Reviewed by:Allyson M. Hutchison, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: What Does it Mean to be Welcoming?: Navigating LGBT Questions in Your Church

Author: Travis Collins

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Print Book

Length: 157 Pages

OVERVIEW

Travis Collins utilizes Bible verses, anecdotes, and facts to show how Christians in today’s society should approach same-sex attracted people in his book, What Does it Mean to be Welcoming? Right off the bat, Collins lets the reader know he does not affirm same-sex marriage. The way he describes his stance is welcoming but not affirming and mutually transforming. This essentially means he welcomes same-sex attracted people into his church, does not affirm same-sex marriage, but also understands that we are all slowly being transformed into the image of Jesus, and it is a long process. He unpacks this idea further throughout the book.

I believe Collins presented this idea in the best way possible. He gives credit to both sides of the argument and explains how they come to their rationales. However, he does not show favoritism to one side or the other. Nor does Collins place blame on anyone for same-sex attractions. In fact, he does the opposite. Collins states the many possible reasons someone may be attracted to the same gender. Once both sides are established and well represented, Collins explains how the church should react.

The biggest message in this book is grace and love. Since these are two of God’s strongest traits, Collins suggests that we show these to all people who arrive at our churches. Collins says we should not judge or condemn people with same-sex attractions, we should not fear conversations about same-sex attractions, and we should approach people with same-sex attractions with grace. As he stated in the beginning, we are all working to live in a more Christlike image, so we have no room to condemn others.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Ages 15 and up, a Christian readership, a general nonfiction readership

 Christian Impact

Collins’s novel explains how Christians should interact with LGBT members in their church and outside the church.

 Other Notes

The suggested audience is 15 and up because the book’s complex topics that may not be suitable for younger audiences. However, it is likely that a younger reader could grasp the true meaning of this book.

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