A twin scenario for church leaders to consider:

1. Imagine a couple, Steven and Maria, start attending your church.  They’re not married, but they’ve been together for fifteen years.  Their affection and commitment to one another is clearly evident to all.  Their desire to know and please God quickly becomes evident as well.

After attending your church for a month, they make an appointment to ask you a question.  “We want to join your church.  We know you don’t approve of our living situation.  What do you want us to do?”  What do you tell them?

2. Imagine a couple, Steven and Mark, start attending your church.  They’re not married, but they’ve been together for fifteen years.  Their affection and commitment to one another is clearly evident to all.  Their desire to know and please God quickly becomes evident as well.

After attending your church for a month, they make an appointment to ask you a question.  “We want to join your church.  We know you don’t approve of our living situation.  What do you want us to do?”  What do you tell them?