Ministry builds bridges with sexual minorities
MISSISSAUGA, ON—Debate over issues of sexuality and faith can be one of the most polarizing. Widely varying opinions—some harsh and demeaning—can keep those struggling through the issues from engaging with the Church or its people, and vice versa.
The leadership of New Direction Ministries of Canada is working to change that, with a concept called "generous spaciousness."
New Direction has as its mission to nurture "safe and spacious places for those outside the heterosexual mainstream to explore and grow in faith in Jesus Christ." The idea of generous spaciousness acknowledges there are diverse perspectives on sexuality and faithful Christian living, and aims "to create a safe and encouraging environment for gender and sexual minorities to explore and grow in faith in Jesus Christ."
New Direction supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) believers in their walk with God and as they deal with the tensions faced by sexual minorities. They also work with churches to help them navigate matters of faith and same-sex sexuality.
"Generous spaciousness welcomes tension," says executive director Wendy Gritter. "It says, 'I don't need to figure [everything] out right now, I can focus on drawing near to Christ.' It allows participants to enjoy God's love."
Gritter describes "generous spaciousness" as encouraging people to focus on Jesus and study Scripture as they wrestle through challenging faith questions. It is based on a simple principle, she adds, that "the Holy Spirit is more than able to lead people to truth."
"Our focus is not on 'fixing a person's sexuality', but supporting them in drawing near to Christ," Gritter explains. "This topic has been a source of enmity and debating, which has created an 'us versus them' mentality. Generous spaciousness means saying, 'I want to give you the benefit of the doubt that you are growing in Christ.'"
Being given the space to seek God can be transformative.
"My personal journey to reconcile my faith and sexual orientation was one filled with much angst," says Shane Bauman, a leader of The Living Room church in Kitchener, Ontario. "There were times when my questions seemed overwhelming and I felt hopeless. [New Direction members] provided me the space to seek God in a healthy way that was not marked by coercion or fear."
New Direction is hosting a Generous Spaciousness conference this spring. Gritter says small group times during the event will help participants, including pastors, GBLTQ believers and their families, among others, voice their thoughts and values and overcome the feelings of isolation.
"The experience of community is really important when you are dealing with a marginalized group," says Gritter. "We want participants to be refreshed and encouraged in their walk with Christ."
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