Every now and then I pick on the Church for how it welcomes (or doesn’t welcome) their transgender brothers and sisters. This time I want to challenge my Christian brothers and sisters who are transgender.

Recently I’ve seen some posts being critical of churches that say that you (as someone who is transgender) are welcome but the church won’t accept that being transgender is the role you were given as part of God’s greater plan. The church is willing to accept you as someone not perfect with the hope that you will change – that’s the “deal”.

So why is it you’re not willing to accept a church that is not perfect with the hope that they will change?

Are YOU waiting for the perfect church? Are YOU the perfect Christian (never mind being transgender)? There are some churches that yes, pretty much won’t accept you unless you’re a “member of the club.” You need to be like them, look like them, go to the same places as them. Okay fine, that’s a country club you don’t need to belong to. But a church that in their attempt to show love welcomes you even though it may be a struggle for them, that’s not a problem – that’s an opportunity!

We ALL wish we would see a change in the Church

If you’ve been a Christian for many years you probably have a particular style of church, a style of worship that speaks to you. If you prefer an Episcopal or some Lutheran and Methodist churches then you shouldn’t run into many issues, you’ll probably find a church that feels comfortable to you. If your preference is more in the style of Baptist, evangelical or Pentecostal then yes, it might be a little tougher. But regardless of what kind of church you like here’s the bad news – no church is perfect.

We ALL wish we would see a change in the Church, that they would accept transgender Christians. But unless you have a magic lamp that you can rub so a genie will appear and grant you that wish, it might take a little bit more.

Now what I’m suggesting does require a bit of a thick skin and a love of people even though they may not agree with you, so it may not be for everybody. However, you can help bring about the change that so many need.

If you don’t have a church home, rather than try to find the “perfect” church, consider the “welcoming” church that in other areas meet your requirements. Be it size, style of music, the preaching, whatever checks the right boxes for you.

no church is perfect

What I am NOT saying is to put yourself in a situation of being degraded or told you’re sinning or that if you don’t eventually “change” you won’t be allowed to participate in membership or serve at the church.

This isn’t for everyone. For some of you the hurt from other Christians and your church experience may still be too raw, you’re still bleeding. I get that, I’ve been there and I understand. It takes a long time for that wound to become a scar and then just another memory and part of your past, it certainly did for me. But it’s also easy to keep that wound open by focusing on it and never getting past it – that doesn’t help you move forward at all, it doesn’t help you grow as a Christian. Don’t let that wound fester and get infected, that’s the work of that SOB Satan who would LOVE to see you stay away from Christ’s Church and fellow believers for the rest of your life.

There ARE churches that are trying their best to love as Christ loved, but they just don’t know how to handle the whole “transgender thing.” So if you’re able to, help them. You don’t have to offer to teach a “Transgender 101” seminar to try to educate them (they probably wouldn’t want it anyway) – start by just showing Christ’s love toward them. Offer to help where you can, in any area. Volunteer. Don’t expect every member of the church to reach out to you. Some of the heavy lifting to establish relationships may rest on your shoulders, and if you’re an introvert that can be especially hard.

Your heart and your actions will speak louder than any seminar or talk you might give, louder than any articles you might ask them to read. The love and dedication you display will BE their education (and your testimony) that no scripture can deny.

– Blessings

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