Several members of the FRC team escaped the D.C. snow piles and were happy to participate in the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors and Church Leaders this week in Minneapolis. The team enjoyed meeting and hearing from many pastors and leaders who share our concern for the American people.
A few of those remarks stood out, including D.A. Carson’s of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He recognized that we need to prepare for the cultural conflicts by being ready to take a stand for our consciences -- like Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis. Also, Renovation Church Pastor Leonce Crump II used the example of “gay rights” as a temptation for many to compromise as he discussed proclaiming gospel truth in our culture. He said the temptation is subtle, and we must hold strong to the truth.
FRC’s own Travis Weber had the chance to present on the sexual revolution and how religious freedom is a major flash point now, primarily because orthodox Christian views held by large segments of our culture are conflicting with the LGBT and abortion rights agendas. He talked about the many religious liberty battles on the doorstep of nonprofits, wedding vendors, public employees, and others. And while these conflicts haven’t hit most congregations, the advance of these agendas will ultimately target churches and aim to shut down those not complying with the “permitted” view of sexuality. Pastors need to understand the existential threat (how will they proclaim the gospel if their doors are not open to do so), and the pastoral concern (they need to understand that they will inevitably have someone in their congregation facing one of these dilemmas -- “Do I issue the same-sex marriage license or not?”). Such situations will only become more likely in the future.
All in all, our team enjoyed hearing from speakers who, while very aware of the trials that are before the church today, are likewise aware that we hope in a Christ who surpasses any hardship. Thanks to the Bethlehem Conference staff for their warm hospitality!
