The problem with the publically posted welcome is that there was only one sin mentioned (and it is not identified as a sin) among the different types of people listed. Being white or black, male or female, a walker or driver, young or old are all perfectly ethical designations. “Gay” is listed as just one option like being female or young. It would have helped had he welcomed sinners of all sorts – adulterers, liars, swindlers, drunkards, and the greedy. But they receive no welcome. I hope you can see the problem with this.

I recently read a publically posted message from a fellow PCA pastor wherein he graciously welcomes all kinds of folks to attend the church he serves as pastor. He invites the young and old, male and female, married and single, white and black. You get the picture. It’s the right message particularly if that welcome is backed up by action. The church must offer a generous welcome to those on the outside as a reflection of the gracious offer God has made to us in Jesus Christ. Hospitality from the church is the fruit of the hospitality God has extended to us through the Lord Jesus.

But there is a glaring problem with the welcome that was posted. Among the many different categories of people to which this brother pastor extends a welcome are those who are “gay and straight.” And in this I believe he stumbles rather badly.

Don’t misunderstand. I firmly believe we need to welcome, enthusiastically, the unregenerate. The doors of our churches ought to fling open wide for those who do not yet know Jesus; to those who have not yet repented of their sins. And in this welcome we must be ready to receive those who struggle with all manner of sin including homosexuality and drunkenness and greed.

The problem with the publically posted welcome is that there was only one sin mentioned (and it is not identified as a sin) among the different types of people listed. Being white or black, male or female, a walker or driver, young or old are all perfectly ethical designations. “Gay” is listed as just one option like being female or young. It would have helped had he welcomed sinners of all sorts – adulterers, liars, swindlers, drunkards, and the greedy. But they receive no welcome. I hope you can see the problem with this.

The pastor would probably be very careful in welcoming adulterers and liars and the greedy without including some sort of qualification. He would probably want to make it clear, however gently, that these sinners would be welcomed and called to a better and holy way of living. Of course this is speculation because all other manner of sinners did not receive a public welcome.

The pastor commits an error concerning homosexuality that is running rampant in the church.

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