Turning Controversy into Church Ministry

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Thanks to Andrew Rogers at Zondervan Publishing and author W.P. Campbell for providing a copy of Turning Controversy into Church Ministry. Receive 40% off this resource by entering the code 980761.

What places this book in a good light for me is how Campbell doesn’t water down Scripture to condone inappropriate sexual behavior, but he addresses a need to reach those caught in its tight grip. The Church should be poised to heal, not reject those in sexual brokeness. As we stand on higher ground, equipped by the power of the gospel to change lives, we should seek to help those looking for grace and guidance to find their way upwards.

Campbell has been pastoring for over twenty years. As a result, his writing isn’t from the pen of a recent convert. Campbell has the wisdom of experience in ministering to these needs and having a  faithful track record in Christ. He’s earned the credibility to share insight and for readers to listen with the ears of their heart.

Those from any type of lifestyle that is missing intimacy with Christ look at godly men and women with hope that they possess insight that will equip them to overcome their struggles. When those who claim to have the power of God display something quite contrary, I can’t imagine the dissappointment. Campbell argues that at times Saints do this to homosexuals. We either condemn the practice and walk away or we condone the practice and walk away from Scripture. Both roads are paths of least resistance.

Campbell uses the illustration of the woman caught in adultery (Joh 8:5-11). She is brought before Christ for her to be judged. Christ doesn’t condemn her, but calls her to leave her life of sin due to this grace demonstrated. Campbell discusses how few Saints embrace both truth and grace in this manner. We can be light, insight, and wisdom without withdrawing a helping hand. Christ has the “wit and the wisdom” to handle this issue if we are willing to follow him (13).

I’ve observed what Campbell explains. Without love, we alienate people. Without truth, we are unable to confront sin. “Neither can function properly without the other,” shares Campbell. I’ve seen many who thumb their noses as sexual sins later go to the liquor cabinet and party down all night. If neither drunkard or fornicator will enter heaven (1Cor 6:9-10), what is the difference in the end? Mat Schaffner does a fine job covering Campbell’s church response categories over at Searching for Meaning and Purpose. 

Campbell sees that a majority in the Church have failed by promoting gay rights and creating a polarized view of the issue. They’ve brought the matter to the forefront of the Church’s agenda. However, I also believe that the opposite has greatly contributed to the height this issue has risen. At least partly to blame are those who picket and petition the issue right into the spotlight of Church and media.

Among these currents that can overwhelm us lies the opportunity for ministry. Cambell quotes Bonhoeffer, ”We must not grudge the time and work it takes” to know what the Scriptures say about issues we face in order that we may stand with “certainty and confidence in our personal and church activity” (18). We cannot be afraid of the work involved in a deep and committed Christianity.

Cambell includes many helpful background studies. He demonstrates the dangers of being lukewarm in our faith by comparing Laodicea’s hot and cold springs. The springs were outside the city and by the time they traveled through the aqueducts to the inner city, the cold spring was warm and the hot spring was cool. Both springs were lukewarm waters that did nothing for Laodicea’s residents. They detested them.

The Scriptures communicate that homosexual behavior stems from a rejection of God’s created order (Rom 1:18-32). This natural order is also supported by Christ (Mar 10:6-9). In so choosing it, God then gives a person over to a deppreciated mind (Rom 1:28). It is through the renewal of our thinking that our behaviors are changed (Rom 12:2). As our thoughts are, that’s who we become (Pro 23:7). I say this to point to the battleground of the mind. This is where our enemy attacks us. That is why we must take every thought captive (2Cor 10:5).

Campbell addresses this issue well with psychological statistics; among many others. Though homosexuality was removed from the list of disorders by the APA, psychiatrists who have treated the condition have seen high success rates. These are patients who request treatment and desire to change their behavior. From 1930 to 1968, success rates of more than 50% had been experienced, according to Campbell (115). Researchers Masters and Johnson “found an unusually high success rate of 71.6%.” It is alarming that in light of these statistics, the APA remains committed to encourage mental health providers to “avoid telling clients that they can alter their sexual orientation.” They recommend leading patients to religions and lifestyles that accept their orientation. The research shows this response to be political.

With the same fervency, Campbell recommends believers to avoid extreme positions, remain committed to a Christ-like ministry, and pursue opportunities to share life intimately with those who need and seek godly help. A good shepherd goes after his sheep when they are lost (Eze 34:16). My pastor as a young believer always made significant effort to find out where I was in my walk. He pursued me. He invested the time to know me and to guide me even though I wasn’t always seeking him. Campbell shows to be of this type of good shepherd.

There are some points of divergence with Campbell’s position. One I will share is that I do believe homosexuality to derive from demonic activity, but then so do all illnesses. They did not exist before the fall. I don’t think calling out demonic activity equates to an absence of grace when it comes to this (137). However, I don’t view these divergences to take the bulk of Campbells’ message away. These types of things seem to be more experiential differences.

Scripture matters much in Campbell’s worldview. Without it, “we have no basis for faith” (140). We must defend it and it must govern our steps. Just as it sheds light on unbiblical behavior, it also sheds light on the unification of love and truth in our lives and ministries. He also holds a high view of prayer. A successful leadership team will be devoted continually to prayer, states Campbell. I absolutley concur.

Campbell concludes his work with an action plan for ministry. This book is highly valuable to contemplate and to begin the discussion towards how to be Christ to all hurting people, regardless of their current walk of life. Paul said that some in the Corinthian church came from this type of lifestyle (1Cor 6:11). We know what the law said about this practice, but then it also said it against fornicators and adulterers. Like the instance of the woman caught in adultery, who can cast the first stone? In no place do I see Scripture instructing us to abandon the sexually broken.

I commend Campbell for his work and brevity in this volume. There is more to interact with than what I’ve been able to do here, which is the effect a good resource. Thus, I recommend it. I agree with Steven Ganz that “Campbell is a good guide that helps us with…heart scrutiny.” Thanks for reading. I hope you do take advantage of the offer and get this resouce.