Speaking grace in truth to a culture in conflict

This is a crucial area of ministry for every church and we are not doing a very good job in facing this challenge. Many of these strugglers are desperate to find a way out of the dilemma they face. The Gospel is the answer as it offers forgiveness and grace to each individual. We can provide through our churches a way to provide a “safe haven” for these strugglers as we walk by their side in their struggle. Bob Stith has spoken all over this country and has a wonderful message to share. What began as a stirring in the heart of one man has matured into a ministry that has touched millions of Southern Baptists. It has been a joy and honor to work with Bob. Please work with him to provide opportunities for your churches to receive this specialized and very essential training. Thank you in advance for your willingness to do this.

Bob Stith has been faithful to speak the truth of God regarding homosexuality in a spirit of love and compassion. As a pastor, I invited Bob to come and share with our church a biblical and appropriate response to the issue. Hearts of all ages were touched and clear, compelling information was given. As former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, I was active in the discussions that led to bringing Bob into the leadership role he held for many years. He was instrumental in changing the way many people think about this area of ministry that touches every church family. I commend Bob Stith to you without hesitation and with a full recommendation. Please consider using Bob to minister to your church regarding an issue that commands the attention of our culture today.

Bob Stith’s training event, Living Hope, Lasting Change offers churches a great opportunity to understand the unique challenges of ministry to homosexuals. Many men and women trapped in this lifestyle want out, but they don’t know where to turn. This conference will help church leadership and members to develop ministries that can help homosexuals leave their destructive lifestyles and find real, lasting peace through Christ. Living hope, lasting change–that’s what the church is all about. This conference can help churches extend that blessing to thousands of men and women looking for God’s help. I enthusiastically encourage you to attend.

Homosexuality is neither the unpardonable sin, nor the worst possible sin, nor the sign of God’s permanent rejection. Through the work of the Spirit of God and those willing to be used by Him, homosexuals are finding freedom through Christ. Bob Stith, through many years of experience as a pastor and counselor, has heard both the struggles of the same-sex attracted and the discomfort that homosexuality sometimes engenders among believers. Yet he also knows the joy that comes from walking with people toward Jesus and away from a homosexual lifestyle. Bob understands the link between educating and training church members and successful ministry in this area. I encourage you to contact him to discover how God can work through you and your people to reach men and women who struggle with homosexuality. I commend Bob to you and to your churches as you seek to develop compassionate ministries to men and women who are struggling with same-sex attraction.

I had the opportunity to attend a conference facilitated by Bob Stith. He presented a very Christ-centered and Bible-based approach to how we as God’s people can come along-side those who are struggling with same-sex attractions in a way that will genuinely show them the love of Christ and give them the encouragement and support they need in this battle they are going through. I’d encourage Directors of Missions and Pastors alike to schedule a conference such as this dealing with a ministry that is much needed in our churches today.

We received much positive feedback about your talk with HOPE Group on Monday! We all felt blessed by your frankness, courage, and challenge. As you can see, I have shared your contact information with our email group. I would expect that you will hear from some of our folks and from new groups, too. We had a one-time visitor to our meeting, a Christian counselor. I believe she was thunderstruck by your message and let me know how much she appreciated it. May our Lord bless you and your ministry!

I had rave reviews about the conference. Our people loved it. Bob did a great job and I would like to do something to follow up in this area.

Our people are still talking about Bob’s ministry. We plan to go further on this issue and we will be involving him again.