Meet Pastor Bob
Hello, my name is Bob Stith. In 2007 I resigned my position as a pastor of thirty-seven years to enter a new phase of my life. I did so out of a deep sense of burden for an area of ministry that is greatly misunderstood and usually neglected by many churches: homosexuality. The result, Family Gender Issues, is a ministry about hope, help, and grace.
In 1994 I realized homosexuality would be the watershed issue for the church in this generation. This is now generally accepted as true, but unfortunately many in the church see this as a call to arms against those who struggle with homosexuality. We don’t do this intentionally, but the result is that hurting people fall through the cracks and the church is labeled “anti-homosexual.” There are millions of despairing people who are being held in bondage by misinformation coming from both conservative and liberal Christians, but the happy reality is that many men and women who at one time were active in the gay community now walk in freedom. Many people who struggle with homosexuality admit they didn’t know change was possible. Change is possible. It's time to let people know.
acquainted with someone who struggles
66 percent of the American public said they were personally acquainted with someone with same-sex attractions.
Will not preach on homosexuality
23 percent of pastors will not preach on homosexuality because of the possible negative impact on membership.
unchurched young adults
91 percent of unchurched adults think Christians are anti-homosexual.
Churched young adults
80 percent of churched adults see Christians as anti-homosexual.
Get Help
The following links are available to help individuals and our culture understand the many different types of gender issues and where we can find help for ourselves, friends, and family.
LIVING HOPE
Living Hope is a safe place for individuals seeking restoration and healing through weekly support group meetings, moderated online support forums, in-depth discipleship programs, and active partnerships with churches around the world.
ERLC
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has put together this resource answering many questions concerning homosexuality.
NARTH
The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) is one of the largest organizations in the world specializing in research demonstrating that change is possible.
PFOX
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) is a national non-profit organization committed to helping ex-gays and parents and friends of gays who want help, hope, and community. PFOX exists to educate, support, and advocate for individuals and parents on the issue of same-sex attraction and increase others’ understanding and acceptance of the ex-gay community.
RESTORED HOPE
Restored Hope is an inter-denominational, membership governed network dedicated to restoring hope to those broken by sexual and relational sin, especially those impacted by homosexuality. We proclaim that Jesus Christ has life-changing power for all who submit to Christ as Lord; we also seek to equip His church to impart that transformation.
HOPE FOR WHOLENESS
The Hope for Wholeness Network exists so that those who struggle with homosexuality find freedom to live in sexual and relational wholeness according to God’s design. They are helping shed light on the complicated issues of sexual and relational brokenness.
ROB GAGNON RESOURCES
Robert A. J. Gagnon is the foremost biblical scholar on homosexuality in the world. He is also associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His website and resources are highly recommended.
Worthy Creations
Worthy Creations helps others bridge the gap between what they believe about themselves and what God says about their worth, establishing the cross of Christ to areas of wounding. “Whom the Son sets free shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Cross Ministry
Cross Ministry believes in the biblical model that says the church has been empowered by God to minister healing and wholeness to everyone.
The Sight Ministry
The Sight Ministry’s focus is to share the redemptive process of the Gospel of Jesus with individuals for whom homosexuality is a reality.