Good morning and welcome to the Daily Article podcast for Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

I'm Chris Elkins with the Denison Forum, narrating today's article written by Dr. Ryan Denison.

The Unconditional Conference hosted by Andy Stanley and North Point Community Church concluded last Friday, and details are

beginning to emerge about what was taught across the two-day event. The conference was billed as a

chance for parents of LGBTQ plus children and for ministry leaders looking to discover ways to support

parents with LGBTQ children in their churches."

It appears fulfilling that promise was the focus as, in Andy Stanley's words, the event was more

pastoral than theological in nature. Yet, as someone who attended the conference described,

underlying that guidance was a consistent assumption that the best response to those identifying as LGBTQ

plus is, quote, affirming them for who they are in order to retain influence and a relationship

with them, end quote. And while it is difficult to speak to specific since video and audio

recordings were strictly prohibited, Stanley spent Sunday sermon explaining

the church's stance and speaking to the controversy that surrounded the event. While the sermon,

like the conference, was not broadcast, recordings were made by some in attendance. North Point

said that they will release the full recording this week. until then, it can be found in the link

in today's episode notes, and it's worth listening to when made available.

While there is much with which I disagree regarding the implications of Stanley's message,

hearing the heart with which he said it is helpful for responding to it in a way that is fair

and honors God. In the sermon, Stanley stated, quote,

Every instruction in the Bible regarding marriage references or assumes a husband and a wife,

a man or a woman.

So biblical marriage is between a man and a woman.

...