The landscape surrounding homosexuality is shifting. To respond well, churches must understand several important trends.

Widespread awareness

The spread of AIDS is forcing the subject of homosexuality out of the closet in churches around the country. An increasing number of Christians at all levels of the church--including district leaders and denominational officials--are admitting their secret struggles with homosexuality due to HIV.

Gays have "come out," and many churches have embraced them, including their homosexual activities.

"We're seeing people 'coming out,'" says Bill Consiglio, director of Hope Ministries in Hamden, Connecticut, "but wanting help in resolving this from a biblical perspective."

Less middle ground

In the past there were a few vocal people with conservative or liberal views on homosexuality, and a huge middle ground of people who didn't know what to think. "Now I'm seeing more people on one side or the other," says Bud Searcy, director of New Creation Ministries, an ...