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Cultural commentators on both the left and the right have termed the last few years the “transgender moment.” Though that description does not need much in the way of an explanation, the issue of transgenderism is now impacting Christian families and ministries in the areas of education, discipleship, outreach, and even evangelism. Given that development, how can we love our neighbors well while still speaking the truth and living it out in our ministries, in our communities, and in the public square? Here’s how.

Scripture: Genesis 2:21-24; Genesis 5:2; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:25-32.

Cultural Developments

• The rise in rapid onset gender dysphoria as a “social contagion.”
• The ongoing conflict between claims of transgender rights and women’s sports.
• The current question of public school employees and the use of names and pronouns.
• The developing conflict between parental rights and claims of transgender rights.
• The formation of Genspect and other voices pushing back from within the LGBTQ community.

#1 Spiritual Formation

• The Imago Dei is the foundational Biblical principle for responding to the transgender movement.
• We are created as both body and soul.
• Culture treats the body as a canvas for self-expression, but Scripture states that the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
• Are we confident that the Christian sexual ethic is both true and good?

#2 Internal Decisions

• The difference between a question and a quarrel.
• A discussion about the importance of church leadership and membership standards.
• Why the church is a key partner with parents to address questions concerning gender.
• Are we teaching with clarity, showing compassion and creating community?
• A discussion about names and pronouns and other frequently asked questions.

#3 Public Witness

• 3 basic types of gender dysphoria: childhood onset, adult onset, and “rapid onset.”
• 3 basic types of treatment: “watchful waiting,” affirmation, and the Dutch method.
• The impact of Bostock and the collision between religious freedom and sexual freedom.
• An explanation of this statement: All people are made in the image of God and should be treated with equal dignity and respect. But disagreement is not disrespect, and conformity of belief should not be the price of citizenship.

Resources:

• What God Has to Say about Our Bodies by Sam Allberry (also, episode #182 of The Good Citizen Podcast)
• God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
• When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Movement by Ryan Anderson
• Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing our Daughters by Abigail Shrier
• Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey
• Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story by Christopher Yuan
• Parent Resource Guide by the Minnesota Family Council https://www.mfc.org/download
• A Conversation with Heather Skriba on Transgenderism, the Church, and the Gospel – Episode #215 of The Good Citizen Podcast https://www.goodcitizen.us/215-transgenderism-the-church-and-the-gospel-with-heather-skriba/
• Genspect.org (note that this resource is from a more secular perspective)