Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, Dave Davis, PowerPoint download,

Anti-homosexual Current perception – Christians show contempt for gays & lesbians Goal perception – Christians show compassion & love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle So… where are we going? year olds Unfavorable ImageOutsidersChurchgoers Anti-homosexual91%80% Judgmental87%52%

Recap Separation of church & sex – Sexual sin is more than gay or straight Recent Gallup study – Immorality comes in many flavors Demilitarizing – It is not Christians vs. homosexuals – This is not a deal-breaker People are people – Acknowledging character & feelings – Investing in people & developing relationship Think of the ROI

A love issue

Willingness to talk Homosexuality (sexuality) can’t be an off limits conversation With family, with each other, & as a church What are some of the challenges that prevent you from having these conversations?

Willingness to engage With people school, with people at work, & with people in our neighborhoods – Despite our differences This is not a project; it’s simply being like Christ With homosexuality in particular, why might it be hard for you to move past the sin and focus on a relationship with the person?

One’s ability to serve Christians are gifted differently in where & how they are called to serve – We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6) Christians being Christ-like with those practicing homosexuality should not be discouraged How can we better encourage & support efforts to reach the homosexual community?

Imagine if… 30yrs from now Christians are the ones who love people, whoever they are – gay or straight, Jew or Muslim, religious or atheist, capitalist or not, conservative or liberal. Christians are the ones who have done more than anyone in the world to stop the HIV/AIDS crisis. Christians have personal integrity. They keep their marriage vows & are aware of how destructive misused sexuality can be. Yet they are compassionate toward people who make sexual mistakes, and they never consider themselves superior.

Call to action Recognize that homosexuality is just one of many types of sexual immorality Know that people who practice homosexuality value & need relationships – God provides opportunities to be that friend We are called to love above all else – Wouldn’t it be great if this was our #1 perception?

Next week Christians are too political Feedback & resources – Kevin Bowman, – Dave Davis, – PowerPoint download,