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New Direction Distinctives
We are pastorally focused - not politically driven.
The issue of homosexuality has become incredibly politically charged. The conservative Christian community is most often perceived to have a political agenda in their response to same-gender-attracted people. And gay advocacy groups often clearly state their agenda in the political and public realms.
Ministries like New Direction are often invited or expected to participate in some capacity in this political arena. At New Direction, we believe God has called us to focus on the pastoral care of people impacted by gender and sexual identity questions. We have deliberately decided to not engage in political issues so that we can stay focused on that which God has called us to: touching real people's lives. In our commitment to be and to build a safe place, we recognize the barriers that political involvement can erect for those who may be tentatively seeking out a place to be real and honest about their internal conflict related to questions of faith and questions of sexuality. So, our focus is the pastoral care of people, not participation in the political debates of our day.
We are relationally focused - not program driven.
In the microwave mentality of our day, we tend to want 10 steps to this or 3 principles to achieve that. Unfortunately - or fortunately (depending on how you look at it), people don't often fit the boxes we create for them - and frankly - churches don't often fit the boxes we try to create for them either. Each person touched by the realities of same-gender attraction is unique. If we are to be relevant, credible, and respectful of their journey, we will need to take the time to build a relationship with them and hear their own personal story. And if we are to be relevant, credible, and respectful of the journey of a particular church, we'll need to build a relationship with that church and serve them within the context of their unique story. So, while there are various programs that New Direction makes use of, we will always put relationship ahead of program.
We are discipleship focused - not change driven.
Over 30 years of ex-gay ministry in North America, a lot has been said about change. So much so, that this word has ceased for many to be invitational. Rather, the word change can elicit tremendous defensiveness. People have been wounded deeply by well-meaning people who've said, "If you pray hard enough - you will change." or "I heard on the radio about a guy who changed - so you can change, too." Over the years, ex-gay ministry has celebrated dramatic testimonies of change - and we know wonderful men and women who were same-gender-attracted and have now experienced God's grace in the gift of heterosexual marriage. But the question that lingers is this: "Have we celebrated with as much joy and confidence people who's attractions have not changed but who live sexually chaste lives as fully devoted followers of Jesus?" We have come to know those who have been same-gender-attracted and serving Jesus for as long as they can remember. They haven't experienced change - at least not a change in their attractions. But they follow Jesus with a devotion that would put most of us to shame. They don't necessarily rule out the possibility of change - it simply isn't their focus. Jesus is their focus. At New Direction we're focused on encouraging people in their walk with Christ and their growth in trusting and obeying God and we see any change that may occur as a by-product of the discipleship process.
We are partnership focused - not empire driven.
We're convinced that God blesses those who work together. As we do strategic planning, partnership is the common thread throughout. We're not about building the empire of New Direction; we are about working with others in the Body of Christ so that anyone who is dealing with same-gender attraction will find a safe place to be real and honest about their experiences and find the support and encouragement they need in their journey of discipleship.
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