Episode 73
#73. The Gospel and the LGBTQ+ Community—Going Beyond Theological Debates
Elizabeth Black is the co-founder of Kaleidoscope, a ministry dedicated to “Providing LGBTQ+ people opportunities to engage with tangible expressions of Christ” and joining the Spirit of God where He is already at work among LGBTQ+ folks in NYC. She shares some surprises and challenges in reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community, contextualizing the gospel message and the vital role of the local church.
21% of Gen Z adults (aged 18-26) self-identify as not being heterosexual; and NYC has the largest population of LGBTQ+ folks in the country, many of whom move to metropolitan areas as a sanctuary.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- Five things that may surprise many Christians about the gospel and the LGBTQ+ community
- About the four major theological approaches to LGBTQ+ folks
- Differences between theological debates and actually engaging people with Christ's love
FEATURED BONUS:
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Elizabeth Black has served as an evangelist and minister in New York City for almost 10 years. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she attended Washington Bible College for undergraduate studies. Elizabeth has a heart for New York City, and she loves sharing Jesus with those in the LGBTQ, Jewish, and African-American populations – and beyond. She is currently working on her Master of Theology in contextual theology at All Nations, a missions college in the UK. Elizabeth loves to cook, entertain, watch documentaries, and read about culture. Last but not least, she is a proud wife and the mother of two young boys.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:
- John 3: 14-18; God So Loved the World
- Matthew 9: 35-38; The Harvest is Plentiful, the Workers are Few
- Hebrews 4: 12-13; The Power of the Word of God
- John 4: 7-38; Jesus Meets the Woman at the Well
RELATED LINKS:
- Kaleidoscope Ministries
- Email Elizabeth Black
- Elizabeth Black on Instagram
- Percentage of LGBTQ Adults in U.S. has Doubled over past Decade, Gallup Finds
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:
00:40 - Topic: Bringing Jesus to the LGBTQ+ Community
02:03 - Who Is Elizabeth Black?
03:19 - Elizabeth Black's Multiethnic Family
05:20 - What is the Kaleidoscope Ministry?
05:47 - From Jewish Missions and Evangelism
06:32 - People Kept Asking Questions about Sexuality and Sexual Identity
07:37 - Gospel Contextualization and the LGBTQ+ Community
08:47 - Academic Theology vs Everyday Engagement with the Gospel
09:15 - Same Theology Different Context
11:12 - Five Things that Might Surprise the Average Christian about Ministry in the LGBTQ Community
11:23 - 1. LGBTQ Community as a People Group
11:40 - 2. Not Just the Individual but a Culture
11:47 - 3. Not Just about Sexual Behavior
12:20 - 4. Breaking Stereotypes about People in LGBTQ+ Community
13:30 - 5. Openness to the Gospel within LGBTQ+ Community
14:53 - Four Major Theological Ideologies regarding the LGBTQ Community
15:17 - Side A
16:37 - Side B and Kaleidoscope
18:42 - Side Y
19:32 - Side X
20:19 - Leading with the Gospel
21:22 - Engaging beyond the Church Walls
23:26 - Working from a Deficit, Ministry and LGBTQ Folks
27:14 - Responses from within the LGBTQ Community
28:29 - Jesus Loves You Too
30:25 - What Happens in Kaleidoscope Bible Studies?
32:54 - Missions, Speaking the Language and Preferred Pronouns
34:51 - Meeting People where They Are & Pride Events
39:08 - The Vital Role of a Local Churches
41:09 - Churches Being a Good Light for the Gospel
42:26 - Where to Start in Ministry in the LGBTQ+ Community?
43:08 - Sharing Stories and Building Relationships
44:04 - Who Did Jesus Come to Save?
45:29 - Contacting Elizabeth Black
46:10 - Who's the Jokester in the Family?
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