“Turning Controversy into Church Ministry”

Book Review of “Turning Controversy into Church Ministry, a Christlike Response to Homosexuality”

A little about the book from their website:

Clear scriptural and scientific insight, sound logic, and practical advice to help Christians turn churches of any size into centers of ministry related to the divisive issue of homosexuality. This is a book for Christians who refuse to be paralyzed by endless debate in the church about the issue of homosexuality, while struggling people fall through the cracks. In Turning Controversy into Church Ministry, author and senior pastor Bill Campbell explains how churches—where the love of God and the wisdom of God’s people can make a difference in society—can and should establish a safe place for people to understand and discuss struggles with same-sex attraction.

When I agreed to do the book review, I asked if I could review section 1. But as I’m sitting at my keyboard, I’m finding it hard to separate my thoughts into sections of the book.

But in the interest of being a man of my word, we’ll discuss the first section (Chapters 1-3). However, the book should be consumed in its entirety, not just pieces and parts.

In chapter 1, the author begins to set his foundation for the entire book by illustrating with words and pictures the relationship between grace and truth. This may seem like an elementary concept but it’s one that is easily missed. Some people try to lean too heavy on grace while others throw grace out the window and become legalistic and full of criticism. You have to have a biblical blend of grace and truth in order to be effective and fruitful in ministry.

I would have to say that chapter 2 is potentially the most fundamentally important chapter of the book. In this short chapter, he discusses how your ministry begins when you’re able to connect the brokenness in your heart with the brokenness in others. You have to genuinely care for somebody before you will be able to minister to them. C.H. Spurgeon said that a “winner of souls must first be a weeper of souls”. Who is your heart broken for? Who do you weep for? I think all too often the modern church weeps for a new flat screen TV.

Section 1 is finished up in chapter 3. Here is an excerpt from that chapter, found on page 58:

There is not a leader in the world who has never sinned or who will not face temptation in the process of leading others. The desperate need of our day is for godly leaders who will allow their past failures to become channels of grace through which others exprience the touch of God’s love and redeeming grace. When church leaders are transparent about their weaknesses, those they lead are more likely to come out of their protective shells and ask for help

In chapter 3 we also see the first respectful dissection of an opposing view.

I know I said earlier that I was only supposed to review the first section. And honestly, this review is getting a little long for my tastes. I like to keep all of my blog posts short and sweet.

However, let me tell you a little bit about the rest of the book, specifically what you will find in section 2. (I bet they won’t mind).

Section 2 takes a deep, deep look at most of the pro-gay arguments. The author never bashes and never assumes. They’re all laid out in love, and with great thought.

I honestly have to say that several times while reading in section 2, I would begin to smile. I was starting to make sense of a lot of loose strings. I always knew what I believed, but was never quite sure how to explain it. This section answered all my questions, everything from genetics to Levitical law.

In closing, this book is an absolute must read for everybody. This is a major issue facing America, and this book will prove to be an indispensable tool as you make your journey to decide what and why you believe what you do regarding this issue.

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