They desperately need to know why Bible-believing, faithful followers of Christ Jesus believe homosexual practice is wrong and that there are options for those who are homosexually inclined. They need to hear a testimony and a message about homosexuality that balances both truth and grace, and which brings the Gospel to bear.

Many youth have been and continue to be swept up in the vacuum of, “There are so many mixed messages being generated today regarding homosexuality, where do we find truth?”

Christian youth, in particular, are frequently caught in the middle. Do they hold to the instructions of Scripture, church, and parents, or do they reject their faith convictions as outdated and accept a new morality?

Parents and church leaders can no longer afford to stay silent on this matter. Youth today can hardly watch a television program or movie without being bombarded with messages that attack and undermine Biblical perspectives on sexuality. Many youth are being taught that Christian morality is bigoted, antiquated and intolerant.

Is it surprising that for many youth without truthful and credible direction from positive moral authorities in their lives, are accepting what the culture is teaching them?

We, the Church, just maybe witnessing the loss of one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities of our time. And, I find it ironic, if not tragic, that the opportunity, the mission field lies in our own backyard. The reality of homosexuality isn’t, “out there,” it’s inside our churches, in youth groups across the country.

Bible-believing Christians must address the many myths our youth are being taught and how to refute them. How can they possibly hope to hold firm if parents and pastors refuse to address the lies that are bombarding our youth today?

Reaching youth struggling with their sexual identity is something we all can do and must do to help searching youth understand God’s abundant plans for their lives and to counteract misguided agendas that seek to ruin all hope for the youth.

You and I may be the only person that will have the courage to share the Good News with a youth impacted by sexual and relational brokenness.

Practically speaking…

• Keep the consequence of sin in context. We have all fallen short of the glory of God.
• Accepting and loving a teenager without conditions has nothing to do with condoning their behavior/lifestyle.
• Offer to serve as an accountability and prayer partner.
• Clearly distinguish the difference between temptation and sin.
• Don’t overreact – be prepared for the ‘born that way’ argument.
• You are not expected to have all the answers.
• Never, ever water down the Word of God.
• Be patient and trust God completely.
• Emphasize the key to overcoming sexual brokenness and sexual identity confusion is in Christ Jesus.

While it is easy enough to become cynical about the times in which we live, remember when God is put in the equation of life, a hope that does not disappoint rises with us. It is true that the number of teens struggling with their sexuality has become alarming, but we should and must trust God and reach out to youth with the message of salvation and sexual redemption available through the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you know Jesus, you are a candidate to be a champion for change in the life of a youth.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee