by Lisa Nolland, Christian Today
There are many pressing issues within the evangelical UK church, not to speak of the challenges ‘out there’ in the wider culture, both of which are beyond this article’s scope. So too are ‘deep dives’ into these vast subject areas. Hopefully, though, this article can help to shift the narrative especially within the Church by encouraging a different mindset and offering a fresh, positive perspective.
My organisation, the Marriage, Sex and Culture Group, London (MSC), tracks the impact of the wider pan-sexual revolution, with focus on the moral, spiritual, psychological and sexual development of the young, and we are deeply concerned.
The MSC is not a player in the evangelical galaxy and thus has a freedom to go where others will not or cannot go. We are continually putting out feelers: ‘What is going on in and around you and your family, church or network and what is your assessment of it? Please be honest!’
There is no silver bullet, and sometimes it is a case of ‘horses for courses’ or doing the best one can, but from feedback from ‘the real world’ and wider research, some strategies appear to be far more effective than others in reframing the debate and getting on the front foot.
In terms of wider societal trends, we recently received the encouraging verdict on the fate of ex-gay, newly-engaged Matthew Grech after three years and 17 court appearances in Malta. Sadly, this positive, powerful voice is often ignored, marginalised or caricatured by UK evangelical leaders, though thankfully this is changing. The ex-gay narrative is a good example of moving beyond Just Say No.