Loving Before Truth-Telling: A Pastoral Response to the Nashville Statement (Sex Love God Series #5)

Episode • Sep 18, 2017 • 35m

What does true Christian love look like in our conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and theology? Continuing the “Sex Love God” Series, Mike Erre takes a heartfelt and theologically grounded look at the Nashville Statement, critiquing not only its theological assertions but more importantly its failure as a pastoral document. This episode serves as a call to embody a covenantal love rooted in commitment, presence, advocacy, and transformation—before truth is ever spoken.

Drawing heavily from scripture and inspired by theologian Scot McKnight’s framework for covenantal love, Mike offers his own “Suburban Columbus Statement” in response, encouraging the church to lead with love that is felt, embodied, and transformative. The result is a challenging reflection for anyone who cares about how the church engages with LGBTQ+ individuals and with the broader culture.

Key Takeaways: • Loving Before Toward-ing – Why declaring “the truth” without showing up in love and relationship first is often perceived as coercion, not compassion. • Covenant Over Contract – Exploring God’s love as covenantal: a commitment to be with, for, and toward another, regardless of response. • The Problem with the Nashville Statement – Mike argues that its failure is not primarily theological, but pastoral—it lacks empathy, presence, and humility. • Love as Action – Unpacking scripture to highlight that love is not just doctrinal correctness or affection, but lived-out commitment. • Grace Before Truth – The biblical pattern of Jesus' ministry shows truth follows grace, not the reverse.

Resources Mentioned: • Scot McKnight – A Fellowship of Differents • Scripture References: Matthew 22, Luke 6, Romans 13, Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3, 1 John 4, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3 • The Nashville Statement – CBMW.org/Nashville-Statement • Voxology’s “Sex Love God” Series Archive – VoxologyPodcast.com

Let’s be a church known more for covenantal love than ideological declarations. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social to continue the conversation around a more faithful and loving representation of Jesus.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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