I have been incredibly encouraged by the testimonies of my friends who have come out of LGBTQ to live radically sold out lives to Jesus. It’s been amazing to get to know them and hear their testimonies. They have taught me much. They deserve to be heard, not as “testimony trophies” paraded by the church, but as real people who have had real encounters with Jesus - emblems of His grace and love. 

The following are some observations regarding this move of God and how the Church can respond and agree with what God is doing.

1) Many have been transformed through a personal encounter with Jesus, not through an evangelistic meeting – I’m all for public evangelism, but the truth is many have had “God encounters” apart from any evangelistic effort. They were simply confronted by the love, grace, and conviction of the Holy Spirit without anyone directly sharing with them. There is an organic activity of the Holy Spirit happening right now among many LGBTQ people that is not directly related to overt evangelistic efforts. Pray that this continues. Pray for radical God encounters for LGBTQ people.

2) Many were raised in church – While being raised in church, many experienced mishandling or misunderstanding of the same-sex desires they were experiencing. This resulted in pain and hurt which ultimately resulted in rebellion. As the years went by, the Lord graciously awakened their conscience and granted them repentance and forgiveness. Re-entering the church hasn’t been easy for some. The church must become a family for people who have come from LGBTQ.

3) Many have praying parents or grandparents – One testimony I have continually heard is that there was a praying parent/grandparent who did not give up on them. They loved them unconditionally and continued praying for them even through their darkest times. There is real power in prayer. If we will continue to pray, continue to love and not give up, the Lord will move on hearts at the perfect time. Don’t stop praying!

4) Previous disappointments don’t negate present and future testimonies – Oftentimes people attempt to discount a person’s testimony because of others who were once delivered and then returned to the lifestyle. It’s understandable. Disappointments of this nature can cause confusion and disillusionment. But the fact that one person returned to the lifestyle has no bearing on the truth that another person has been delivered and set free. When disappointments arise don’t lose hope, continue to believe.

5) The Church must be ready to receive people freshly alive, still wearing grave clothes – Finally, the Church must be ready to receive those who have been freshly saved, who are still walking out of the bondages of their previous lifestyle. As is the case with any sin or temptation, believers must learn to walk alongside those who have made a bona-fide decision for Jesus and are still “working out” their salvation. At times we exhibit grace for those who are in process and at other times we are fairly merciless. There is no one who has arrived. We are all on a journey. This doesn’t mean we agree with sin and bondage. At the same time we must have room in our spiritual families for those who are at the beginning of their journey in Christ. If we can help people develop a vibrant inner life in God, the Holy Spirit will empower them to clean up the outer life. Addressing the outer issues first won’t create a heart change.

I hope your heart is filled with faith in what God can and is going to do in the LGBTQ community. I believe we’re on the verge of a massive move of God that truthfully, I don’t know if we’re ready for. Let’s pray and love and continue to believe God for His outpouring!