BJU then and now...Tim Geiger


   For the 2019 CoRE conference titled Gender, Sexuality and The Church, Tim Geiger of Harvest USA was invited to speak to the BJU seminary. Mr. Geiger ministers within the PCA (Presbyterian Church of America) and The Gospel Coalition. Both the PCA and TGC are, in my judgment, left-leaning evangelical institutions. It is no secret that Geiger is not a dyed-in-the-wool fundamentalist. Dr. Pettit acknowledged as much in his response to FBFI's raised eyebrows concerning Geiger's invitation to BJU. You can see the article here (Foundations Baptist Fellowship International). Pettit states,  "We fully understand that [Geiger] operate[s] outside of the fundamentalist, separatist orb". Dr. Pettit explains that the leadership at BJU has developed a "theological grid" that guides the leadership regarding associations.
Tim Geiger - Harvest USAHarvest USA
Geiger

Who is Tim Geiger?

   Tim Geiger is considered an expert in the field of sexual issues facing the church. Mr. Geiger is the head of Harvest USA ministries that minister to those who "struggle" in all things sexual. Apparently, Dr. Pettit was unable to find suitable men within the "fundamentalist, separatist orb" that could adequately expound the scriptures to us in this arena. Dr. Pettit states further, "Frankly, we are limited within our own movement to find the kind of experts that can adequately handle these subjects within the theological and academic framework of what you would expect in a seminary". This kind of thinking is consistent with the ideas of broad evangelicalism not separated fundamentalism. It is the goal of the evangelical to prove their academic acumen and piety through their fellowship and alliances with those to their left. Let me remind you of what the thrust of this blog is; to give evidence that the BJU administration does not occupy the "fundamentalist, separatist orb" at all. They are at best conservative evangelicals in their thinking. To them, the simple and unapologetic expounding of scripture by fundamentalists is not enough. 2 Peter 1:3.

Mr. Geiger the "expert" 

    At the end of the CoRE conference, Dr. Sam Horn (executive vice president of BJU) interviewed Mr. Geiger. You can see the interview and transcription here. Geiger states, "We (the church) want you (same-sex strugglers) not to hide your struggle for fear of judgment. We want you to come into the light and struggle well". Geiger goes on to describe the way we should approach gays and lesbians within the church who call themselves Christians, "...have a relationship where we build mutual respect and mutual trust so that we can have an apologetic dialogue about what Scripture says...I’m not saying that gay or trans people can’t be Christians". Horn concludes: "there’s got to be a bridge for that kind of conversation to happen." Horn then proceeds to give his full endorsement of Geiger's ministry: "you’ve been a great blessing to us...Thank you for what you do. I know that God has raised up [your] ministr[y]...You’re doing a wonderful work...been a great blessing". Horn then encourages pastors to avail themselves of Geiger's resources. 
   Mr. Geiger recounts his testimony about his own "same-sex struggle" here. At about 2 minutes into the video, he recalls his experience at the Lutheran church he attended as a young person. He laments that the church was not a safe place to come out about his homosexuality "because [the church taught] that gays were going to hell and AIDS is God's curse on homosexuals. So why would I entrust myself to people that said things like that?" 
Mr. Geiger, 
   What would you think about someone who would say something like this? "men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error." Romans 1:27b...or..."[neither] men who practice homosexuality...will inherit the kingdom of God. 
1 Corinthians 6:9,10 (ESV) 
At about 3:30 into the video, he compares the sin of homosexuality with the sin of lust, substance abuse, and eating [disorders]. 

   I believe Geiger is an expert...an expert at loosening the screws on the doctrine of sin, and scrubbing the concept of church discipline from Scripture. 

   Should we attempt to reach homosexuals with the gospel? Yes! Should we show them grace love and mercy? Yes but the gospel is useless without a clear understanding of sin and the seriousness of it especially the sin of homosexuality. "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved"
Machen White
Ephesians 5:11

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