⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
Discipleship and Conviction in an Age of Compromise
Responding to Rebecca McLaughlin’s Theology on Identity, Sin, and DiscipleshipHosted by Dave Jenkins | Guest: Michelle Lesley
Series: Standing Firm in God’s Design
🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins and Michelle Lesley respond biblically to the growing influence of Rebecca McLaughlin’s theology—especially her framing of same-sex attraction, identity, and discipleship.They examine how therapeutic language, Tim Keller’s “third way” model, and Russell Moore’s “convictional kindness” have shaped evangelical conversations. In contrast, they offer a path forward rooted in gospel clarity, theological conviction, and practical discipleship.This conversation equips pastors, ministry leaders, and faithful believers to hold the line on biblical truth—without compromising compassion or conviction.▶️ Listen or Watch the Episode:
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
- What McLaughlin teaches on SSA
- How “compassion” can cloud biblical clarity
- Keller’s third-way method and Moore’s “convictional kindness”
- Christopher Yuan’s faithful example
- Practical discipleship rooted in truth and repentance
✍️ About Michelle Lesley
Michelle Lesley is a Christian writer, speaker, and teacher committed to helping women grow in sound doctrine and biblical discernment. She is known for her clear, courageous responses to theological error and her heart for equipping women in the local church. Michelle blogs at MichelleLesley.com and serves alongside her husband in their local church.
📖 Key Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 4:15 · Jude 3 · Romans 6 · Galatians 2:20 · Colossians 1:28–29 · 2 Timothy 4:2 · Matthew 5:27–28 · Proverbs 14:12 · Luke 6:26📚 Recommended Resources:
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan
- The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges
📄 Article: A Better Way Forward—Discipling with Conviction in an Age of Compromise
Rebecca McLaughlin’s rise among evangelical readers has been marked by a winsome tone and culturally accessible approach. Yet when it comes to theological clarity—especially regarding same-sex attraction and identity—her language often softens or reframes what Scripture makes plain.
In her article “The Gospel is More Inclusive Than You Think” (TGC), McLaughlin writes: “For most of my life, I’ve been romantically attracted to women.” While she affirms biblical marriage, her framing positions SSA as an unchanging aspect of personal identity, rather than as a manifestation of the sin nature to be mortified in Christ (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:5).
She also calls Christians to “welcome those who feel same-sex attracted” but without grounding that welcome in repentance, transformation, or union with Christ. This creates a therapeutic tone—one that appeals to modern sensibilities but downplays sin, sanctification, and gospel power.
By contrast, the Bible offers both clarity and compassion. Biblical discipleship never compromises truth for tone. It declares that sin, including the desire for what God forbids, must be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). As Christopher Yuan says, “Holy sexuality means chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.”
Christians need more than affirmation—we need regeneration, renewal, and the Holy Spirit’s transforming work. That’s what true gospel-centered discipleship proclaims.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is SSA?A: SSA stands for Same-Sex Attraction. It refers to an internal desire toward someone of the same sex. While temptation itself is not sin, harboring or indulging in such desire without battling it through Scripture is a spiritual concern (Matthew 5:27–28).
Q: What is the “therapeutic gospel”?
A: The therapeutic gospel prioritizes emotional healing and self-esteem over sin, repentance, and sanctification. It often emphasizes feelings over faithfulness, shifting the focus from Christ’s work for us to our psychological experience.
Q: What is biblical discipleship?
A: Biblical discipleship is rooted in God’s Word, centered on Jesus Christ, and calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. It does not coddle sin but confronts it with grace and truth (Luke 9:23, Colossians 1:28–29).
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Thank you for listening or watching this episode of Contending for the Word.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
