It marks an opportunity to think especially about how we grow God’s kingdom and show more of who Jesus is in the year ahead.

Jesus calls us to care for others within the church. The guidance in this article is for leaders or regular church members who want to provide ethical and godly pastoral care to a person facing same-sex attractions.

I came out to a couple of my non-Christian friends as “bi”, and I told them not to tell anyone else, which they respected.

Caring is (of course) a biblical concept. The two senses of “care” in the English language are mirrored in our practical experience of caring. Showing concern and kindness to others comes with a cost, and caring people are often prone to experience their care and compassion for others morphing into burdens for themselves that they cannot carry.

Some people have suggested that TFT is harmful, homophobic, coerces people or operates from a place of fear. Such concerns are important to reflect upon. It’s a tragedy whenever someone purporting to be a disciple of Christ subjects others to pain, trauma or distress. So, how does TFT protect those that it comes into contact with from harm?

Brian explains the value of having a support group in his church for same-sex attracted believers, to help them feel heard and safe. But he goes on to explain that ultimately the church should outgrow its need for such a group as the whole church becomes an increasingly welcoming place for LGBT people.