O L`Amour: Paul Barnes

Direct this morning from Christianity Today:

Further controversy has overwhelmed the American evangelical Church this week as the founding pastor of the 2,100 member Grace Chapel resigns following his confession that he has taken part in homosexual relations.

Having led the church for 28 years, Paul Barnes, who also has a wife and two adult daughters, broke the news to his congregation on Sunday via a video-taped message.

Associate pastor Dave Palmer said in a written statement: “While we cannot condone what he has done, we continue to support and love Paul.”

...

Barnes confessed to Palmer last week, and a board of elders held an emergency meeting on Thursday where they accepted the resignation of Barnes.

Barnes, 54, said: “I have struggled with homosexuality since I was a 5-year-old boy. I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away.”

Despite the developments, Barnes confirmed his belief that the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is a sin.

Here's "Kaylee" on the reaction of the congregation:

You know, I'm 20 years old and I've been going to Grace Chapel for 18 years of my life and have been graced with having Paul as my pastor. I was there the day they showed the video and no one walked out. At least half the people were crying and the other half was obviously sad. But we don't think anything less of him. And I think it's horrible this is being compared to that guy from Colorado Springs! Paul wasn't accused by anyone, he said it himself. Plus if his wife Char can accept him, why can't we? Plus he NEVER admitted to having sexual relations or anything of the sort with anyone. Us all at Grace love, miss, and are praying for Paul.

And that is going to be the last of my respectful posts on the topic - not only because I seem to have run out of empathy, but because the Reverend's Men of Grace website has so much lovely homoerotic woofiness going on. If the photo on the main page [left] isn't enough to attract men who ... ahem ... struggle, then the description of his summer retreat, Gold Rush, just might: Gold Rush is a great opportunity to enjoy God's creation, deepen your walk with Him, your son, and your brothers in Christ. Bring along your big-boy toys and join in a weekend of fun and fellowship.

And all the while, the Reverend Mrs. was leading the Women of Grace down a path perfect for the stay at home Brokeback Housewife. If only the minsteries weren't so segregated, the reverend might have caught his wife's talk on Resisting the Apple (6 Sept 2006), and been saved! Because while the men were off frolicking in the woods with their big boy toys and learning about Being God's Man by Pursuing Friendship (Tuesday evenings at 7 pm), Char Barnes was teaching the women about Forgiving What You Can't Forget (1 Nov), moving From Marriage to Marvelous (19 April), and How to Be Filled to Overflowing (1 March).

And if only all the buggers had attended the last, and listened with an open mind. She starts by defining a Missional Community as: Two or more people who are sharing life together, pursuing spiritual formation in Christ together and engaging together in whatever form that God is leading them to take.

She backs it up with Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ...

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their
work:

10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who
falls and has no one to help him up!

The next missionaries who knock on my door are doomed ... I am so going to throw this stuff back in their faces.