** Disclaimer ** The Topics of Sexuality and Suicide are Discussed in this Episode ** Twenty One Percent of Gen Z's now identify as part of the LGBTQ community.  Meaning, that if you interact with 5 Gen Z's today, it is possible that one of them is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer.  Even in the 21st century, much debate still exists in the evangelical Christian community about the responses given, and actions extended to an LGBTG person - to the point that denominations split over the debate. Can an LGBTG individual serve in the church?  Are they even welcome in the church?  What does "welcome" really mean?  If so, can they volunteer at the VBS sign up table, but not in the room with kids?  Can they sing in the choir, but not direct the choir?  And of course, are they going to heaven or hell?  The enormous pressure of rejection, whether silent or outright, often felt by a person who identifies as LGBTQ, brings about fear, perceived shame, anxiety, self loathing and self hatred, especially for those like my Co-host, who begged God in their childhood and adolescence, to make them straight.  LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide, and to attempt suicide versus their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). The Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.  The point of this Episode is not to debate whether an LGBTQ person is "living in sin" or "going to heaven or hell."  Instead, we explore what daily life is like for a gay young, talented, professional in his 30's, wanting to be a part of the evangelical church in the Bible Belt.  Have you befriended anyone who is LGBTQ?  Do long held myths and fears separate you?  Would you invite a member of the LGBTQ community to sit with you at church?  Invite them for a meal in a restaurant in your community?  Can a gay man walk in peace with God?  Can a gay man worship God? Join my myself and my co-host, real estate professional, Devin Robert Mueller, as he makes it real about his personal journey as a gay man in an evangelical world.

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