Five leaders of local Boy Scout Troop 4277 crowded
around the church boardroom table to make their case. In response to BSA’s
national policy change no longer denying membership to boys on the basis of
sexual orientation, another local congregation withdrew sponsorship and the
free use of their facilities. So a local Scout troop was suddenly without a
home-base. By “suddenly” I mean the decision was sudden, the Scouts were graciously
given till the end of the year to find another meeting place. The five men
representing Troop 4277 were requesting that Pflugerville Community Church
pick-up the sponsorship and host the troop and pack meetings.
The Scout leaders pointed out that Troop 4277 is one of the
larger troops in the state, largely as a result of its excellent adult
volunteer leadership. They emphasized that a number of boys from PCC have gone
through the Scouting program and were part of Troop 4277. In fact, PCC has had
three Eagle Scouts in that troop in the past, and one young man is currently
working toward his Eagle. Several members of PCC are current leaders in BSA.
The Scout leaders talked about the good work BSA does in the community and in
molding young men into leaders. They made their case and eagerly awaited the
church council’s decision.
At that June meeting the church council of Pflugerville
Community Church approved the request from Boy Scout Troop 4277 and Pack 406 to
meet in our facility. PCC is the new official sponsor of BSA Troop 4277. The
decision was unanimous. A warm welcome was extended to the Troop leaders. It
was not a difficult decision. I understand that some congregations feel the
need to draw a “line-in-the-sand” regarding the biblical position on
homosexuality. However, I do not agree that severing congregational ties to BSA
is the place to draw that line.
BSA has not changed the purpose or goals of their
organization. What they have done is to determine that a boy will not be
excluded because sexual “orientation”. I asked myself, “If a young man or woman
in our church’s student ministry expressed feelings of same-sex attraction
would that student be excommunicated?” My immediate answer: “Absolutely not!” Attraction
does not equal sin. Temptation does not equal sin. We all have attractions and
desires that would become sinful if acted upon or harbored in our hearts. What
better place than the church for young people to find the grace, mercy, and
support needed in both finding their moral compass and living up to it? That
moral compass for us is Christ and the law of Christ which is to love God with
all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.
PCC continues to stand on God’s Word alone for the values we
hold dear. We will not change the definition of sin based on the popular views
of our culture. However, the most basic of all biblical values is love God and
your neighbor. Troop 4277 is planning to begin meetings at PCC in August. I am
sure they will find a warm welcome.
