Christianity --Youth Issues/Losing my Religion???

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Expert: - 2/2/2009


Question
Hi. I am Zach, and I am  gay, except my friends at church don't know. I am a christian, but I'm afraid to tell them. What should I do? Should I hope that I can trust them? or Just let it go and not tell them? And what do I do when everyone finds out? How do I handle it? (Sorry, I'm Babbling)

Answer
Zach-

Making a decision to come out of the closet is huge.  Before telling your friends at church, I would recommend you telling your parents and also your youth minister.  Let them counsel on how to do it, and what to expect.  You may be shunned by some people at church, and you will certainly find out who your true friends are, for they will be the ones who accept you for what you are.  Someday, they'll find out, but I think it's better if you tell them first.  Know that God loves you despite your sexuality, and although we as Christians should love you, too, there will be many who don't.

Good luck,

Carl

Christianity --Youth Issues

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Volunteer

Carl Fuglein

Expertise

I can answer questions from teens & young adults concerning their faith walk and on social issues which affect their lives. I can answer questions on sex, homosexuality, and drugs and anything else that might be troubling you. After 30 years in youth ministry, nothing shocks me, and I promise to give straight answers to any and all questions. I can also answer questions from youth workers on problems they`re having with programming or with their groups.

Experience

I have been involved in youth and young adult ministries as a volunteer for over 30 years. I am currently a volunteer youth minister in a suburban UM church - I have a small group of 7th and 8th graders.

Organizations
United Methodist Church, Chrysalis, Walk to Emmaus, Cursillo

Education/Credentials
Several training seminars, 8 years at National Youth Workers Convention, 1 year at Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry

Awards and Honors
Certified lay speaker for UM Church

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