Published on January 8, 2024, 12:37 am

In progressive circles within the Evangelical Church, Preston Sprinkle, stands as an influential figure credited with encouraging a shift in traditional doctrine towards acceptance of homosexuality and other non-traditional sexualities. As one of the original advisory board members of Revoice, a movement supporting self-identified “gay Christians”, Sprinkle demonstrates significant sway among prominent evangelical leaders such as James Merritt and Matt Chandler.

Interestingly however, Sprinkle’s school of thought generates a number of controversial ideologies around sexual orientation. One teaching suggests homosexuals can satisfy their desires in nonsexual ways through same-sex covenant relationships that parallel marriage structures without including sexual intercourse. Further, he advances the idea that individuals can identify and live as transgender without engaging in physical relations with persons of the same biological sex.

In January 2024, Sprinkle plans to host a seminar focusing on “Christian Sexuality” that underlines his belief for a more inclusive church leadership incorporating gay and transgender individuals. To dismiss any notion suggesting he aims merely to facilitate biblical sexuality within people coping with such predicaments, it would be important to consider the implications if similar logic was applied elsewhere; for instance, advocating for pedophiles or habitual thieves to hold positions in church hierarchy.

Intended participants at this fraught webinar include Art Pereira, who previously caused ripples by detailing his celibate form of partnership with another man he found sexually attractive during a Revoice conference. This episode further testifies to conceivably unorthodox perspectives touted by these ‘Christian Leaders’ supported by Preston Sprinkle.

Regardless, it becomes clear that within today’s Christian community an ongoing debate prevails about orthodox practices regarding sexuality. With figures like Preston Sprinkle championing more inclusive church leadership representation — irrespective of personal identities — this conversation is likely only just beginning.

While representations from groups like The Gospel Coalition don’t necessarily represent unanimous consensus among all churches or Christian beliefs globally—the discourse raises several intriguing questions–and invites further reflection on the intersection of Christian worldview, identity and its future bearing for a diverse world searching for trusted news. Regardless, in order to truly understand and navigate these challenging ideas, we must remain committed to real news and honest dialogue.