Daren Mehl Testimony HCR 3013

Pastor Daren Mehl testifies for North Dakota HCR 3013 (Download PDF from ND Gov Website) (HCR 3013 Testimonies)

Personal Testimony: A Journey from Gay to Straight through Marriage in Jesus Christ

My name is Daren Mehl, and I testify for you today as a pastor, a husband, and a father, testifying to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. I was once a gay-identified man, living a lifestyle I believed to be unchangeable. My wife, Rhoda, was also identified within the LGBTQ+ community as a queer woman. We met through a mutual acquaintance—someone I once dated and she was dating at the time—and, as God ordained, I proposed to her on July 11, 2004. Rhoda knowing I was sexually attracted to men, but not women, she still moved forward in our relationship as we married on December 5, 2005. I married the woman I loved in spite of having gay attractions. I gave the gay sexual orientation to God to figure out for us.  We were blessed with our first child, a son, in the Winter of 2013, and our daughter in the Spring of 2015.

Despite being married, I still had sexual attractions to men until the seventh year of our marriage when I encountered the living God in a radical way. Through faith in Jesus Christ, I experienced complete transformation, not only spiritually but also in my desires and identity. My romantic and erotic attractions to men were utterly eliminated by the power of the truth and love of God. My testimony stands as irrefutable evidence that sexual orientation is not immutable—it is fluid and can change. Jesus was my counselor who healed me.

Again, I emphasize this: as a gay man, I had every right under the law to marry a woman, just as any heterosexual man. There was no equality under the law for LGBTQ+ as far as marriage. My wife, as a queer woman, had every right under the law to marry a man, and she did! The fundamental nature of marriage was never about sexual orientation but about the biological reality of a man and a woman forming a union to carry on procreation of families, the bedrock of civilized society and nations.

The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling was not about granting a right that same-sex attracted individuals never had; it was about redefining an institution that was already accessible to all based on sex, not orientation.

Legal Argument: The Flawed Foundation of Obergefell

The Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges rested on the false premise that sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic akin to race or sex. However, this is contradicted by extensive evidence demonstrating that sexual orientation is fluid. Unlike race or biological sex, which are unchangeable, individuals can and do experience shifts in their sexual attractions, as my own life and many other’s attests.

Moreover, the ruling bypassed the democratic process and overrode the will of the states and their citizens, stripping them of their authority to define marriage. The decision improperly treated the Due Process Clause as a source of new substantive rights, a dangerous precedent that has led to government coercion of religious individuals and institutions who uphold the biblical and historical definition of marriage.

By restoring the definition of marriage to its natural and legal foundation—one man and one woman—Resolution 3013 seeks to return this matter to the states and the people, where it rightfully belongs.

Religious Freedom & Conscience Clauses: The Suppression of Religious Liberty Post-Obergefell

The Obergefell v. Hodges decision did not merely redefine marriage; it set the stage for systematic suppression of religious liberty, placing the government in direct conflict with those who hold to biblical and traditional views of marriage. By elevating sexual orientation to a status akin to race or sex, the ruling has been used to coerce individuals, businesses, and religious institutions into affirming same-sex marriage against their deeply held convictions.

1. The Weaponization of Anti-Discrimination Laws Against Christians

Since Obergefell, we have seen a sharp increase in legal action, fines, and social punishment directed at Christians who refuse to participate in or endorse same-sex marriage:

  • Jack Phillips (Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 2018) – Phillips, a Christian cake artist, was sued for refusing to create a custom wedding cake for a same-sex wedding. Despite winning a narrow Supreme Court ruling, he continues to face relentless legal harassment for his faith-based refusal to express messages contrary to biblical teachings.
  • Barronelle Stutzman (Arlene’s Flowers v. Washington, 2021) – Stutzman, a florist, was sued by the State of Washington and fined for declining to create floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding due to her Christian beliefs. She was forced into retirement after years of costly litigation.
  • Melissa and Aaron Klein (Sweet Cakes by Melissa, 2015) – This Christian couple was fined $135,000 by the state of Oregon for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. Their business was driven to bankruptcy.
  • Catholic Charities Adoption Agencies (Multiple States, Post-Obergefell) – In several states, Christian adoption agencies were forced to shut down because they refused to place children with same-sex couples, violating their deeply held beliefs about family and parenting.

2. Obergefell Created a “Zero-Sum” Conflict Between LGBT Rights and Religious Freedom

Before Obergefell, marriage was a state-level issue, and religious institutions and individuals had the freedom to operate according to their conscience. However, the Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage created an unavoidable conflict:

  • If same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, then religious objections are treated as unlawful discrimination.
  • If religious freedom is protected, then individuals must have the right to refuse participation in events that violate their faith.

This has resulted in a massive legal shift, where Christians are increasingly viewed as bigots rather than conscientious objectors. People of faith are now being forced to choose between their livelihoods and their beliefs.

3. The Expansion of Obergefell into Compelled Speech and Thought Control

The aftermath of Obergefell has not been limited to participation in same-sex weddings. It has expanded into a broad campaign to enforce ideological conformity, silencing dissent, and punishing those who uphold biblical truths about marriage and sexuality.

  • Compelled Speech in the Workplace – Employees have been fired or disciplined for refusing to use preferred pronouns or for expressing traditional views on marriage.
  • Corporate & Government Censorship – Tech companies and financial institutions have de-platformed Christian organizations and businesses that oppose LGBTQ ideology.
  • Educational Indoctrination – Christian schools, colleges, and seminaries have faced pressure to conform or risk losing accreditation and funding.

4. The Urgent Need for Conscience Protections & Legislative Action

Resolution 3013 seeks to reverse the damage caused by Obergefell and restore marriage to its rightful place, protecting the rights of individuals and institutions to live out their faith without fear of government retaliation.

  • Congress and state legislatures must enact robust religious liberty protections, ensuring that no person is forced to affirm or participate in practices that violate their conscience.
  • The Supreme Court must reconsider Obergefell, recognizing that it has led to a massive infringement on First Amendment rights.
  • Christians must stand firm, advocating for legal safeguards that preserve the ability to worship, speak, and live according to biblical truth without facing legal and financial ruin.

Religious Liberty Must Be Restored

The promise of religious freedom is enshrined in the First Amendment, yet Obergefell has systematically eroded that freedom in favor of a government-enforced sexual ideology. Christians must not be forced to choose between their livelihoods and their faith, nor should the government dictate what is and isn’t acceptable belief.

Restoring the definition of marriage to one man and one woman is not just a matter of morality—it is a matter of preserving fundamental religious liberties for generations to come.

Scientific Evidence: The Reality of Sexual Orientation Fluidity

Contrary to the assertions of Obergefell, research consistently demonstrates that sexual orientation is not a fixed trait. Dr. Lisa Diamond, a researcher and proponent of LGBTQ rights, has acknowledged that sexual orientation is fluid for many individuals, particularly among women[i]. Studies show that changes in sexual attraction occur due to various life circumstances, personal growth, and spiritual transformation.[ii]

The existence of individuals who once identified as homosexual but are now living content heterosexual lives—including myself and many others[iii]—directly contradicts the claim that same-sex attraction is immutable. This fluidity undermines the classification of sexual orientation as a protected civil rights category.

Biblical Foundations: The Consequences of Redefining Marriage

The Bible is unequivocal in its definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). This design is not arbitrary; it reflects God’s purpose for human relationships, procreation, and the nurturing of children in stable, complementary family units.

Scripture also warns nations that depart from God’s design. Romans 1:26-27 describes the consequences of turning away from natural relationships, and Proverbs 14:34 declares that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. When a society redefines marriage against God’s will, it invites judgment and social decay.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself affirms that marriage is a divine institution, not subject to human redefinition: “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). A nation that disregards this divine order not only harms individuals but also future generations, as children are deprived of the stability of homes with both a mother and a father.

Arguing Against the LGBTQ+ Ontology of Humanity and Human Flourishing

At the core of the LGBTQ+ movement’s ideological framework is an ontological redefinition of what it means to be human. According to their perspective, human identity is largely self-determined, fluid [irony], and primarily centered on subjective feelings and desires. They argue that a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is an essential, defining trait of their humanity—one that is as immutable and intrinsic as race or biological sex. This framework places personal autonomy and self-actualization as the highest goods in defining human flourishing.

Counter-Argument: Biblical Ontology and True Human Flourishing

The Christian worldview which founded our country and made it great stands in stark contrast to the darkness and lies of the LGBTQ+ worldview. The Christian worldview teaches that ontology is rooted in divine design, not subjective self-perception. According to Scripture:

  • All humans are created in the image of God (Imago Dei) – Genesis 1:27 states, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Our existence is not defined by our desires but by the fact that we are image-bearers of the Creator, given a specific design and purpose.
  • Human flourishing comes through obedience to God’s order – True well-being is not achieved by indulging every inner impulse but by aligning oneself with God’s will (Psalm 1, John 10:10).
  • Sexual identity is not an ontological category – Nowhere in Scripture or in nature is a person’s identity tied to sexual preference. Rather, one’s primary identity is in relation to God—either as a sinner in rebellion or as a redeemed saint in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and distinctly as male or female.

The LGBTQ+ ontology is inherently reductionist, reducing humanity to mere sexual or gender expressions, whereas the biblical view of humanity sees men and women as inherently valuable, created for divine purposes beyond carnal impulses. This is why LGBTQ ideology leads to confusion and dysfunction rather than fulfillment—because it misidentifies the core of human nature and purpose.

Arguing Against the LGBTQ+ Definition of Love

The LGBTQ+ movement and the concept of “gay marriage” frequently appeals to “love” as its highest moral argument:

  • “Love is love.”
  • “If two consenting adults love each other, why should anyone interfere?”
  • “Denying someone the right to love is cruel.”

But what does love mean in this framework? The LGBTQ+ ideology defines love as an uninhibited emotional and sexual attraction that should be acted upon without restriction, provided it is consensual. Their idea of love is fundamentally rooted in eros (erotic attraction and self-fulfillment) rather than agape (selfless, God-honoring and person-honoring love).

The Biblical Definition of Love

In contrast, Scripture defines love as righteous, self-sacrificial, and ordered towards God’s holiness and human flourishing:

  • Love is rooted in truth and holiness – “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Biblical love cannot celebrate sin, and thus love cannot be used to justify homosexual acts of sodomy.
  • Love is self-sacrificial, not self-indulgent – “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). True love calls people out of sinful bondage, not deeper into it.
  • Love protects, rather than harms – “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). This means love must be rightly ordered—protecting the dignity of the person, rather than degrading them through sinful acts. Sodomy acts are actually working against the dignity of the gay identified man, treating them less than other men in their natural purpose in creation.

Why the LGBTQ+ Definition of Love Falls Short

  1. It equates love explicitly with sexual gratification. In Scripture, love is not lust or indulgence—it is holy, pure, and ordered toward godly purposes (Ephesians 5:1-3). The LGBTQ+ movement conflates fleeting erotic desires with lasting, meaningful love.
  2. It justifies harm under the guise of affection. Engaging in same-sex sodomy is not an expression of love—it is an act of defilement (Romans 1:24-27). Physically, it leads to increased risks of disease, trauma, and medical complications. Spiritually, it corrupts the soul and dishonors the image of God in the man.
  3. It is self-seeking, rather than self-sacrificial. The LGBTQ+ ideology promotes a self-focused “love” that seeks personal fulfillment over holiness and righteousness. Biblical love denies the self to honor God and others.

Why Sodomy is Unbecoming, Harmful, and a Radical Abomination

Physically Harmful

Sodomy—whether giving or receiving—is not what the male body was designed for. The biological reality is clear:

  • The rectum is not designed for penetration the way a vagina is. It lacks the necessary natural lubrication and structure, making it highly susceptible to tearing and disease transmission.
  • Medical studies confirm that sodomy significantly increases the risk of infections, STDs, rectal trauma, and even colorectal cancer.
  • It violates natural function.

Spiritually and Morally Unbecoming

  • Sodomy is a complete perversion of God’s design for sexuality, which was created for the union of male and female in marriage for procreation and deep, spiritual intimacy (Genesis 1:28, 2:24).
  • Romans 1:26-27 states that unnatural sexual relations are evidence of a society that has rejected God and is under His judgment.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is clear: “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals … will inherit the kingdom of God.” Homosexual acts—including sodomy—are fundamentally incompatible with salvation and sanctification.

Sodomy as a Radical Abomination

  • Scripture explicitly calls homosexual behavior an abomination (toevah in Hebrew), meaning a detestable act that deeply offends God (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13).
  • The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) serves as a historic warning: when a society embraces and normalizes sodomy, it invites divine wrath.
  • Sodomy is the antithesis of love, because it degrades the image of God in men and women who practice it. It does not honor, cherish, or protect—it dehumanizes, defiles, and destroys.

Summary of Truth and Love in Harmony

  • The LGBTQ+ movement’s ontology of human nature is flawed because it is self-defined, rather than grounded in divine truth. Human flourishing is found not in indulging desires, but in submitting to God’s will.
  • The LGBTQ+ definition of love is self-focused, sexualized, and permissive of sin. In contrast, biblical love is holy, sacrificial, and rooted in truth.
  • Sodomy is unnatural, physically harmful, and spiritually destructive. It is not an act of love, but an act of defilement and rebellion against God’s design inviting divine wrath.

True love calls sinners to repentance—not affirmation of sin. Love, in its purest form, points people to Christ, the only One who can set them free. Jesus sets the repentant homosexual free and washes them clean of sin and sanctifies them unto holiness, which includes heterosexuality.

Conclusion: A Call to Restore Marriage to Its Rightful Place

The Obergefell ruling was an unconstitutional overreach, built upon a faulty premise that sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic. The reality of transformation, as seen in my life and the lives of many others, contradicts this assertion. Marriage is not a right based on personal desire but a sacred institution ordained by God for the good of individuals, families, and society.

I urge the North Dakota legislature to stand for truth and pass Resolution 3013, calling upon the U.S. Supreme Court to restore the definition of marriage to its rightful and natural state. We must honor God’s design and protect future generations from the consequences of abandoning it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Pastor Daren Mehl
Agape First Ministries
President, Voice of the Voiceless
Founder, Made Free Ministries
Linktr.ee/darenmehl

www.madefreeministries.com

www.agapefirstministries.org/darenmehl

www.therapeuticchoice.com

www.therapyequality.org

www.voiceofthevoiceless.info

https://changedmovement.com/stories//daren-mehl

Mehl Marriage Dec 11, 2005

The Mehl Family, 2024, Praise to Jesus for His generous blessing in our marriage!

[i] [bit.ly/LDExplains01]

[ii] www.therapyequality.org www.therapeuticchoice.com www.journalofhumansexuality.com

[iii] www.changedmovement.com

Is Change Possible And If So Where Is The Research?

Below is a summary of research and leading voices—particularly from the work published in the Journal of Human Sexuality (produced by The Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity)—that give hope to individuals who repent of homosexual behavior and are seeking to experience sexual orientation change toward a holy and heterosexual life in Jesus Christ. The following points reflect the viewpoint and findings reported by the Journal of Human Sexuality and related authors who emphasize the possibility of change. Note that research is sometimes clinical and not associated with Pastoral care or religious practices, unless otherwise specified, but we recommend well grounded compassionate pastoral care in all situations.

1) Historical and Contemporary Studies Indicating Change is Possible

• Early Meta-Analyses
– Clippinger (1974) surveyed 785 individuals who underwent therapy for unwanted homosexuality. Approximately 40% reported significant improvement toward heterosexuality or partial shifts in that direction.
– E. C. James (1978) reviewed multiple studies published before 1978. She concluded that about 35% of those seeking change reported shifting to heterosexual adaptation, 27% experienced partial improvement, and 37% saw no change. Though older, these meta-analyses remain frequently cited within the Journal of Human Sexuality to indicate that some individuals report meaningful degrees of change.

• Spitzer Study (2003)
– Psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer published a controversial study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior with 200 participants who reported shifting from homosexual to heterosexual functioning. Many described a significant decrease in same-sex desires and an increase in opposite-sex attractions.
– While the study generated debate and Spitzer later expressed some personal regret about how it was used, it remains a key point of reference for those asserting that sexual orientation change is possible for some individuals.

• Jones and Yarhouse (2007, 2011)
– These Christian researchers conducted longitudinal studies on individuals pursuing “religiously mediated change” (often involving pastoral counseling or faith-based programs). They reported that some participants achieved notable shifts in their attractions and behaviors over time, while others reported more moderate changes or remained stable in a heterosexual marriage with reduced same-sex attraction.
– They also noted that some participants did not experience change; however, they emphasized that no large-scale “harm” was documented for those who voluntarily pursued change with professional or pastoral support.

• Whitehead and Whitehead (“My Genes Made Me Do It?”)
– In the Journal of Human Sexuality, references are often made to Neil and Briar Whitehead’s work, which critiques the “born that way” narrative. They highlight genetic and twin studies (e.g., Bailey & Pillard, Bearman & Bruckner) showing that identical twins do not inevitably share the same homosexual orientation. This undermines the claim of a strictly biological determinism and opens the door to the possibility of change—both spontaneous and intentional.

2) Leading Professional Voices Advocating for the Possibility of Change

• Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity (ATCSI), Editor and Board
– Formerly known as NARTH (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality), this organization promotes exploration of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). Their Board of Directors includes mental health professionals who have penned articles on the fluidity of sexuality and the benefits (and ethics) of offering talk therapy for those seeking to reduce same-sex attractions. They have developed the SAFE-T model for therapy.

• Dr. Joseph Nicolosi
– A late founder of NARTH and a key proponent of reparative therapy. While his approach remains controversial in mainstream psychology, Nicolosi’s multiple publications documented case studies and clinical practices describing partial or substantial reductions in same-sex desire among motivated clients. I (Daren) have read his Shame And Attachment Loss book (recently banned in 2019 by Amazon) and found it very insightful, my wife even admitting my own lived experience was the textbook example documented.

• Dr. Dean Byrd
– Another author frequently cited in the Journal of Human Sexuality, promoting the idea that unwanted same-sex attractions can be addressed through therapy that integrates a client’s religious convictions. Byrd advocated an empathetic, non-coercive therapy model that respects self-determination.

• Dr. Christopher Rosik
– A psychologist and regular contributor to the Journal of Human Sexuality who has written about ethical principles in providing therapy to persons with unwanted same-sex attractions, and the importance of respecting a client’s faith-based goals.

3) Key Research Findings Supporting That Change Efforts Can Be Healthy

  1. Sexual Orientation Can Be Fluid for Some
    – Both secular (e.g., Diamond, 2008) and faith-based researchers note that sexuality can shift over time due to various life events, personal decisions, or counseling interventions. The Journal of Human Sexuality underscores that individuals who are not exclusively homosexual or who experience some heterosexual inclinations may expand upon those inclinations with proper guidance and support. Visit https://bit.ly/LDExplains01 to view a quick video.
  2. Therapy Approaches that Align with Faith Can Be Supportive
    – Studies collected in the Journal of Human Sexuality suggest that counseling that respects a client’s moral values and religious beliefs can yield positive mental health outcomes. Clients often report decreased depression and anxiety as they reconcile their faith with their goals for overcoming sinful behaviors (including homosexual behavior, from a Christian perspective).
  3. Empirical Evidence of Improved Heterosexual Functioning
    – Both anecdotal testimonies and some formal research indicate that a subset of highly motivated individuals report developing functional heterosexual relationships, sometimes including marriage and children. Improvements vary widely but can include reduced same-sex fantasies, increased opposite-sex attractions, and enhanced overall well-being.
  4. Importance of Professional and Pastoral Care
    – The Journal of Human Sexuality consistently emphasizes that an integrated approach—therapy plus spiritual discipleship—tends to offer the best results. Pastoral or church-based support provides prayer, accountability, and teaching on repentance, while therapy addresses underlying emotional wounds or distorted thought patterns.
  5. Lack of Evidence for Widespread Harm among Voluntary Seekers
    – Proponents in the Journal of Human Sexuality debate claims that all SOCE is universally harmful. While acknowledging that poorly conducted interventions can be detrimental, these authors maintain that many clients who voluntarily seek change and work with ethical, compassionate therapists do not consistently report negative outcomes.

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Concluding Thoughts
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From a Christian worldview perspective these findings are interpreted through the lens that with God’s power, genuine transformation is possible. The Journal of Human Sexuality points to historical and contemporary studies, personal testimonies, and certain twin/biological research as evidence that sexual orientation is neither fully fixed nor purely genetic. They argue that real people have experienced shifts in their attractions, supported by pastoral care, discipleship, and (in some cases) appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Practical Takeaways:
• Seek a biblically grounded pastor or counselor who respects your faith and desire to leave homosexuality and believes in sanctifying power of God to change us.
• Combine prayer, discipleship, and trauma-informed counseling if needed.
• Understand that reported outcomes vary—some see significant change, some modest change—and success can include deeper spiritual peace, lessening of same-sex fantasies, and/or growth in heterosexual desire.

While you will find debate in the larger mental health community, the Journal of Human Sexuality’s perspective is that clinically guided, faith-affirming help can be beneficial and, for some, transformative. If you believe God is calling you to this path, these resources may encourage you as you seek to live in obedience to Christ.

Who can I talk to about leaving LGBT to follow Jesus?

Here are a few suggestions for who you can reach out to when seeking to leave a gay lifestyle and follow Jesus:

  1. A Biblically Faithful Pastor:
    • Begin with a pastor at a local, Bible-teaching church. An evangelical pastor can walk with you through Scripture, prayer, and mentorship, offering spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
    • Many pastors have counseled people through similar journeys and can connect you with supportive groups or individuals in the church.
    • Contact the Daren, Nate, or Gracie who themselves have walked out of homosexuality and are part of the Agape Staff and are faithful to Jesus and can provide you support.
  2. Christian Counselors or Therapists Affiliated with The Alliance:
    • Look for counselors who understand the Christian worldview and are aligned with The Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity (often associated with the Journal of Human Sexuality).
    • These counselors can help address the emotional struggles and past wounds that sometimes contribute to same-sex desires, while also respecting your faith convictions. Therapy by itself does not transform your heart, but it can be a helpful tool when combined with prayer and pastoral discipleship.
  3. Ex-LGBT or “Former Homosexual” Ministries and Networks:
    • Ministries such as Restored Hope Network or Voice of the Voiceless connect you with men and women who have come out of gay lifestyles to follow Jesus. Through their events and online resources, you can find testimonies and supportive mentoring relationships.
    • These organizations typically offer referrals to local support groups, prayer groups, and biblically based recovery programs.
  4. Small Groups or Discipleship Ministries at Church:
    • Many churches host discipleship groups or Bible studies that provide accountability, friendships, and prayer support. Being part of a close-knit group that genuinely cares for you and upholds biblical truth can be essential.
    • Honest relationships within the church family can encourage you when you face temptations or doubt.
  5. Prayerful, Trusted Friends and Mentors:
    • Seek out spiritually mature friends who love Jesus, stand by biblical convictions, and will lift you up in prayer.
    • Scripture reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Having godly companions who regularly check in and pray for you can help you persevere.

In the end, the most important thing is walking closely with Jesus in a faithful community. Combine pastoral support, counseling (if needed), and fellowship with a consistent habit of prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship. Through His Word and Spirit, Christ renews the mind and heart. You are not alone—even when the journey feels challenging, remember that genuine help is available from believers who will walk beside you, encourage you, and remind you of the hope we have in the Lord.

Is There Hope For Being Free of Homosexual Desires?

I’m grateful you asked this question. From a Christian perspective—and in alignment with the research published in the Journal of Human Sexuality—there is deep hope and assurance that lasting freedom from homosexual desires is indeed possible in Christ. Below are some points that people in our ministry community have found helpful in pursuing that freedom.

  1. Begin with a Biblical Framework of Hope
    • 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 describes a number of sins (including homosexual behavior) and then states, “such were some of you.” This teaches that through Christ’s sanctifying power, people are genuinely changed from who they once were.
    • Romans 8:1–2 reminds us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ and that Jesus “has set you free from the law of sin and death.” If He frees us from sin, it means we truly can walk in newness of life, including renewed desires and a renewed mind.
  2. Recognize That Sanctification is a Process
    • Freedom from homosexual desires or any other deeply rooted sin pattern is typically not instantaneous. Instead, it often follows a journey of ongoing repentance and faith, aligned with Scripture.
    • Romans 12:1–2 highlights the renewing of our minds. It shows that spiritual transformation requires active, daily turning away from sinful desires and turning toward God’s truth.
  3. Seek Pastoral Support and Discipleship
    • The Journal of Human Sexuality strongly emphasizes the importance of spiritual and pastoral care. While professional therapy may address traumas or struggles in thought patterns, discipleship brings Scripture, prayer, and accountability into the process.
    • Hebrews 10:24–25 instructs believers not to forsake meeting together but to encourage one another. Having a spiritual mentor or pastoral counselor who is faithful to Scripture can provide insight and encouragement when facing temptations or discouragement.
  4. Consider Therapeutic Help as a Tool (Not a Substitute)
    • Many Christian professionals and ministries affiliated with The Alliance (The Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity) acknowledge the role of therapy as a supplement to spiritual care. Certain modalities can be effective for uncovering and addressing trauma, incorrect beliefs about oneself, or underlying emotional wounds.
    • Therapy alone does not transform the heart; that is a work of the Holy Spirit. But counseling or therapy that respects Christian convictions, combined with regular prayer, Bible study, and church community support, can help you gain insights into unmet emotional needs and false beliefs that may have contributed to sexual confusion.
  5. Cultivate a Lifestyle of Prayer, Worship, and Fellowship
    • Regular personal prayer and study of Scripture invite God to “search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). This process helps uncover unhelpful thought patterns and invites the Holy Spirit’s transforming power.
    • Engaging with a healthy church community provides accountability and fellowship. Brothers and sisters in Christ can both encourage you and gently correct you when you struggle or stumble.
  6. Understand Identity in Christ
    • A major step toward freedom is seeing yourself as God’s redeemed child, not as someone permanently labeled by an old desire or identity.
    • Galatians 2:20 reminds us that as believers, our identity is in Christ, and we live by faith in Him.
  7. Be Patient and Do Not Lose Heart
    • Remember that everyone’s journey is unique; some experience significant change in desires within a shorter period, while others find it a longer road. Both paths reflect God’s ongoing sanctifying work.
    • Or Christian faith reminds us that sanctification involves a continual and irreconcilable war between the flesh and the Spirit. But Scripture assures us that the one who began a good work in us “will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Practical Steps You Could Take Right Away:

  1. Talk with a biblically grounded pastor, counselor, or ministry leader about your struggles and spiritual goals.
  2. Join a small group or Bible study that focuses on discipleship and accountability.
  3. Explore resources from ministries that uphold a biblical view of sexuality and encourage transformation—such as The Alliance (publishers of the Journal of Human Sexuality) or a local church-based program committed to biblical counseling.
  4. Develop a daily habit of Scripture meditation, worship, and prayer. Begin, for example, with Romans 6–8, meditating on the themes of dying to sin and living in the Spirit.

In Summary:
Yes, there is genuine hope for freedom from homosexual desires. It is found chiefly in the transforming work of Jesus Christ—through the power of the Holy Spirit—and supported by faithful discipleship, pastoral care, and therapeutic help that respects a Christian worldview. While the journey involves active participation on your part—intentional steps of surrender, prayer, and using tools like therapy for emotional wounds—Scripture assures us that real change is possible. “Such were some of you,” but in Christ we can indeed experience a new identity and a renewed mind.

I pray you find encouragement in these truths and discover the grace and strength of Jesus day by day. And as always, consider seeking a trusted, biblically faithful community where you can be supported and discipled in your journey toward Christ-centered wholeness and freedom.

Saved for Good- Ex-Gay Visibility – Interview w- Daren Mehl

In this video, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb ( ‪@tmichaelwhalcomb‬ ) interviews Daren Mehl. Daren will share his testimony and how God has moved in his life and transformed him from the man he was to who he is now. This is an interview you don’t want to miss. Tune in!

A ministry of

The Harm of Side B Gay Christianity – Episode 11

Agape First Ministries discusses the harms of Side B Gay Christianity to the Church. Nate and Daren call Carl Nelson (Transform MN), Jason Strand (Eaglebrook Church), Rob Ketterling (River Valley) to repent of promoting Side B gay Christianity. Episode 11 of a multi-part part series on LGBTQ doctrines.

Calling MN religious leaders to repentance.

We want to specifically address some of the leaders in Minnesota. We want to preface this by saying we’re doing this in gentleness and love. These are Godly men and they’ve had impactful ministries in our state and so we are in no way desiring to tear them down or beat them up or slander or attack their character. However, we want them to be fully equipped with the truth. We want them to be fully equipped with the truth!

This is our “open letter” so to speak and the three people that we are addressing personally are Jason Strand of Eagle Brook Church [Largest church in Minnesota], Rob Ketterling of River Valley Church [second largest church in Minnesota] and Carl Nelson of Transform Minnesota, the organization most transforming Minnesota with Side B Gay Christianity. These individuals have embraced and promoted the false doctrines and teachings of Side B Gay Christianity as taught by Preston Sprinkle, Bill Henson, Gregory Cole, Jackie Hill Perry, etc. They are large influencers teaching the body of Christ in Minnesota with a leaven that is harming the Church and our families and children.

We believe the teachings these leaders are promoting is a disservice to the greater Body of Christ in Minnesota and we see this as something that is really disempowered the Church. It is our desire to unify all of us in the church around the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Agape First Ministries speaks of this in our Freedom United conference. There we desire to unite the church around the truth that Jesus Christ has life-changing power for every person that will bow their knee, including those who are LGBT. God never says “no” to freedom from sinful desires or transformation of desires, or said another way, restoration to a Holy heterosexual design.

The predicament we are in is a very serious problem for the Church in Minnesota. It is our hope that these leaders would demonstrate repentance by going back to their congregations and tell them they were in error, started moving in the wrong direction about LGBT issues, and need to course correct and get back to the gospel message, the gospel truth of Jesus and Sanctification. Begin teaching the fullness of sanctification and transformation unto healing and restoration of how God created them and desires for them to be Holy.

As it says in Joel 2, God says to “return to Me with all of your heart, with fasting and weeping, and mourning” and “who knows, maybe God will leave a blessing instead of a curse.” That is where we are right now in Minnesota. Will we receive a blessing or a curse? Side B Gay Christianity is an accursed doctrine. Let’s return to the whole counsel of God and the hope and truth of restoration for the repentant LGBT individual.

We are at 11:59 in this issue. There is still time for us to repent and turn to the Lord and cry out to Him.

The Sowing of Side B Gay Christianity in Minnesota

We’ve seen Transform Minnesota as the largest influencer in Minnesota to the point of landing a partnership with River Valley Church in hosting a Preston Sprinkle conference at their Minneapolis campus. Transform has platformed Preston Sprinkle, Gregory Coles, Bill Henson (Posture Shift), all prominent national leaders in LGBT Side B Gay Christian doctrines. Bill Henson of Posture shift, for example, has the goal of, ” Posture Shift is writing a new church history where communities of faith and homes are safe for LGBT+ family and friends.” and taking a “missional approach on LGBT+ inclusion” in the church.

We believe that Rob Ketterling was lead astray by Transform Minnesota and Preston Sprinkle. While Side B proponents lead with “historical biblical sexual ethic” and market how they agree with the Bible that homosexual practice and marriage is sin, they bait and switch unsuspecting pastors with the false LGBT ontology. We discussed this in our LGBTQ Doctrines series.

Pastor Jason Strand offers his arguments for Side B Gay Christianity, and presents 1 Corinthians 6:11 without “were sanctified” text, the fruit of his argument that we have to stop saying gay people can change.