He wants you to give to us?
Note: For the remainder of the post, I seek to inspire the Evangelical Christians, LGBTQ+/SSA/or otherwise, to pursue the mission of doing our part to build bridges with LGBTQ+ peoples.
The challenge of reaching this Community with the news that is so precious, so life changing for anyone who receives it as it is (the greatest news ever), necessitates the careful building of foundations the Queer Community actually want to have in their midst.
For Believers to reach the LGBTQ+ Community, we need to love well, living vibrant lives with God while intentionally engaging in learning the history, trends, and the values of the very Community we long to reach. And, not just that, we need to actually build meaningful, respectful, and loving relationships with LGBTQ+ peoples around us.
Another challenge in the building of bridges is within the Body of Christ itself. We have to own our fears, our judgmentalism, our hypocrisy, and our biases. We need to “own” those who are followers of Jesus and experience same sex attraction or gender dysphoria. We need to find the depth of the Gospel for ourselves, in light of our own journeys, and engage with humility toward “the other”. We must exercise self control to provide spaces for people God loves to be on a journey with the Godhead amidst their own unique human identities and plights.
The point is not that the Queer Community and the Church will ever be the same. Sameness in its most strict sense, implies being exactly equal. The diversity of human experience is too complex for even identical twins to be the same, let alone two very different communities of people.
The point is that even if the Queer Community never changes to believe the historic position regarding human sexuality and gender, the followers of Jesus must still seek to connect with them as a mandate given to us by our great King (Matt. 28:18-20). And, when we do, we have the joy of His presence with us engaging with others He loves.
We must still seek to learn, to empathize. and to love. And, we must seek to create spaces for exploration of the God who is worthy of all of our adoration, devotion, and faith.
I pray the Church may grow in unity in the heart of God for LGBTQ+ peoples, that they are loved and wanted by our God and us. I pray the Church would grow in humility, compassion, and the endurance to pursue laying foundations of agape love in the LGBTQ+ Community through the establishment of authentic and respectful friendships. I pray the Community would give us a chance to connect with them, even amidst differences. And, that the Queer Community, would give glory to the God who made them and is calling them to belong.
If we can connect across difference and bridge even the hardest impasses, maybe society can be healed. Maybe, God will launch a revival in the hearts of individual and collective members of the Church, the LBGTQ+ peoples, and those who identify as part of both.
What good might come? Will you begin to live the dream with us?
