• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Randy Thomas

Let's have the courage to be ourselves, together

  • Blog
  • About
    • Nice to meet you!
    • Thrive LGBT+ Board of Directors
  • Contact
  • In The Media
  • Support Thrive LGBT+
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/LGBT+ Spirituality/A Couple of Observations Concerning Justin Lee’s Departure From GCN

A Couple of Observations Concerning Justin Lee’s Departure From GCN

It feels like I have known Justin Lee since he was a toddler! Seriously, we “met” online in 1996 (’97?) via an old-school discussion forum type thing called Bridges Across the Divide (BA). It is no longer available on the Internet… but there is an archived copy of one of the BA pages. BA is the origin of the underlying premise of the various “sides” at the foundation of the Gay Christian Network (GCN) that Justin founded sixteen years ago.

Last week a decision was announced that Justin would be leaving GCN to pursue his interests and passions. Also, GCN’s board is going to take the organization in a new (and different?) direction.

In my ex-gay ministry days, I had some unfortunate things to say about GCN and I regret that. I have always liked Justin but we never were very close. I say that only because I have no idea what is going on behind the scenes except what he and the GCN board and staff have said publicly.  I also mention this because this post is not about gossip and conspiracy theories about what did and will happen; my interest is in the aftermath of the announcements, where they are headed and am concerned about some of the pain I am seeing in the comments.

I am glad the majority of comments are gracious and seeking to understand. Plenty of anger is to be had as well, and that is dangerous if left unheard and not responded too in some fashion. Believe me, from some rather dramatic experience!… it is so tempting to just let the chips fly and dust settle before being really assertive in healthy ways. But, from my limited perspective, there is a lot of pain and it needs to be processed well with strong leadership. Wounding pain (triggered old ones or new wounds) can tear at the foundation of a situation.  Wounding pain is destructive. Redemptive pain is constructive and healing. Redemptive pain (acknowledging, identifying, treating and healing pain) is the needed focus. I would imagine that the GCN board and staff are already settled into that kind of understanding when considering the hurt and pain they are hearing.

In a nutshell: hurt people can hurt people unless the hurt one is listened to, recognized, triaged and guided toward healing. Anyone who has ever had a literal physical wound knows that sometimes the healing part of that is what can hurt the most; we do it because it is moving toward restoration and health. It takes courage and bravery, even more so the deeper the wound.

That said, hurt is hurt, yes. Grief is grief, yes. But, GCN is full of talented people who can do more than two things at once. I pray (yes, literally) the organization always remembers to be Christ and “other-centered” first, always. If they remain true to that, they will not miss a beat in GCN’s important work. There is ministry to hurt and confused people, in this situation and as a whole, that needs to happen. I am greatly encouraged that a very large majority of GCN and Justin supporters are genuinely trying to understand and support both Justin and GCN. I hope GCN and Justin both continue to respond in life-giving ways to them and to each other.

Personally, I think Justin is amazing and really do hope he has a wonderful future as an author/speaker/minister. He’s always been honest and gracious with me and I look forward to his gifts and talents continuing to bless and help God’s LGBTQ+ children.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email

Related

August 2, 2017 By Randy Thomas 4 Comments

Filed Under: LGBT+ Spirituality

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. DoneWithReligion

    August 2, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    Well put Randy.

    Reply
    • Randy Thomas

      August 2, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  2. katttt

    August 4, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    Well written and very gracious, Randy. For me, I cannot imagine a GCN without Justin. My sort of humble opinion is that the “leadership” of GCN has made a huge mistake. I’ve seen good organizations go down in flames for much less.

    Reply
    • Randy Thomas

      August 4, 2017 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks. Well, I hope and pray they don’t go down in flames. I am sure they and Justin both with find their way through this.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Thrive LGBT+ Email List

* indicates required

Thrive LGBTQ+ on Facebook

Thrive LGBTQ+ on Facebook

Archive

Discover more

Donate to Thrive LGBT Inc.

Please support the Thrive Team's efforts to create more resources, provide online support, and develop community engagement that inspires, equips, and empowers LGBT+ people to heal from religious stigma and thrive.

Thrive LGBT Inc. is a FL non-profit and is a recognized 501(c)3 with the IRS. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll free, 1-800-435-7352 within the state of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your support.

Footer

Copyright © 2021 - Randy Thomas

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.