What's your response to the news about another Colorado mega-church pastor's being outed?

Question

The senior pastor of a second Colorado megachurch has resigned following a phone call to the church outing him.

The Rev. Paul Barnes of Grace Chapel in South Denver announced in a video taped message to his congregation Sunday that he was stepping down.

"1 have struggled with homosexuality since I was a 5-year-old boy," Barnes said in the video according to the Denver Post.

".. I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away."

In the video Barnes is seen sitting with his wife.

The church's associate pastor, Dave Palmer, told the Post that the church got an anonymous call last week from a person who said he had overheard a conversation in which someone mentioned "blowing the whistle" on evangelical preachers engaged in homosexuality, including Barnes.

http://www.netscape.com/viewstory/2006/12/11/another-evangelical-pastor-resigns-after-being-outed/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.365gay.com%2FNewscon06%2F12%2F121106pastor.htm&frame=true

Answer 1

I feel sorry for Rev. Barnes and his family. I hope he comes to realize that his homosexuality is not something negative and he can at last begin to live his life without fear of being who he really is. There will be a reckoning for his hypocrisy, and there should be. I hope his situation will convince others to change their minds about homosexuality and stop persecuting their gay neighbors and family.

Answer 2

I know it doesn't make me much of a good human being, but I can't help to have to laugh loud about it.



This is unfortunately exactly what happens when the churches keep on their insane fight against homosexuality. It simply ruins lives. It keeps gay people being in marriages, which in the end will never last. This way a wife gets hurts, probably kids get hurt...all because some people believe that their God doesn't allow 'live and let live'.



It's sad. And yet, I can't help but to laugh about the irony.

Answer 3

What else is new. These gay bashers are all self hating closet queens or they would actually apply the Christian principle of forgiveness when they talk about homosexuals. Its all the ones that are outspoken against gays and lesbians that are gay themselves, they hate themselves so much for what they are they transfer their hatred to someone else that is just like them in the mistaken belief that it will bring them peace when all they really want is a piece.

Answer 4

Why should we be surprised? This is completely biblical.



As it is written: "For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17)



Jesus is going to come back for a pure, undefiled bride (His church). Those who live in hypocrisy, risk exposure. But try not to gloat in this man's failure. Because the verse that follows this previous one, applies to the unbeliever.



"If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?" (I Peter 4:18)

Answer 5

I don't think it's such a bombshell out all. In Louisiana, we have this MegaChurch pastor named Larry Stockstill who always interrupts morning TV programs to talk about Jesus.( I'm trying to watch The View, Yo!!!) I'm waiting for him to be "busted" as being gay.

There should be a "Where are they Now" show about Pastors who have been outed...

Answer 6

Okay, so, hands up, who here thinks homosexuality is purely a choice?









... Class? Anyone? Anyone?



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>> Barnes is seen sitting with his wife.



This is the crux of the matter. Here is a blatantly gay man, forced to marry because of his guilt posed upon him by his church. What a terrible world he must live in. This is what your "faith" does to people - ruins their lives.

Answer 7

Let's just wipe out religion!



You know for the best interest of all!



No more Gods to kill each other over!



Peace on earth AT LAST!

Answer 8

And yet, they'll continue to blindly bash homosexuals. It makes me sick, dude. But I'm not surprised. Xian hate will never stop. That's why I can't wait 'til xianity dies.

Answer 9

just what the Lord has said to the Prophets is coming to pass...He is stripping the church...Praise the Lord...He knows just what He is doing...when He gets done noone can say the Lord is not real then...

Answer 10

He messed up big time. I feel for his wife and kids.

Answer 11

Satan always goes after the high profile harder then those who are doing nothing for God.

Answer 12

Typical Christian hypocrisy. Christians are brainwashed to be anti-sex, and are accordingly repressed and perverted. Many rapists and pedophiles in the Christian clergy, as well.

Answer 13

Homophobia is the fear of one's own homosexuality. Every homophobe is gay, but they lack the courage to be honest about it.

Answer 14

I think it's terribly sad that this preacher still believes that homosexuality is a choice, and that g-d will not love him if he has 'bad thoughts'.

Answer 15

Forbidden candy is the sweetest.



I'm so glad I didn't let the church turn me gay

Answer 16

I think it is sad, I think it is sad when religion tells people to deny who they are when it harms no one for them to be themselves. I think it is a sin that these people are made to believe they are shameful and bad people.

Answer 17

Does not surprise me. "Pruning the vineyard" is a very biblical metaphor. Dead branches must be trimmed away for growth to happen.

Answer 18

We should be concerned with our own sins and not others.

Answer 19

Why do you dwell on it? Really does something for you huh?

Answer 20

Well, I hope he's OK; I'll pray for him.

Answer 21

This is very sad.

Answer 22

He should just accept who he is.

Answer 23

DISGUSTING!