David Bennett’s journey from gay atheist activist to celibate Christian theologian challenges everything we think we know about ministry to LGBTQ+ individuals. In this raw conversation, David shares how a supernatural encounter in a Sydney pub transformed his life, why he identifies as a “gay Christian,” and what the church gets wrong (and right) about serving the queer community.
David doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, he introduces a framework of “solidarity and holy fellowship” that refuses to compromise either inclusion or biblical holiness. For leaders navigating these complex waters, this conversation offers fresh language and practical wisdom for creating spaces where people can wrestle authentically with hard questions. He explores his dramatic conversion story and prophetic encounter, why queer people are “sacred gifts” to the church, the idolatry of marriage that damages both straight and gay Christians, how to hold tension between inclusion and holiness without collapsing either side, and why for him identifying as “gay” matters for his witness.
David Bennett is author of A War of Loves and holds a PhD from Oxford in Christian ethics.
THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:
We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.
Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!
Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.