Ministering to a Gay Youth


While I grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota, homosexuality was something my classmates in school joked about. Back then, I couldn’t believe anyone would seriously want a sexual relationship with a person of the same gender. Since becoming an evangelist, I’ve been mindful to speak the truth in love when encountering individuals who identify as LGBT.

This past Tuesday while sightseeing in Tucson, Arizona, I noticed a young couple goofing around at the streetcar station where I waited for a ride. The boy kept singing the old Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive.” I told him that was a favorite of mine, and I was around his age when that song was a hit. (This young man happened to be 14 years old - I was 14 when “Stayin’ Alive” was the #1 song in the nation). Toby and Lily eventually prayed with me to receive salvation. After giving them gospels of John, I played on my iPhone an ApologetiX parody of “Stayin’ Alive” called “Stay in the Light.”


Just before the streetcar arrived, Toby asked me if God hates gay people. I replied, “Jesus died for them, too. They can be saved if they repent.”


Shortly after we got on the streetcar, I realized Toby had been a practicing homosexual. He approached me again and asked, “Do I have to give up my boyfriend?”


I replied, “You could share the gospel with your friend so that God can start doing a work in him like He is with you.” 


Toby then questioned why God would make homosexuals. I explained that we live in a fallen world where people often succumb to sinful desires. I mentioned my past promiscuous lifestyle before my salvation. I emphasized that God can supernaturally transform us if we allow Him to. After disembarking from the streetcar, I resumed evangelizing others. 


Some might argue that Toby didn’t truly experience salvation if he’s still wants to live as a homosexual. I believe his questions indicate that he felt convicted about his lifestyle. Toby has the choice to either continue living in sin or go on with his journey with the Lord. I sincerely hope he pursues the latter. Additionally, I’m praying that Toby encounters more Christians who will disciple him. People who encourage minors to practice lifestyles the Bible calls an abomination are treading on dangerous ground. 


“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” - Matthew 18:6


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